Two professors from the University of New Mexico were given a state preservation award for saving hundreds of old drawings from the state's oldest neon-sign company. Many of them mock-ups of signs eventually were installed on Route 66. The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division honored Ellen Babcock and Mark Childs in the Heritage Publication division … Continue reading Professors honored for preserving vintage neon-sign drawings
Category: Preservation
The Tropics neon sign may return to Lincoln by spring 2018
The historic neon sign for the now-gone The Tropics restaurant in Lincoln, Illinois, may return to a parking lot at a McDonald's along Route 66 by spring 2018. That scenario became more likely after the city approved an easement with Franchise Realty Investment Trust on behalf of the McDonald’s to install the sign at the lot … Continue reading The Tropics neon sign may return to Lincoln by spring 2018
Bureau of Mines Building in Rolla named to National Register
A stately brick building along the main Route 66 corridor in Rolla, Missouri, recently was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. The headquarters of the Rolla Division of the Bureau of Mines, also known as the Bureau of Mines Building No. 1, earned the designation April 24, according to an email Thursday from the National … Continue reading Bureau of Mines Building in Rolla named to National Register
Neon sign returns to Kingman’s Route 66 for first time in nearly 70 years
This week, a neon sign on Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, that was taken down during the late 1940s was returned to the Mother Road in the same city where it was erected. Route 66 author Jim Hinckley explained in an email: The sign stood on Chadwick Drive. This road carried National Old Trails Highway … Continue reading Neon sign returns to Kingman’s Route 66 for first time in nearly 70 years
The Mill in Lincoln reopens after 21-year hiatus
The Mill restaurant of Lincoln, Illinois, on Saturday reopened as local history museum, capping a decade-long effort to restore the dilapidated Route 66 landmark after it closed in 1996. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner was there to attend the ceremonial ribbon (thankfully, the ceremony was indoors, as virtually of Illinois was drenched by torrential rainstorms). Video … Continue reading The Mill in Lincoln reopens after 21-year hiatus
The Mill plays a role in solving a Lincoln mystery
The Mill restaurant in Lincoln, Illinois, which reopened this weekend as a museum, played an unlikely role in solving a mystery involving a local church and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln long was rumored to have practiced law at the Lincoln Christian Church in Lincoln in the late 1850s when the local courthouse burned and the church was … Continue reading The Mill plays a role in solving a Lincoln mystery
Church will operate South Pasadena’s Rialto Theatre
The historic Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, California, will be operated by the popular Mosaic church in nearby Los Angeles. Escott O. Norton, founder and president of the Friends of the Rialto preservation group, confirmed in a Facebook post this week the church is "leasing the entire building including retail spaces and the old apartments above." Norton wrote: … Continue reading Church will operate South Pasadena’s Rialto Theatre
Devil’s Elbow Historic District, Piney Beach Cabins added to National Register
The Devil's Elbow Historic District in the small Route 66 town of Devil's Elbow, Missouri, recently was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. On a related note, Piney Beach, aka Piney Beach Cabins, near Devil's Elbow also was placed on the National Register. An email Friday from the National Park Service confirmed the designations, … Continue reading Devil’s Elbow Historic District, Piney Beach Cabins added to National Register
Front Street Bridge in Galena to be closed for repairs until July
The historic Front Street Bridge, aka the Galena Viaduct, that carried Route 66 into Galena, Kansas, will be closed for renovations until July. KSNF-TV reports the bridge's road surface, sidewalks and hand rails are being repaved. It's being paid for with a $193,000 Community Development Block Grant, with Cherokee County covering the other half … Continue reading Front Street Bridge in Galena to be closed for repairs until July
Governor will attend The Mill’s grand reopening
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and state Rep. Tim Butler will attend several Route 66 events in Lincoln, Illinois, on Saturday, including the grand reopening of The Mill as a local museum. According to a news release from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway: The festivities begin with a parade at 11 a.m. from downtown Lincoln … Continue reading Governor will attend The Mill’s grand reopening