A few weeks ago, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced its annual cost-share grants. One of them was a property of which I was unfamiliar -- the Western Host Motel in Grants, New Mexico. The $12,500 grant went towards buying 50 new doors for the motel. I had meant to contact the new owners … Continue reading More about the Western Host Motel restoration
Category: Preservation
Speakers lineup announced for Miles of Possibility Conference
The Route 66 Miles of Possibility conference recently announced its speakers for the Oct. 20-23 event at the McLean County Museum of History/Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and the Ensenberger Building in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. Last year's Miles of Possibility in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a slew of speakers, and this lineup looks no less abundant. Cory … Continue reading Speakers lineup announced for Miles of Possibility Conference
The Mill likely will reopen as a museum by April
The Mill restaurant in Lincoln, Illinois, likely will reopen as an area history museum in April after almost 10 years of restoration work on the Route 66 landmark. The Springfield State Journal-Register published a detailed story about The Mill and the plans for it. A $10,720 cost-share grant recently awarded by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program … Continue reading The Mill likely will reopen as a museum by April
Seven historic Route 66 bridges in Oklahoma endangered
Historian and author Jim Ross, who's plugged into the goings-on with Oklahoma's Route 66 as well as anyone, posted this grim message Monday on Facebook. The gist of it is seven historic bridges on the Mother Road in Oklahoma are slated for replacement, but one -- the fabled Pony Bridge near Bridgeport -- likely will be saved and … Continue reading Seven historic Route 66 bridges in Oklahoma endangered
Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
The oft-photographed Paul Bunyon fiberglass statue in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, received a touch-up last Saturday from the Illinois Route 66 Association’s Preservation Committee. According to The New Herald News, about 10 volunteers repainted the 19-foot-tall statue, also called Tall Paul. By 10:30 a.m. the scaffolding was in place and the preservation was underway. Everyone had a … Continue reading Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
Summit Inn owners plan to rebuild in 8-12 months
The owners of the Summit Inn restaurant plan to rebuild the Route 66 landmark eight to 12 months after a wildfire destroyed it earlier this month. The Victorville Daily Press reported co-owner Otto Recinos began this week salvaging what was left of the burned-out property near Oak Hills, California, at the top of Southern California's legendary Cajon … Continue reading Summit Inn owners plan to rebuild in 8-12 months
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces grants for 2016
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, under the auspices of the National Park Service, announced its cost-share grants for 2016. This year, the program awarded eight cost-share grants totaling more than $103,000 -- mostly for renovations or preservation of historic Route 66 properties. Since 2001, the program has awarded 122 projects $1.9 million with $3.1 … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces grants for 2016
Antique military vehicle convoy planned on Route 66 in fall 2017
The Military Vehicle Preservation Association plans an elaborate Route 66 convoy in September and October 2017 that will feature about 80 vintage military vehicles. According to an MVPA newsletter, the convoy will begin in Chicago on Sept. 16, 2017, and end in Santa Monica, California, on Oct. 14, 2017. The convoy's maximum speed will be 35 … Continue reading Antique military vehicle convoy planned on Route 66 in fall 2017
La Posada acquires vintage domed rail car
La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, recently acquired a historic Santa Fe Pleasure Dome rail car that will be refurbished to house history exhibits and a guest room. The rail car will be a part of the next phase of La Posada complex's Route 66 Art Museum project that begins next month. La Posada co-owner Allan Affeldt said in … Continue reading La Posada acquires vintage domed rail car
Record crowds attend Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
A record 38,000 people attended the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, this past weekend. KOLR-TV reported 28,000 people attended on Saturday alone, with 5,000 on Friday and another 5,000 on Sunday. Vendors reported bigger crowd sizes, as well. About 23,000 people attended the 2015 festival. A record of more than 400 … Continue reading Record crowds attend Birthplace of Route 66 Festival