This week, not only is the Illinois Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame in Pontiac celebrating its fifth anniversary, but the sign and wishing well from the gone-but-not-forgotten Wishing Well Motel of Countryside, Ill., has been installed on the museum's property. A large Route 66 mural also has been added to the building's south … Continue reading Wishing Well Motel memorabilia installed at museum
Category: Motels
Nob Hill Motel being converted into an office complex
The historic Nob Hill Motel on Route 66 in Albuquerque is being converted into an office complex, but its neon sign and distinctive appearance will remain intact. The complex likely will be called the Nob Hill Court; the "Court" was part of the motel's original name. Al Schwanke, a supervisor for the contractor for the … Continue reading Nob Hill Motel being converted into an office complex
Albuquerque motel demolished
The Economy Inn in Albuquerque, formerly the Trade Winds Motel, was torn down Friday after becoming a chronic nuisance, reported KOB-TV. The station reported that the old Route 66 motel was a "a haven for drug dealers, prostitutes and other shady people." Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz said Friday, " In my 27 years in … Continue reading Albuquerque motel demolished
Expansion of El Garces project tentatively approved
The expansion of a parcel map for the El Garces rehabilitation project in Needles, Calif., was approved by the city's planning department, reported the Needles Desert Star. El Garces is a long-abandoned Harvey House that Alan Affeldt, the savior of La Posada in Winslow, Ariz., is working to restore. El Garces, when it is restored, … Continue reading Expansion of El Garces project tentatively approved
Route 66 Welcome Center
Here are some attractions at the new Route 66 Welcome Center off Interstate 44 near Conway, Mo. It was even better-conceived than I anticipated, especially the neon welcome sign that looks a lot like the Munger Moss Motel's in nearby Lebanon, Mo. The Missouri Department of Transportation is proud of it, and deserves to be.
Airport Motel being cited by city
Kip Welborn, a roadie who lives in St. Louis, reports that the nearby City of Hazelwood has been citing the historic Airport Motel for allowing semi-tractor trailers to park on its lot. The Airport Inn is located just off Lindbergh Boulevard, aka Route 66, near Interstate 270. Welborn wrote about the citations against the motel: … Continue reading Airport Motel being cited by city
Book review: “City Ubiquitous”
Andrew Wood is an associate professor in communication studies at San Jose State University. He's also a dyed-in-the-wool roadie. He's written two books about two-lane highways, "Motel America" and "Road Trip America." His Motel Americana site is an excellent thumbnail guide to vintage lodging. And Wood's blog, Woodland Shoppers Paradise, has become a catch-all for … Continue reading Book review: “City Ubiquitous”
Museum acquires Wishing Well Motel memorabilia
The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum has acquired memorabilia from the razed Wishing Well Motel in Countryside, Ill., including the wishing well itself, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. The motel, which was built in 1941, was owned and operated by father and son Charles and Emil Vidas and their wives. Charles’ wife, Zora … Continue reading Museum acquires Wishing Well Motel memorabilia
Notes from the road
We went on a brief trip from Tulsa to Tucumcari, N.M., over the weekend. Here are a few notes from that trip: The Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, has printed a new edition of "Ugly Crust Pies," a collection of favorite recipes from the restaurant. It's a color, spiral-bound cookbook that goes for $13.99 in … Continue reading Notes from the road
New murals at the Blue Swallow
Bill Kinder, co-owner of the Blue Swallow Motel on Route 66 in Tucumcari, N.M., showed us new murals that recently were painted by a traveling artist. These murals are painted inside the garages that are next to the rooms. The murals really bring vibrant color in an unexpected place.