A U.S. House of Representatives committee on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill that would federally designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. The National Resources Committee advanced H.R. 801 to the full House of Representatives. It can become law if the House and Senate pass it before the end of the year. The House … Continue reading House panel unanimously advances bill for Route 66 National Historic Trail
Category: Preservation
Black-owned business plans move into historic building in Bristow
An African-American-owned business based in Las Vegas plans to move into a historic building on Route 66 in Bristow, Oklahoma, later this year. Articulate Communication Publications SLLC describes itself as a Christian-based company that seeks to move into the Root's Furniture building along Route 66 in Bristow and foster the careers of other creatives and … Continue reading Black-owned business plans move into historic building in Bristow
Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa may reopen in September
The historic but long-closed Pecos Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, may reopen by September, according to an architect overseeing its renovations. The Communicator, based in Santa Rosa, reported in its Dec. 28 print edition project architect Kevin Belciar told the Guadalupe County Commission what work remained. In a brief but pointed presentation, he … Continue reading Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa may reopen in September
Another vintage Route 66 neon sign restored in Kingman
Another original neon sign from Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, recently was restored, and the Desert Drugs sign now stands on the Mother Road many years after it was taken down. Jim Hinckley wrote a few days ago on Facebook: The Graves family (Elmer and Craig) have jumped on the Route 66 Association of Kingman … Continue reading Another vintage Route 66 neon sign restored in Kingman
City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center
The city council of Joliet, Illinois, this week entered into a five-year lease to take some responsibility for the historic but long-closed and deteriorating Joliet Correctional Center. The Herald News reported about the deal for the prison, which has been closed by the state of Illinois since 2002: The state retains ownership, while city officials … Continue reading City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center
Route 66 art contest for children announced
Revive 66, an offshoot of the Iowa-based Workin’ Bridges that is trying to save the historic Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, has organized an art contest for children up to age 17, with the winner getting a new Slammer BMX bike. Workin' Bridges has launched in a nationwide campaign to save endangered historic bridges … Continue reading Route 66 art contest for children announced
The Museum Club of Flagstaff to reopen Dec. 29
The Museum Club in Flagstaff, Arizona, officially will reopen at 5 p.m. Dec. 29 for the New Year's weekend after the Route 66 landmark acquired new owners. The Facebook page for the historic nightclub made the announcement with a series of posts Monday, including this Facebook Live video on a local radio station. Ty Mount … Continue reading The Museum Club of Flagstaff to reopen Dec. 29
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
The dead end of Route 66 nostalgia
The CityLab website recently published a profile about photographer and filmmaker Phil Donahue (not the talk-show host) and his efforts to document what he calls "nostalgia on Route 66." Donahue's observations give the reader a lot of think about. Here's what he observed in many Route 66 towns: For the most part, Donohue said, the … Continue reading The dead end of Route 66 nostalgia
Richardson Building in Arcadia added to National Register
The Edward Richardson Building in Arcadia, Oklahoma, now known as the home of GlassBoy Studios, recently was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. An email Friday from the National Park Service stated the property at 101 Main St. in Arcadia had its listing effective Dec. 4. According to the National Register nomination form, the … Continue reading Richardson Building in Arcadia added to National Register