An illustrated book about the history of the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., has just been published. Riva Echols, sister of the motel's owner Connie Echols, wrote "The History of a Route 66 Icon: The Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66" (102 pages, $15.99, paperback). According to the news release about the book: Riva … Continue reading Book about Wagon Wheel Motel published
Category: Preservation
Aztec Hotel owner loses bid to oust receiver
The owner of the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, Calif., failed in efforts to persuade a bankruptcy judge to remove a receivership company, thus making it more likely the historic and architecturally unique hotel will be sold, according to the Pasadena Star-News. "I'm not inclined to put the debtor back in possession of this property," judge … Continue reading Aztec Hotel owner loses bid to oust receiver
Train arrives at Route 66 Station
After years of planning, the Frisco Meteor 4500 steam locomotive, along with a passenger car and caboose, were moved today by rail onto the Route 66 Station park at 3700 Southwest Blvd. in west Tulsa. The move necessitated the closing of Southwest Boulevard (aka Route 66) for two days so track could be laid onto … Continue reading Train arrives at Route 66 Station
Groundbreaking for Admiral Twin rebuilding is next month
The owner of the Admiral Twin Drive-In theater in Tulsa has set a date in June for an official groundbreaking to rebuild the double screen that was destroyed in a fire in September, reported the Tulsa World. The ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 11, and the public is invited to attend, owner … Continue reading Groundbreaking for Admiral Twin rebuilding is next month
Dairy Queen officials visit original store
About 20 company officials from Minneapolis-based Dairy Queen on Friday visited the restaurant where it all started -- at 501 N. Chicago St. (aka Route 66) in Joliet, Ill., reported the Chicago Tribune. The nearby Joliet Area Historical Museum passed out free DQ Dilly Bars to visitors. Then, Curly, DQ's soft-serve cone mascot, led the … Continue reading Dairy Queen officials visit original store
Lights on at Highland Theatre
The historic Highland Theatre sign in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles was relighted during a ceremony Tuesday night, reported the Highland Park Patch. The link includes a video of the sign being relit. But here's a YouTube video of it, also: https://youtu.be/iBYsJXRX7kA The sign contains 502 light bulbs. Its restoration was paid for … Continue reading Lights on at Highland Theatre
Possible buyers look at Boots Motel
A dozen prospective buyers checked over the historic and endangered Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., reported KSNF-TV today in nearby Joplin. Local realtor Jim Hunter says he's had a huge amount of interest in the property. "Some local historic preservation people and some private individuals who want to remain anonymous at this point but there is … Continue reading Possible buyers look at Boots Motel
Newest gas station face-lift in Tucumcari
Here's the latest abandoned gas station along Route 66 in Tucumcari, N.M., that received a new coat of decorative paint. It's the gas station at the Paradise Motel on the west end of town, given a Sinclair Oil decor. The repainting was finished over the weekend. Richard Talley, owner of the Motel Safari in town, said … Continue reading Newest gas station face-lift in Tucumcari
Tucumcari resumes gas station face-lifts this weekend
Volunteers in Tucumcari, N.M., who dressed up two long-closed gas stations last year with attractive paint jobs will start their efforts again this weekend. The face-lift target this time is the gas station at the Paradise Motel on the city's west edge. Volunteers will paint the station so it looks like an old Gulf or … Continue reading Tucumcari resumes gas station face-lifts this weekend
Students present revitalization plan for Carthage
Students from Drury University in Springfield, Mo., presented a final proposal Monday to revitalize the downtown area of Carthage, Mo., according to the Carthage Press. The plan includes the renovation and reopening of several R0ute 66 landmarks. A map of the proposal reveals a restored Boots Motel and the long-closed Boots Drive-In restaurant, a Route 66 … Continue reading Students present revitalization plan for Carthage