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
Category: Preservation
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
“A City at the End of the World”
This is a 1993 broadcast from PBS station KNME-TV in Albuquerque, split into three parts of eight to 10 minutes each. The commentary is by V.B. Price, a University of New Mexico faculty member who is an environmental and architectural preservationist. Because of Albuquerque's massive growth in recent decades, Price was greatly concerned the city … Continue reading “A City at the End of the World”
From dirt into art
KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City did a story about Bradley's Pottery in Chandler, Oka., which is on Route 66. It turns out that Julie Bradley uses Oklahoma's red clay right in her back yard for her creations. "This red clay is equivalent to stoneware," she says. "So you can bake with it. You can microwave with … Continue reading From dirt into art
The Mill makes state’s most-endangered list
The Mill on old Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill., was named today to Landmarks Illinois' 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, according to the Lincoln Courier. It's ironic that The Mill makes the list now. It's much less endangered than it was 18 months ago, when the city was about to knock it down because of … Continue reading The Mill makes state’s most-endangered list
Photographer’s work inspires preservation
There's an excellent article in the Daily Oklahoman about Larry Nance, a photographer based in El Reno, and the impact he's making with local preservationists. It's advisable to read the whole thing. But the gist is that Nance as a child suffered from epilepsy, and was unable to stay at Route 66 landmarks such as … Continue reading Photographer’s work inspires preservation