Roadies who've explored Route 66 in Clinton, Okla., may remember the 15-foot-tall fiberglass American Indian mascot, aka Muffler Man, who graced the front of David Howe Motors for years. The Howe Indian disappeared after a recent ownership change. But we're pleased to report the mascot has turned up at Indian Trading Post and Art near … Continue reading Notes from the road
Category: Preservation
New hotel in a historic site will open this fall
The Hotel Parq Central will open on the site of the historic Memorial Hospital on Route 66 near downtown Albuquerque, according to a news release at Hotel Interactive. Memorial Hospital was built on 806 Central Ave. in 1926 -- the same year that Route 66 was certified -- and is listed on the National Register … Continue reading New hotel in a historic site will open this fall
Progress seen at Triangle Motel
The pace is slow, but owner Alan McNeil is making progress on restoring the historic Triangle Motel along Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas -- especially now that since a new roof is being repaired, reported the Amarillo Globe-News. Alan McNeil acquired the property four years ago after it was condemned by the city. Demolition proceedings … Continue reading Progress seen at Triangle Motel
Jerry McClanahan wins top honor at Will Rogers Awards
Longtime author and artist Jerry McClanahan won the prestigious Will Rogers Award during the Will Rogers Awards Evening on Saturday night during the Tri-State Route 66 International Festival at Downstream Casino Resort in Quapaw, Okla. McClanahan, who has researched Route 66 since the early 1980s, has written several magazine articles about obscure Mother Road alignments … Continue reading Jerry McClanahan wins top honor at Will Rogers Awards
Webb City works on visitors center
Here's the work being done on the interior of the future Route 66 Visitors Center in downtown Webb City, Mo., that's going in an old gas station on Route 66. The building is on Main and Broadway. The old gas station also will be home to the city's chamber of commerce. (Photos courtesy of Ron … Continue reading Webb City works on visitors center
Wagon Wheel Motel reopens to travelers
The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., will partially reopen to travelers this weekend, then will have a full opening the following weekend, according to its owner. This comes after months of renovations on the historic Route 66 property. Owner Connie Echols, who bought the motel in fall 2009, said three rooms will be available … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Motel reopens to travelers
Presentation dates set for California Route 66 study
The California Preservation Foundation, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and hired consultants Mead & Hunt have set a series of dates this month along Route 66 for presentations on a forthcoming comprehensive historical study of Route 66 in California. According to a news release from the foundation: “We are encouraging all Route 66 enthusiasts, … Continue reading Presentation dates set for California Route 66 study
Rail Haven Motel listed to National Register
The Route 66 Rail Haven Motel of Springfield, Mo., now an independently owned part of the Best Western chain, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places effective May 10, according to an e-mail today from the National Park Service. The motel, at 210 S. Glenstone Ave., contains 93 rooms and has served travelers … Continue reading Rail Haven Motel listed to National Register
Drive-in theaters stage a small comeback
Julianne Glatz, writing for the Illinois Times and using the Route 66 Drive-In in Springfield as a focus, notes that drive-in theaters seems to have halted a long decline in popularity. But in the last decade, drive-ins have been making a comeback. Some old drive-ins have reopened, others have expanded and new ones are popping … Continue reading Drive-in theaters stage a small comeback
Mojave national park proposal hits potential snag
A proposal to create a Mojave Trails National Monument along the Route 66 corridor in the Southern California desert hit a snag because of a provision about the placement of solar-energy plants on public land, reported the Press-Enterprise. Sen. Diane Feinstein's bill was formally introduced to the U.S. Senate this week. She wants to amend … Continue reading Mojave national park proposal hits potential snag