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
Category: Preservation
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
Springfield’s half-hidden historical gem
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
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