The City of Albuquerque plans to move a former Valentine diner that serves as a police substation to the troubled and yet-to-open Route 66 Visitor Center by next year for the highway's centennial. The police substation currently sits at Girard Boulevard and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), though it was at Eighth Street and Central … Continue reading City of Albuquerque plans to move former Valentine diner to Route 66 Visitor Center
Category: Preservation
West Winds Motel in Erick named one of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
The long-closed West Winds Motel along Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma, was named one of the Most Endangered Places by Preservation Oklahoma. Preservation Oklahoma has presented an annual Endangered Places list that "may increase restoration efforts and possibly ensure their longevity." The nonprofit organization seeks nominations from the public each October, and a team of … Continue reading West Winds Motel in Erick named one of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
Motel Safari in Tucumcari changes owners
Larry Smith, owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for the past eight years, announced the handing over of the keys to its new proprietor, Rich Havlik. The motel's Facebook page commemorated the change: Havlik, a longtime funeral director in Minnesota, also celebrated his new profession in a Facebook Reel: Havlik said … Continue reading Motel Safari in Tucumcari changes owners
Weir on 66 restaurant in Cuba to close on July 1
Weir on 66, a restaurant housed in a former Phillips 66 cottage-style gas station in Cuba, Missouri, announced it would close permanently on July 1. The restaurant at 102 W. Washington St. (aka Route 66) stated in a Facebook post: Yes it's sad but true. Weir on 66 is going to close the door for good on … Continue reading Weir on 66 restaurant in Cuba to close on July 1
Museum Club in Flagstaff put up for sale for $2.3 million
The landmark Museum Club building in Flagstaff, Arizona, was recently put up for sale for $2.3 million. Da Vinci Realty in Flagstaff is listing the property at 3404 E. Route 66. This is what it had to say about it: Iconic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Currently operating as The … Continue reading Museum Club in Flagstaff put up for sale for $2.3 million
State approves expanded route for Santa Fe locomotive 2926 between Bernalillo, Los Lunas
The New Mexico Department of Transportation recently approved expanded access for the restored Santa Fe Railway steam locomotive 2926, operated by the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, to be between Bernalillo and Los Lunas. The agreement grants the New Mexico Heritage Rail operating rights on 40 miles of NMDOT-owned Rail Runner Express … Continue reading State approves expanded route for Santa Fe locomotive 2926 between Bernalillo, Los Lunas
Ground broken for Blue Whale of Catoosa Visitors Center
The City of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and other officials participated in Friday's ceremonial groundbreaking for the Blue Whale of Catoosa Visitors Center. The city posted a photo from the event: More from a report by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association: “You can argue the most iconic monument on the most famous road in the world is … Continue reading Ground broken for Blue Whale of Catoosa Visitors Center
Boots Court Visitors Center designated as the Carthage’s visitors center
The city council of Carthage, Missouri, officially designated the Boots Court Visitors Center at the Boots Court motel as the city’s visitors center. The city will contribute $3,000 monthly to the visitors center's operation, reported the Joplin Globe (subscription required). The council voted unanimously to give final approval to the ordinance after hearing from Boots … Continue reading Boots Court Visitors Center designated as the Carthage’s visitors center
Glancy Motel sign to be restored, moved to Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
The neon sign for the torn-down Glancy Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, will be restored and moved to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in town. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) published a photo of a company moving the sign Monday from its longstanding site at 217 W. Gary Blvd. (aka Route 66). The newspaper reported … Continue reading Glancy Motel sign to be restored, moved to Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff nearly faced demolition 50 years ago
It seems unthinkable now, but the Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, was in such sorry shape that a building inspector recommended tearing it down in 1975. That and other fascinating facts about the Route 66 landmark were contained in a recent article in the Arizona Daily Sun. Brothers Henry and Lloyd Taylor bought the hotel … Continue reading Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff nearly faced demolition 50 years ago