On an obscure 1926-38 alignment of Route 66 between Kellyville and Bristow, Okla., sits the remnants of old motor court. It's mentioned in Jim Ross' "Oklahoma Route 66" guidebook, but little else seems to be known about it. It's been closed for many years, but its seems the owner is doing a good enough job … Continue reading A hidden gem
Category: Preservation
Route 66 preservation grants announced
On Friday, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program of the National Park Service announced its cost-share grant awards for 2007. These grants cover 50 percent of the cost of historic properties' preservation efforts or programs about Route 66. John Osterman Gas Station, Peach Springs, Ariz., $28,000 grant. From 1929 until its recent closure, the station … Continue reading Route 66 preservation grants announced
Cool Springs Camp damaged by storm
A severe storm in early September damaged the restored Cool Springs Camp on Oatman Road, aka Route 66, between Kingman and Oatman, Ariz. Cool Springs owner Ned Leuchtner said the storm ripped off part of the roof and dumped about two inches of rain on parts of the store's interior. Fortunately, he said, the artifacts … Continue reading Cool Springs Camp damaged by storm
Save the Havasu!
For a number of weeks, I'd heard rumors that Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway was planning to tear down the Havasu, a historic Harvey House railroad station, in the Route 66 town of Seligman, Ariz. I'd tried to get BNSF officials to confirm or deny it, to no avail. Today, BNSF media contact Lena Kent … Continue reading Save the Havasu!
Just listed
The Bristow Firestone Service Station at 321 N. Main, aka Route 66, in Bristow, Okla., was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 6. I was passing through town today, so I shot photos of it. As you can see, the sign pole is still standing, even if the sign is long … Continue reading Just listed
Wrink’s reborn
KOLR/KSFX has a story about the recent reopening of Wrink's Market on Route 66 in Lebanon, Mo. Glen Wrinkle ran the store for more than 50 years until he died in 2005. Glen's son, Terry, reopened the store this summer. “And after I started up, all of dad's customers come in going ‘We want a … Continue reading Wrink’s reborn
Another delay
The City of Albuquerque has requested another deferral on whether to again designate El Vado Motel as a city landmark, and the owner has agreed to another 30-day delay, according to Maryellen Hennessy, senior planner with the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission. The LUCC was supposed to decide this on Wednesday. It now looks like … Continue reading Another delay
A model program for motels?
The City of Flagstaff, Ariz., may be onto something big with its Route 66 Motel Preservation Program. According to the Arizona Daily Sun, the city isn't just giving lip service to historic motel owners along the Mother Road: Through the Route 66 Motel Preservation Program, the city is encouraging local hotel owners to apply for … Continue reading A model program for motels?
Route 66 building owner seeks help from city
A few months ago, it was reported that Terri Ryburn had purchased a historic gas station at 305 Pine St. in Normal, Ill., with the hopes of remodeling it into a bed-and-breakfast, restaurant, gift shop and a Route 66 visitors center. WJBC radio reports that Ryburn says the repairs have been more expensive than anticipated, … Continue reading Route 66 building owner seeks help from city
Town asks for county help with Red Cedar Inn
Pacific, Mo., is asking for help from St. Louis County Executive Charles Dooley in the city's possible purchase of the closed Red Cedar Inn and converting it into a historical museum, reports the Tri-County Journal. The Red Cedar Inn, 1047 E. Osage St. (Old Highway 66), closed in March 2005 after more than 70 years … Continue reading Town asks for county help with Red Cedar Inn