Big machines are tearing down the historic Bird Creek Bridge that carried U.S. Highway 66 near Catoosa, Okla. A more nondescript bridge will replace the deteriorated but distinctive 1936 truss bridge. Soon, one-half of the scenic Twin Bridges vista will be gone forever. It didn't have to be this way. A report by two engineers … Continue reading A bridge that died from a lack of upkeep
Category: Preservation
Sisters take possession of Boots Motel
Two sisters officially took over ownership on Wednesday of the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., pledging to reopen at least part of the 1939 property by spring. Debye Harvey of Georgia and Priscilla Bledsaw of Illinois had the electricity and water turned back on at the Route 66 property, and will spend the rest of this … Continue reading Sisters take possession of Boots Motel
Financing for Boots Motel purchase is secured
Financing for two individuals to purchase the historic Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., was approved Monday, and it is hoped the motel will partially reopen by spring, reported Ron Hart at the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce. The BootsMotel.com website posted this message: The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that two … Continue reading Financing for Boots Motel purchase is secured
Wigwam Motel in Southern California getting a face-lift
The Wigwam Motel on Route 66 in San Bernardino, Calif. (some listings have it in neighboring Rialto) is undergoing an exterior renovation, reported the San Bernardino County Sun. The historic motel has a team of painters working to restore San Bernardino's Wigwam Motel, 2728 Foothill Blvd., along the old Route 66, to its original external … Continue reading Wigwam Motel in Southern California getting a face-lift
Two Route 66 bridges in Missouri are subject of conference
James Baughn, webmaster of the impressive Bridgehunter.com, is co-hosting the Historic Bridge Conference this coming weekend about endangered Missouri bridges, including two on Route 66. The bridges on the Mother Road are the Meramec River Bridge at Route 66 State Park near Eureka, and the Devil's Elbow Bridge in Devil's Elbow. The third annual conference … Continue reading Two Route 66 bridges in Missouri are subject of conference
Wagon Wheel Motel gives more details on anniversary gala
Connie Echols, owner of the historic Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66 in Cuba, Mo., has provided more details on its 75th anniversary celebration set for Aug. 20-21. From the news release: Now Echols is ready to celebrate the history of the Wagon Wheel with an Open House and Celebration with a 1930s Bonnie and … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Motel gives more details on anniversary gala
Normal may declare gas station a historic landmark
The town council of Normal, Ill., may declare the Sprague's Super Service station on Route 66 a historic landmark at its next meeting, reported WJBC radio in Bloomington, Ill. The recommendation from the planning commission will help Terri Ryburn, who purchased the former Sprague Super Service building with a long term plan: to restore the building … Continue reading Normal may declare gas station a historic landmark
It’s demolition, not salvation
This report from KOB-TV about the demolition of the abandoned State Fair Mercado Motel on Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in Albuquerque irked me a bit. https://youtu.be/2ORphUSaJSE Listen, I understand that Route 66 tourism remains a cottage industry, and that only so many vintage motels can operate in the Duke City. I also realize that … Continue reading It’s demolition, not salvation
Joliet prison may become tourism attraction
The long-closed Joliet Correctional Center, located off Route 66 in Joliet, Ill., and the setting for the opening scene of "The Blues Brothers," is seriously being considered as a tourism site, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. The Joliet prison opened in the 1850s, and during the early years, inmates were used to build the … Continue reading Joliet prison may become tourism attraction
No friend of Route 66 — again
You have to admit, at least Sen. Tom Coburn is consistent. The Republican U.S. senator from Oklahoma has targeted the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program in his newly published "Oklahoma Waste Report" (pdf document) -- his latest salvo against the much-praised Mother Road program. In one chapter of the report, "Get Your Federal … Continue reading No friend of Route 66 — again