Bill Farnham, a commissioner for the Pulaski County, Mo., board, appears to be doing his darnedest to repair the deteriorating Devil's Elbow Bridge in the Route 66 settlement of Devil's Elbow. From the Waynesville Daily Guide: Pulaski County Commissioner Bill Farnham has made restoration of the Devil’s Elbow Bridge on the original path of Route … Continue reading In praise of a public official …
Category: Preservation
A Vespa on 66 … and other notebook items
Eric Swanger is planning on driving the length of Route 66 in a few days. What makes his trip special is he's doing it entirely on a Vespa scooter. He starts from Chicago on May 6. He e-mailed: I am keeping a blog and posting a ton of pics. For the Route 66 segment, I'm … Continue reading A Vespa on 66 … and other notebook items
Route 66: Where it’s been, where it’s going
Using a bunch of upcoming Route 66 festivals in Southern California as a news hook, Carol Bidwell of the Long Beach Press-Telegram writes a good article about the Mother Road's history and where it stands at the present day. It includes talk about what happens after the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program ends in 2009. … Continue reading Route 66: Where it’s been, where it’s going
Building in Chicago named to National Register
This is going to be obscure except for the most rabid of Route 66 enthusiasts in the Windy City. But it was announced a couple of days ago that the International Tailoring Company Building at 847 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also known as the … Continue reading Building in Chicago named to National Register
Lake Overholser Bridge
I can't tell whether this video is from someone hanging a camera out the car window or attaching it to a bicycle. But this is footage of someone crossing the Lake Overholser Bridge. It was built west of Oklahoma City in 1924, predating Route 66. But it became a prominent alignment of the Mother Road. … Continue reading Lake Overholser Bridge
Prime the pumps
The gas pumps at Roy's in Amboy, Calif., began working again in earnest on Thursday, reports the Inland Press-Enterprise. Hundreds of travelers, including motorcyclists on the annual Laughlin River Run, stopped in to cool off with sodas and water and to fuel their vehicles. Even before Okura formally reopened the restored gas station at 11:30 … Continue reading Prime the pumps
Endangered mansion has new owners
WJBC radio reports that the historic Duncan Manor mansion in Towanda, Ill., has new owners. Bud and Diane Sullivan are restoring the 1870s mansion that stands along I-55 and old Route 66. Diane told the crowd Tuesday night, the surrounding land is contracted to be farmed another two years. Then, residents will see more changes … Continue reading Endangered mansion has new owners
Ambitious plans for Miami
This story from the Miami (Okla.) News-Record about the town's future tourism efforts caught my eye with this excerpt (boldface type is my emphasis): Oklahoma is already investing in international tourism as state tourism officials have partnered with the state of Kansas to commit a half-million dollars to target international travelers. Barger said the investment … Continue reading Ambitious plans for Miami
Restoration of Macoupin County Courthouse sought
Sheriff Don Albrecht has a two-pronged plan for the the Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville, Ill. First, place it on the National Register of Historic Places. Second, use that designation to help get federal grants to restore the historic building, reports the Springfield Journal-Register. The sandstone exterior of the landmark, Albrecht says, needs refurbishing, but … Continue reading Restoration of Macoupin County Courthouse sought
Round Barn to hold renovation dedication
If you haven't visited the Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., in a while, you might ought to check it out. A few months ago, it received a $50,000 grant from the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration Commission to renovate restrooms, repave the parking lot, improve its signs, build a railing, lay a concrete pad for antique equipment, … Continue reading Round Barn to hold renovation dedication