The city of Pacific, Missouri, agreed earlier this month to buy the historic but long-closed Red Cedar Inn restaurant along Route 66 for an undisclosed price. The real-estate deal will close Friday, reported the Washington Missourian newspaper. In discussion, City Administrator Steve Roth noted that the seller has agreed to some changes aldermen wanted. [...] … Continue reading City of Pacific agrees to buy Red Cedar Inn
Category: Museums
Tucumcari Motel sign emerges from the ashes
The last time most people saw the old Tucumcari Motel sign near downtown Tucumcari, New Mexico, the long-closed business was destroyed by a suspected arson fire about three years ago. Because it stood about 20 feet from the building, the fire left the neon sign for the motel unscathed. Locals hauled away the sign a few … Continue reading Tucumcari Motel sign emerges from the ashes
Longtime California Route 66 museum volunteer Chick Kirk dies
Chick Kirk, 87, a longtime volunteer who greeted thousands of tourists at the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville over the years, died Aug. 27. Kirk, whose real name was Charlotte, and fellow longtime volunteer Betty Halbe worked side by side at the museum, reported the Victorville Daily Press. Together, Chick Kirk and Halbe were … Continue reading Longtime California Route 66 museum volunteer Chick Kirk dies
Red Cedar Inn in Pacific will become history museum, visitors center
The historic but long-closed Red Cedar Inn near Pacific, Missouri, will be bought by the city and converted into a history museum and visitors center, according to a scoop by the Washington Missourian. The newspaper reported that city officials wouldn't talk about the impending deal officially, but several sources confirmed it to the Missourian. A … Continue reading Red Cedar Inn in Pacific will become history museum, visitors center
Joliet lukewarm to Route 66 The Road to Rock museum idea
A pitchman wants a Route 66 The Road to Rock museum in downtown Joliet, Illinois, but a few city officials seemed tepid to the idea -- especially the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Ron Romero proposed his idea -- which aims to pay homage to the musical heroes of Illinois -- to the Joliet City Council … Continue reading Joliet lukewarm to Route 66 The Road to Rock museum idea
New Route 66 exhibit opens in History Museum on the Square
History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, on Monday opened its latest exhibit, "Memories of the Mother Road: Birthplace of Route 66." The show will run through the end of the year. Katy Rawlins, office manager for the museum, explained the show in an email: The exhibit focuses on the route through Springfield … Continue reading New Route 66 exhibit opens in History Museum on the Square
World’s Tallest Gas Pump in Sapulpa nears completion
The 66-foot-tall gas pump in front of the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, neared completion last week with the installation of what will be a lighted medallion on top. Officials are billing it the World's Tallest Gas Pump, with the idea of the oversized landmark drawing visitors into their museum. The … Continue reading World’s Tallest Gas Pump in Sapulpa nears completion
Spaceship to land at The Mill for its 88th birthday
I never thought I'd write that headline. A spaceship made by the same man who crafted the World's Largest Covered Wagon in Lincoln, Illinois, will make a special appearance Tuesday at The Mill museum for the Route 66 landmark's 88th birthday. The Mill opened as The Blue Mill sandwich stand July 25, 1929, along U.S. … Continue reading Spaceship to land at The Mill for its 88th birthday
Route 66 has spawned many “new” places
A reader over the weekend asked me what are some of the "new" businesses or attractions on Route 66 in the past 10 years or so. Naturally, this sort of question sent me down a rabbit hole of research for hours. I set the "new" criteria as the post-"Cars" era -- since the 2006 release … Continue reading Route 66 has spawned many “new” places
La Posada to begin restoration of east grounds, depot next month
La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, will begin a $2 million first phase of restoration of its east grounds and railroad depot in July. According to a Facebook post a few days ago from hotel owner Allan Affeldt, the project eventually will become the Winslow Arts Museum. More details: The Winslow Art Museum will explore … Continue reading La Posada to begin restoration of east grounds, depot next month