The former Illinois State Police District 6 headquarters, a unique gun-shaped building built in 1941 on Route 66 near Pontiac, likely will receive a designation on the National Register of Historic Places, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. But the future of the building is uncertain. It sits unused now, as it has plumbing and roof problems. … Continue reading Historic and — so far — unused
Category: Preservation
The Mill — then, now and in the future
Geoff Ladd of the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County was kind enough to send some photos of The Mill, a long-neglected restaurant and tavern on Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill., that eventually will be shored up. Here's what The Mill looked like in 1946: Here's what is looks like now: Here's an artist's … Continue reading The Mill — then, now and in the future
The Mill preservation group asks for help
Today, I received a news release from the fledgling Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Lincoln County in Illinois about its efforts to acquire and renovate the long-neglected The Mill restaurant/tavern on Route 66 in Lincoln. Most of the details about The Mill saga in recent weeks have already been reported here. However, the news release … Continue reading The Mill preservation group asks for help
Spraker Service Station demolished
Laurel Kane passed on bad news today about the historic Spraker Service Station along Route 66 in Vinita, Okla.: The Spraker Service Station in Vinita, OK, which just a few weeks ago was the subject of an email writing campaign advocating its preservation, is no more. As I drove through Vinita on my way to … Continue reading Spraker Service Station demolished
Media picks up on El Vado story
The Albuquerque Journal has picked up the story about owner Richard Gonzales filing an application to demolish the historic El Vado Motel. Much of the backstory has already been covered on this site. But there's this excerpt: To get the demolition permit, Gonzales will have to show the city Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission that … Continue reading Media picks up on El Vado story
Mater’s inspiration on TV
Rod Harsh at Route 66 TV Online compiled these two televised news reports of the gala in Galena, Kan., that displayed the 1951 International boom truck that inspired the creation of Mater in the movie "Cars." The gas station also is going to be restored into become a gift shop and tourism center by the … Continue reading Mater’s inspiration on TV
Albuquerque blog reports on El Vado situation
Duke City Fix, a prominent community blog based on Albuquerque, has picked up the story about Richard Gonzales still trying to tear down the historic El Vado Motel. A lively discussion (pro and con) has resulted in the comments section. But at least the management of Duke City Fix has landed square on El Vado's … Continue reading Albuquerque blog reports on El Vado situation
Round Barn gets a touch-up
The Daily Oklahoman reported today that historic Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., is receiving a $21,000 in repairs, including repainting. Here's a picture I took last weekend of the painting crew at work: With two stories on one day from Arcadia, it appears a certain Oklahoma City newspaper may have been reading this site.
Group gets loan to preserve The Mill
Wow, that was quick. The Route 66 Heritage Foundation, based in Lincoln, Ill., already has secured a loan to begin its efforts to shore up the long-closed The Mill restaurant and lounge on Route 66 in Lincoln, according to the Lincoln Courier. The group also is about to get take over ownership of the property. … Continue reading Group gets loan to preserve The Mill
El Vado Motel situation clarified
Last week, I heard through the grapevine that some sort of appeal to demolish El Vado Motel in Albuquerque was being considered. I subsequently contacted the city, requesting more information. Today, I received an e-mail from Ed Boles of the City of Albuquerque, who helpfully clarified some things about the situation. The owner of El … Continue reading El Vado Motel situation clarified