A group of volunteers in Albuquerque has labored for years to restore a Santa Fe 2926 steam locomotive that hasn't rolled down a set of tracks in 65 years. With more work and a bit of luck, the locomotive will chug into Las Vegas, New Mexico, about the time the long-closed Castaneda Hotel there reopens … Continue reading Volunteer crew aims to have Santa Fe 2926 steaming again by 2019
Category: Motels
Fire damages Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo
A fire Thursday morning damaged the historic Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo, Texas, causing about $60,000 in losses. The motel, noted for its vintage cowboy-boot neon sign, is at 4011 Amarillo Blvd. East (aka Route 66). According to a local television station, the fire began about 11 a.m.: Officials say the owner of the motel … Continue reading Fire damages Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo
Fender’s River Road Resort launches neon-sign restoration campaign
Fender's River Road Resort in Needles, California, recently launched a fundraising campaign to restore the neon lighting of its classic sign. Fender's, which proclaims itself the only motel on the Colorado River and Route 66 in Needles, has set donation levels of $25, $100, $250 or $500. Prizes for a donation range from an old-style, … Continue reading Fender’s River Road Resort launches neon-sign restoration campaign
Lebanon motel may be turned into homeless shelter
The now-closed Forest Manor Motel along Route 66 on the east side of Lebanon, Missouri, may be converted into a homeless shelter by a local ministry. Ministers of Fire once used the motel as temporary quarters for homeless clients, KSPR-TV in Springfield reported. But Mike Duran of the ministry said the owners of the motel, … Continue reading Lebanon motel may be turned into homeless shelter
Moving on to the Land of Enchantment
A note to readers: Stories here might be sparse in the next few days because, as of this writing, I'm moving west to the classic Route 66 town of Tucumcari, New Mexico. I'll approve comments periodically through my phone, but story-writing probably will take a back seat for a while. Cross-country moves tend to eat … Continue reading Moving on to the Land of Enchantment
Strafford building a Route 66-themed park, visitors center
The city of Strafford, Missouri, is constructing a Route 66 Historical Park next to city hall along with a visitors center. KY3 in nearby Springfield got the details: When completed, it will feature reconstructed versions of local 66 icons -- the Bumgardner (sic) General Store and Delp Hotel. "We do not have a lot of … Continue reading Strafford building a Route 66-themed park, visitors center
Dollhouse Bed & Breakfast opens in Tucumcari
What apparently is the only bed-and-breakfast operation in Tucumcari, New Mexico, opened recently near its downtown. The Quay County Sun newspaper reported on a ribbon-cutting last week for the Dollhouse Bed & Breakfast, in a 1908 two-story Victorian home at 401 S. First St. Debra Whittington, the owner and operator, said the new business is … Continue reading Dollhouse Bed & Breakfast opens in Tucumcari
Buried alive with poisonous snakes on Route 66
Sue Blesi, a historian, dug up the bizarre story of a man who was buried alive for a week in a pit with poisonous snakes and an alligator to draw visitors to the Silver Star Court motel and restaurant on Route 66 near St. Clair, Missouri. Blesi, who recounted the tale in the Washington Missourian … Continue reading Buried alive with poisonous snakes on Route 66
Officials break ground on De Anza project in Albuquerque
The long-awaited redevelopment of De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque officially began Wednesday with a ground-breaking ceremony at the historic but closed Route 66 motel. Mayor-elect Tim Keller and current mayor Richard Berry, who officially leaves office this week, were there to help use the shovels at the event, according to Albuquerque Business First. The … Continue reading Officials break ground on De Anza project in Albuquerque
Aztec Motel & Gift Shop in Seligman goes up for sale
Route 66 fans who dream of owning a business on the Mother Road may have an opportunity in Seligman, Arizona -- the Aztec Motel & Gift Shop there is up for sale for $221,000 because its owners want to retire. A reader found an ad for the motel on the Las Vegas Craigslist website. Here's … Continue reading Aztec Motel & Gift Shop in Seligman goes up for sale