I've been on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, at least 10 times, probably more. But while surfing for Route 66 videos and looking over the city's website for the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, I stumbled onto a landmark that I don't recall seeing. And it may be the oldest on that stretch of the … Continue reading Springfield’s half-hidden historical gem
Category: Preservation
Two Route 66 sites listed on Missouri’s Places in Peril
The Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation recently listed two landmarks on Route 66 to its annual historic Places in Peril, and two more were placed on the group's Watched list. The Route 66 Meramec River Bridge near Eureka and the Old Phillipsburg General Store in Phillipsburg made the "Peril" list. The Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen and … Continue reading Two Route 66 sites listed on Missouri’s Places in Peril
Townsfolk seek to restore Virden History Mural
A group of concerned residents seeks to restore the Virden History Mural in Virden, Illinois, on Route 66 that depicts the town's transportation history. City officials dedicated the 52-by-19-foot mural by Greenville College professor John Hubbell in 2004. But it's encountered hard times recently, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. Illinois weather has been hard on the mural, said Suzanne Gray, … Continue reading Townsfolk seek to restore Virden History Mural
Route 66 inspires restoration on historic church sign
A broken sign for a Springfield, Missouri, church found new life. That's thanks to a pastor who is a Route 66 fan. The South Side Baptist Church sign sits at 465 S. Grant Ave., just a few blocks south of the College Street alignment of Route 66 in Springfield. The church is marking its 75th year. The church's sign once was lighted, with the largest … Continue reading Route 66 inspires restoration on historic church sign
St. Louis Mart and Terminal Warehouse named to National Register
The St. Louis Mart and Terminal Warehouse on a corner of Route 66 near downtown was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register listing became effective July 28, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. The structure also is known as the Robert A. Young Federal Building, or RAY … Continue reading St. Louis Mart and Terminal Warehouse named to National Register
Former Cafe on the Route is up for sale
The historic building in Baxter Springs, Kansas, best-known as the former home of Cafe on the Route, apparently has been put up for sale, based on a slick video and website touting the property. The website's name uses property's address, 1101 Military Ave. Moment Media, based in nearby Miami, Oklahoma, produced this well-made video, including drone … Continue reading Former Cafe on the Route is up for sale
Goal: Reopen Macoupin County Cannonball Jail next year
Sensing a likely tourism draw, Macoupin County wants to reopen its circa-1870 county jail near downtown Carlinville, Illinois. However, the interior of the fortress-like structure, often called the Macoupin County Cannonball Jail, remains covered with toxic lead paint. About $13,000 has been raised for lead-paint removal in the jail in the past 18 months. Another $18,000 is needed … Continue reading Goal: Reopen Macoupin County Cannonball Jail next year
Redevelopment deals signed with De Anza, El Vado motels
The city of Albuquerque on Wednesday announced the signing of contracts earlier this month to redevelop the historic but long-closed De Anza Motor Lodge and El Vado Motel, both along old Route 66. According to a news release from the city: The agreement with Anthea @ Nob Hill for the De Anza Motor Lodge is a … Continue reading Redevelopment deals signed with De Anza, El Vado motels
Business seeks to help preserve Route 66 sites
A Minnesota-based artist recently launched Explore and Preserve, an apparel and gift website that aims to give part of its profits to endangered Route 66 sites, including the Meramec River Bridge in Missouri. The historic Meramec River Bridge near Eureka, Missouri, requires more than a half-million dollars by the end of the year or the Missouri Department of Transportation tears … Continue reading Business seeks to help preserve Route 66 sites
A sample of a treasure trove of photos
This new video features a collection of photos taken during the early 1980s by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation along NW 39th Street from Oklahoma City to the suburb of Bethany, before U.S. 66 become decommissioned. According to Rachel Mosman, a photo archivist at the Oklahoma Historical Society, the photos were animated by J.A. Pryse into a video. https://youtu.be/mvcUHhXO9ts In … Continue reading A sample of a treasure trove of photos