WEIU-TV spends about 20 minutes of this 26-minute "Heartland Highways" program telling about the embrace of Route 66 tourism by the town of Atlanta, Ill. https://youtu.be/uzyFfgF6Gdw It makes an impression when the mayor says sales-tax revenues rose 43 percent from 2008 to 2012. And he attributes that entirely to tourism. And you also get a peek … Continue reading TV program examines Route 66 renaissance of Atlanta, Ill.
Category: Preservation
Galena’s “Murder Bordello” being resurrected
A long-abandoned former bordello on Route 66 in Galena, Kan., owned by a serial-killer madam is being restored and will reopen next month as a site for guided tours. Russ Keeler, who operates After Midnight Paranormal Investigations, or AMPI, in Siloam Springs, Ark., persuaded the home's co-owners in January to spend thousands of dollars to restore … Continue reading Galena’s “Murder Bordello” being resurrected
Long-term plan in Albuquerque includes more neon signs on Route 66
A long-term plan for Albuquerque calls for incentives for more neon signs along the Route 66 corridor, according to a story in the Albuquerque Journal. The initiative that Mayor Richard Berry calls "ABQ: The Plan" seeks to move more money into capital projects to spur more private investment. Funding isn't been sought yet, and Berry acknowledges the … Continue reading Long-term plan in Albuquerque includes more neon signs on Route 66
Nonprofit group acquires historic Rancho Cucamonga gas station
A local nonprofit historic preservation organization has acquired the historic Cucamonga Service Station along Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., reported the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Route 66 IECA (the last part stands for Inland Empire California) intends the turn the station into a tourist destination for Route 66 travelers, said the group's president, Anthony … Continue reading Nonprofit group acquires historic Rancho Cucamonga gas station
Owners put Bradbury-Bishop Deli up for sale
The Bradbury-Bishop Deli, which operates inside a 125-year-old building in downtown Webb City, Mo., closed in early January and placed on the market for $50,000. Co-owner Carol Dudash, 65, said in a telephone interview Thursday that she closed the restaurant on Jan. 5 for winter maintenance, then decided to put it up for sale. However, … Continue reading Owners put Bradbury-Bishop Deli up for sale
French restaurant opens in historic Los Angeles building
A French restaurant recently opened in the historic building that once housed Schaber's Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles, near the original western terminus of Route 66, according to the Los Angeles Downtown News. Schaber's and its building opened at 618 S. Broadway in 1928, less than two years after the federal government officially commissioned U.S. … Continue reading French restaurant opens in historic Los Angeles building
Springfield chamber honors owner of Route 66 Rail Haven hotel
The Springfield, Mo., Area Chamber of Commerce honored Gordon Elliott as its 2013 Springfieldian during its annual meeting Friday, according to a news release. For those who don't know who Elliott is, his Route 66 connection will become quickly apparent. To the news release: As CEO of Elliott Lodging and Oak Ridge Properties, Elliott owns and … Continue reading Springfield chamber honors owner of Route 66 Rail Haven hotel
An introduction to the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
I was pleasantly surprised to see this new video pop up in my feed. It's a 5 1/2-minute primer on the history of Route 66 and the purpose of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. https://youtu.be/6SMonr1_M-w More about the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program can be found here. It may be a federal government program, … Continue reading An introduction to the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
Boots Motel sets “Raze the Roof” volunteer days
The owners of the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., have set dates for "Raze the Roof" weekend, where it's hoped enough volunteers will show up to remove the gabled roof of the historic Route 66 motel so the original flat roof can eventually be restored. From the motel's Facebook page: Priscilla and Debye have settled … Continue reading Boots Motel sets “Raze the Roof” volunteer days
More on the threat to Irv’s Burgers
More information has emerged in recent days on the proposed development in West Hollywood, Calif., that may threaten historic Irv's Burgers along Route 66. WeHo News, which serves West Hollywood, posted a more detailed story a few days ago. Basically, the dispute concerns a vacant lot next to Irv's that The Standard Oil Investment Group wants … Continue reading More on the threat to Irv’s Burgers