The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and the National Trust for Historic Preservation this week announced a goal of 66,000 signatures for a petition supporting the designation of Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. The groups stated in a news released they want to meet that goal by Nov. 11, which is the widely … Continue reading 66,000 signatures sought for Route 66 National Historic Trail petition
Category: Preservation
Architect sought for Red Cedar Inn project in Pacific
The city of Pacific, Missouri, has begun a search for an architect who can renovate the long-closed Red Cedar Inn restaurant along Route 66 and transform it into a local history and welcome center. According to the Washington Missourian newspaper: The city has published a request for qualifications (RFQ) through newspapers and the American Institute … Continue reading Architect sought for Red Cedar Inn project in Pacific
Vintage photo of John’s Modern Cabins surfaces
Route 66 postcard collector and author Joe Sonderman recently helped unearth a long-forgotten photograph of John's Modern Cabins near Newburg, Missouri, taken in August 1966. Sonderman posted the image -- along with another rare photograph of nearby Vernelle's Motel during the same period -- on Saturday on Facebook. To date, the 1966 photo of John's … Continue reading Vintage photo of John’s Modern Cabins surfaces
University Lodge in Albuquerque plans big transformation
The historic University Lodge in Albuquerque eventually will be transformed into a boutique hotel, including retail spaces and a rooftop brewery and restaurant. According to a story in Albuquerque Business First, the University Lodge at 3711 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) will be rebranded as a "chic" and "retro" Avenue Motel, Sharamin Dharas told the newspaper. … Continue reading University Lodge in Albuquerque plans big transformation
Cucamonga Service Station added to National Register
The century-old Cucamonga Service Station along Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, California, recently was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. The listing to the National Register was effective July 23, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. The former gas station at 9670 Foothill Blvd. (aka Route 66) now serves … Continue reading Cucamonga Service Station added to National Register
Governor signs Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission bill
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday signed and enacted a bill that creates a state Route 66 Centennial Commission. According to a news release, the signing took place Tuesday in Plainfield. The commission is tasked with developing plans for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission will consist … Continue reading Governor signs Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission bill
El Pueblo Motel in Flagstaff may become Code Talkers museum
The historic El Pueblo Motel in Flagstaff, Arizona, may become a museum to Navajo Indians who served as Code Talkers during World War II. A feature story in the Arizona Daily Sun newspaper about Route 66 revealed that bid. The motel at 3120 E. Historic Route 66 was built in 1937, making it the oldest … Continue reading El Pueblo Motel in Flagstaff may become Code Talkers museum
Affeldt acquires historic saloon near Santa Fe
Allan Affeldt, the savior of La Posada hotel in Winslow, Arizona, who is restoring the Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently acquired another historic property south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Affeldt now owns the Legal Tender restaurant and saloon in the village of Lamy, New … Continue reading Affeldt acquires historic saloon near Santa Fe
Route 66 Road Ahead details progress so far, new projects ahead
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership recently released a second-quarter report on its accomplishments and future projects, including a just-announced partnership with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. Much of the Route 66 Road Ahead's energies have concentrated on the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act and the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, … Continue reading Route 66 Road Ahead details progress so far, new projects ahead
Art’s Motel sign in Farmersville taken down
The neon sign for the apparently closed Art's Motel in Farmersville, Illinois, recently was dismantled but preserved by a sign company and a historic-themed bar, both in nearby Springfield. For now, Art's Motel & Restaurant faces an uncertain future. The listed phone numbers for the motel were disconnected. A Yelp listing for the motel states … Continue reading Art’s Motel sign in Farmersville taken down