Repairs for the World's Largest Covered Wagon in Lincoln, Ill., don't have a firm timetable, other than it will be before the start of tourism season, the Logan County interim tourism director told the Peoria Journal Star. A windstorm the night of Jan. 26 collapsed one side of the 10,000-pound wagon. Tourism director Nancy Saul … Continue reading World’s Largest Covered Wagon to be repaired soon
Category: Preservation
A feature on Maldaner’s, one of Route 66’s oldest restaurants
The Springfield State Journal-Register in Springfield, Ill., soon will publish a section on area businesses that are at least 100 years old. One of them is Maldaner's Restaurant in downtown Springfield, which has operated since 1884. It sits on Sixth Street (aka Route 66), which makes it one of the rare still-operating restaurants that predate … Continue reading A feature on Maldaner’s, one of Route 66’s oldest restaurants
Pete Seeger, R.I.P.
Folk singer and social activist Pete Seeger died Monday night in New York City hospital at age 94, according to various media outlets. We'll let the Los Angeles Times and other newspapers report about Seeger's impact on music and America in general, his triumphs and his controversies. One should remember that in addition to writing the … Continue reading Pete Seeger, R.I.P.
A new song about El Trovatore
Arizona musician Will Strickland sings about the revitalization of the historic El Trovatore Motel in Kingman, Ariz. Local filmmaker Norman Fisk provided the footage for the video: https://youtu.be/1XFbHFdb12U (Nighttime image of El Trovatore Motel by Graeme Maclean via Flickr)
Route 66-themed gift shop opens in Aztec Hotel
A "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" gift shop has opened inside the historic Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, Calif., according to the Monrovia Patch. Owner Bryan Gerber sent the online publication a news release about the opening. Excerpts here: The new shop “Get your Kicks On Route 66” billed as “A Pop-Culture Curio Shop” will … Continue reading Route 66-themed gift shop opens in Aztec Hotel
The man behind the Triangle Motel
KC Keefer's latest clip in his ongoing "Genuine Route 66 Life" series consists of an interview with Alan McNeil, owner of the long-closed Triangle Motel in Amarillo, Texas. https://youtu.be/P1D3I7h95Vw You have to give McNeil credit -- he keeps plugging away nearly eight years after he started and with not a lot of money in hand. A … Continue reading The man behind the Triangle Motel
Route 66 program is accepting grant applications
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced Thursday it has opened its 2014 season for accepting applications for cost-share grants. The deadline to submit an application is March 28. It requires a minimum investment of 50 percent of the cost. Nearly $1.8 million in grants have been awarded since 2001. Forms and more about the … Continue reading Route 66 program is accepting grant applications
Developer drops De Anza project
The developer of the historic but long-closed De Anza Motel in Albuquerque has dropped the project entirely because he didn't get the funding he wanted, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. Developer Rob Dickson had ambitious plans for the De Anza Motel at Central and Washington. He promised to create 39 apartments, a Zuni jewelry store, a … Continue reading Developer drops De Anza project
Tucumcari theater reopens Friday after renovations
The historic Odeon Theatre in downtown Tucumcari, N.M., reopens Friday with a 7 p.m. screening of the animated film "Frozen" after months of interior renovations by its new owners. Improvements included upgrades to the long-substandard sound system and a conversion to digital projection, including 3-D capability for the theater's next film, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of … Continue reading Tucumcari theater reopens Friday after renovations
Scout replants crosses at Route 66 cemetery
KOTV in Tulsa unearthed this remarkable story about a Boy Scout and a cemetery for a long-gone poor farm along Route 66 near Bristow, Okla. NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com | Richard Dye, 17, was the one with the idea to plant new and improved white crosses at … Continue reading Scout replants crosses at Route 66 cemetery