Saturday afternoon was an open house at the Rose Bowl Events Center, a distinctive Route 66 bowling alley in Tulsa that was closed for a few years but has reopened as a music venue. At least the Rose Bowl is back to its pink color. Because of a noncompete clause with the previous owners, the … Continue reading Open house at the Rose Bowl
Category: Preservation
Route 66 Corridor Program grant recipients announced
Here's the list of recipients of 2008 cost-share grants from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program: The Mill Restaurant rehabilitation, Lincoln, Ill., $10,000 from the National Park Service, $28,000 match Donut Drive-In, St. Louis, neon sign restoration, $9,875 NPS, $10,925 match Devil's Elbow Bridge, Devil's Elbow, Mo., emergency stabilization, $8,000 NPS, $22,000 match Front Street … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Program grant recipients announced
Rose Bowl resurrection
The Rose Bowl at 7419 E. 11th St., Tulsa, has been operating for several weeks now as an events center, but Saturday marks the grand opening of the rechristened venue on old Route 66. From the news release: Bring your friends, family, show cars and show bikes, to enjoy free refreshments and take a tour … Continue reading Rose Bowl resurrection
“Ole Route 66”
I'm glad this popped up on YouTube. Country artist Jess McEntire wants to help preserve old Route 66 by donating his royalties and publishing rights of his music and others' the cause. You can read more about his efforts through the Project Route 66 site. The legendary Loretta Lynn heard about it and donated a … Continue reading “Ole Route 66”
Art Deco preview
If y'all are attending the National Preservation Conference in Tulsa next week, here's a video that gives you a taste of the Art Deco architecture that's all over the city. The video contains a number of Route 66 sites, and briefly includes "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis. The video was produced by … Continue reading Art Deco preview
The approach to Odell
Here's a video that shows the approach to Odell, Ill., on old Route 66. I didn't know the locals had installed some Burma Shave-style signs there. The second part of the video is the town's restored Odell Station, including a look at all the old automotive equipment inside.
Twin Arrows may be restored
It appears the logjam regarding the abandoned Twin Arrows complex off Route 66 in eastern Arizona finally has been cleared. A agreement has been struck between the state and the Hopi Indian tribe, which leases the land, to reinvigorate the property, reports Sharlene Fouser. She is a member of the Historic Route 66 Association of … Continue reading Twin Arrows may be restored
Fundraiser set for The Mill on Saturday
The Lincoln (Ill.) Courier has a preview on a fundraiser Saturday for the continuing restoration of The Mill in Lincoln. There will be a classic car show, food and a dance. Railsplitter Antique Auto Club has teamed up again with the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County to present the second annual car show … Continue reading Fundraiser set for The Mill on Saturday
Neon signs — an endangered species
USA Today has an excellent article about endangered neon signs (many of them on old Route 66) and preservationists' efforts to rescue or restore them. An interesting passage here: Neon fell out of favor in the 1960s and 1970s when urban renewal was a priority and zoning regulations often banned new neon signs. When businesses … Continue reading Neon signs — an endangered species
Soulsby Station awarded cost-share grant
It was announced today that the historic Soulsby Station in Mount Olive, Ill., was awarded a $10,000 cost-share grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program for its continued restoration. The station was built in 1926 by Henry Soulsby, the same year Route 66 was designated. The station was operated by the family until its … Continue reading Soulsby Station awarded cost-share grant