In a story by the Greater Tulsa Region Newspapers about Tulsa's preparations for the upcoming National Preservation Conference on Oct. 21-25, those who come to town during that time will be treated to a rare sight -- the copper spire that once graced the Blue Dome gas station on Route 66 near downtown will be … Continue reading A crown on the Blue Dome
Category: Preservation
Historic Commerce filling station opens
Allen's Fillin' Station, in an cottage-style gas station located on old Route 66 near downtown Commerce, Okla., opened a few weeks ago, reports the Joplin (Mo.) Globe. An old adding machine sits on the glass-cased counter, and a shelf holds a 1950 edition of Chilton’s Flat Rate manual. A 1940s-era soda-pop box sits in one … Continue reading Historic Commerce filling station opens
The Mill soon will regain its blades
A bunch of Illinois Route 66 volunteers recently gathered at John and Lenore Weiss' house in Wilmington to construct new windmill blades for The Mill, a landmark in Lincoln since 1929. It wasn't long ago that the shuttered Route 66 restaurant appeared to have a date with the wrecking ball. Now it's being renovated for … Continue reading The Mill soon will regain its blades
Cyrus Avery Plaza dedicated
I went on a hot Thursday morning to the dedication ceremony for the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Centennial Plaza and Memorial Bridge in Tulsa. Except for the "East Meets West" statue that will be coming later this year, the plaza complex has been finished for several weeks. You can read more about the actual ceremony … Continue reading Cyrus Avery Plaza dedicated
Devil’s Elbow Bridge wins cost-share grant
This is probably letting the cat out of the bag, but this excerpt in the Wayneville (Mo.) Daily Guide reports that Pulaski County has earned an $8,000 cost-share grant from the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program to repair the Devil's Elbow Bridge: County Clerk Diana Linnenbringer presented copies of documents required for … Continue reading Devil’s Elbow Bridge wins cost-share grant
Historic Road conference has goodies for Route 66ers
The Preserving the Historic Road Conference 2008, slated for Sept. 11-14 in Albuquerque, aims to preserve all of America's storied highways. But it boasts several events that should be of great interest to Route 66 advocates. A keynote address by Route 66 author and actor Michael Wallis. A Friday Movie Night, which features vintage footage … Continue reading Historic Road conference has goodies for Route 66ers
Rod’s Grill continues to take a stand
The Arcadia (Calif.) Weekly has a follow-up story about the saga between Rod's Grill, a longtime Route 66 restaurant in Arcadia, and a nearby Mercedes-Benz dealership that wants the property for an expansion. Rusnak Mercedes-Benz wanted the city to seize Rod's Grill. The owner of the restaurant has refused to negotiate with the city "on … Continue reading Rod’s Grill continues to take a stand
Rose Bowl soon will open as an events center
It looks like the Rose Bowl along Route 66 in Tulsa soon will open as an events center -- three years after it closed as a bowling alley, reports the Tulsa World. "Our ultimate goal is to create the experience of being in a retro dining hall with food, alcohol and entertainment," said co-owner Sam … Continue reading Rose Bowl soon will open as an events center
Tulsa gas station restoration is recognized
The Vickery Phillips 66 Station, located on an old alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa, was given a Citation of Merit by the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office, reported the Daily Oklahoman. The station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was rehabilitated by Michael Sager, with help from project architect Mike Kertock. The … Continue reading Tulsa gas station restoration is recognized
Downtown Joplin named to National Register
According to an e-mail I received Thursday from the National Park Service, the Joplin (Mo.) Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, effective July 16. The district is South Main Street, between Fourth and Sixth streets. Main Street is a primary alignment of Route 66 through town. More information from … Continue reading Downtown Joplin named to National Register