Three sites on Route 66 in Tulsa were among the 13 honored today by the Tulsa Preservation Commission's Outreach Committee, according to an article in the Tulsa World. The annual awards are given to projects that "demonstrate good stewardship of a historic resource, increase awareness and access to a historic resource, or save a historic … Continue reading Three Route 66 sites receive Tulsa Preservation awards
Category: Motels
Notes from the road
I've got a few short items that I need to pass along. One is that the 100th Meridian Museum in Erick, Okla., received a new paint job a few weeks ago. The museum can be seen pre-face-lift here. Locals told us it was repainted by Jimmy Webb -- a local painter, not the famous songwriter who … Continue reading Notes from the road
Hot summer road trip
Photographer Danny Griffin recently completed a Route 66 trip -- starting in Tucumcari, N.M., and going west -- for a shoot with model Jessica Vaughn. You'll see Tucumcari's Blue Swallow Motel and a few other remote locations in Arizona. And don't worry -- this particular video version with Vaugn is safe for work. https://youtu.be/FjWb5nqJabw Music … Continue reading Hot summer road trip
Abandoned church may be converted into senior housing
The long-abandoned St. Mary Carmelite Catholic Church in downtown Joliet, Ill., may be converted into senior-citizen housing instead of being demolished, reported the Chicago Tribune. Chicago-based Celadon Holdings has plans to renovate the church and develop a 60-unit residential facility with the top units enjoying the gothic ceiling of the church, said Scott Henry, a Celadon principal. [...] Plans … Continue reading Abandoned church may be converted into senior housing
Items displayed from old Route 66 motel
At the main office of the Holiday Inn Express in Litchfield, Ill., is a display of memorabilia from the long-gone 66 Motel Court and Route 66 in general, reports The Journal-News of Hillsboro, Ill. Sisters and hotel owners Jane Martin and Nancy Hyam, created the wall as a tribute to their parents, Lorman and Dorothy … Continue reading Items displayed from old Route 66 motel
Sisters take possession of Boots Motel
Two sisters officially took over ownership on Wednesday of the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., pledging to reopen at least part of the 1939 property by spring. Debye Harvey of Georgia and Priscilla Bledsaw of Illinois had the electricity and water turned back on at the Route 66 property, and will spend the rest of this … Continue reading Sisters take possession of Boots Motel
Financing for Boots Motel purchase is secured
Financing for two individuals to purchase the historic Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., was approved Monday, and it is hoped the motel will partially reopen by spring, reported Ron Hart at the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce. The BootsMotel.com website posted this message: The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that two … Continue reading Financing for Boots Motel purchase is secured
Wigwam Motel in Southern California getting a face-lift
The Wigwam Motel on Route 66 in San Bernardino, Calif. (some listings have it in neighboring Rialto) is undergoing an exterior renovation, reported the San Bernardino County Sun. The historic motel has a team of painters working to restore San Bernardino's Wigwam Motel, 2728 Foothill Blvd., along the old Route 66, to its original external … Continue reading Wigwam Motel in Southern California getting a face-lift
Wagon Wheel Motel gives more details on anniversary gala
Connie Echols, owner of the historic Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66 in Cuba, Mo., has provided more details on its 75th anniversary celebration set for Aug. 20-21. From the news release: Now Echols is ready to celebrate the history of the Wagon Wheel with an Open House and Celebration with a 1930s Bonnie and … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Motel gives more details on anniversary gala
It’s demolition, not salvation
This report from KOB-TV about the demolition of the abandoned State Fair Mercado Motel on Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in Albuquerque irked me a bit. https://youtu.be/2ORphUSaJSE Listen, I understand that Route 66 tourism remains a cottage industry, and that only so many vintage motels can operate in the Duke City. I also realize that … Continue reading It’s demolition, not salvation