The PBS-TV show "American Lens," hosted by noted photographer Carol Highsmith, recently examined Roamin' Rich Dinkela and the Shamrock Court motel in Sullivan, Missouri, which he spent years restoring. Dinkela also acquired another Route 66 landmark: the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri. A description of the 10-minute segment: Route 66 represents the best of Americana to … Continue reading PBS show takes a closer look at Rich Dinkela and his Shamrock Court motel
Category: Preservation
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch grand reopening set for Oct. 25
The new owners of Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, have selected Oct. 25 as the grand reopening date for the Route 66 landmark. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the site at 1107 Historic Old Route 66. Among the activities that day: A children's Bunny Scavenger Hunt with a … Continue reading Henry’s Rabbit Ranch grand reopening set for Oct. 25
Owner of Tucumcari’s Motel Safari launches fundraising campaign to restore sign
Rich Havlik, owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, this week launched a GoFundMe.com campaign to restore the Route 66 establishment's main sign. Havlik wrote what the campaign, with a goal of $5,500, seeks to do: Decades of exposure to the New Mexico sun, wind, and weather have taken their toll. High … Continue reading Owner of Tucumcari’s Motel Safari launches fundraising campaign to restore sign
Future of Gold Dome in Oklahoma City becomes cloudier after death of its former owner
Johnathan Russell, 54, the former owner of the historic Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City, died last week of heart failure. His death has added more confusion to an already-uncertain future of the Route 66 landmark. The Oklahoman newspaper reported on the tangled details: Russell bought the Gold Dome in 2015 as it was threatened … Continue reading Future of Gold Dome in Oklahoma City becomes cloudier after death of its former owner
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces finalists for 2026 Centennial Awards
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway a few days ago announced the finalists for its 2026 Centennial Awards. The awards recognize milestones, preservation achievements, marketing efforts, hospitality and experiences that have helped define Illinois Route 66 since the byway was established in 2005. They coincide with the Mother Road’s centennial year. “We wanted these awards … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces finalists for 2026 Centennial Awards
Hawk Dairies building in Tulsa designated to National Register of Historic Places
The distinctive Hawks Dairies building on the 11th Street alignment of Route 66 was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation became effective on Oct. 5, according to an email from the National Park Service that administers the program. According to Historic Tulsa, the Hawks Dairies building, designed by Kansas City … Continue reading Hawk Dairies building in Tulsa designated to National Register of Historic Places
A restored 12-foot-tall neon bowling pin installed at Bowlmor Lanes RT 66 in Lebanon
A 12-foot-tall neon bowling pin that once stood in Kansas now stands restored at Bowlmor Lanes RT 66 in Lebanon, Missouri. The bowling alley at 1331 E. U.S. Route 66 stands across the road from the landmark Munger Moss Motel neon sign. Bowlmor acquired the big bowling pin — with “BOWLING” in neon letters — … Continue reading A restored 12-foot-tall neon bowling pin installed at Bowlmor Lanes RT 66 in Lebanon
Town of Normal names Terri Ryburn its Citizen of the Year
The Town of Normal, Illinois, recently named Terri Ryburn, ambassador of the Route 66 landmark Sprague's Service Station, as its 2026 Citizen of the Year. Mayor Chris Koos recognized Ryburn's renovations of the station and other work documenting the history of Route 66, reported WGLT radio. More from the town's Facebook page: The honor serves … Continue reading Town of Normal names Terri Ryburn its Citizen of the Year
Terri Ryburn at Ryburn Place of Sprague’s Super Service to retire at the end of 2026
Terri Ryburn, the de facto savior of the historic Sprague's Super Service gas station in Normal, Illinois, recently announced she is retiring from the station's Ryburn Place shop and visitor's center at the end of the year. Ryburn stated on Facebook: "I have loved meeting so many interesting and fun people at Ryburn Place at … Continue reading Terri Ryburn at Ryburn Place of Sprague’s Super Service to retire at the end of 2026
Santa Monica Pier’s iconic entrance sign soon will be removed, will return in late 2027
The iconic neon entrance sign for the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, will be removed soon for restoration and a long-awaited bridge project. KTLA-TV in Los Angeles reports the sign's removal is part of the city's plan to replace the nearly 90-year-old bridge that connects to the pier. Although the city has not … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier’s iconic entrance sign soon will be removed, will return in late 2027