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
Category: Preservation
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
Meet Mater’s inspiration
It's been the victim of neglect. The odometer reads 99,372 miles, and there's no telling whether they're original. Rust covers the entire body, where it nearly obscures the letters "Tannou" and "Joplin, Mo" on the door. The seats desperately need to be re-upholstered. And it gets its fuel from a storage tank that resembles a … Continue reading Meet Mater’s inspiration
Route 66 Corridor Program gets some ink
The Associated Press did a story about the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and its advisory council, which met in Oklahoma City last week. Of particular (and deserving) focus is John Dunning, who is slowly renovating Owl Court in Oklahoma City into a small motel for Mother Road travelers. Dunning also is owner of the … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Program gets some ink
Route 66 on the comeback trail?
To read an otherwise-good article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, you'd think Route 66 had been languishing for decades until the "Cars" movie came out this summer. And it's true the Mother Road got quite a boost when Pixar's film rolled into theaters, says author Michael Wallis. "It's been [a] huge shot in the arm for … Continue reading Route 66 on the comeback trail?
Spraker Service Station endangered
The historic Spraker Service Station, located at 240 S. Wilson St., aka Route 66, in Vinita, Okla., may be demolished by the car dealership that owns it. The Spraker Service Station (pictured above) is a cottage-style Conoco station built in 1929. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. It sits … Continue reading Spraker Service Station endangered
Historic theater to get repairs if bond is approved
The historic Hiland Theater, built in 1951 along historic Route 66 in Albuquerque, is considered a local landmark, but it needs some repairs. To do those renovations, the county-owned building, a $1.1 million bond question needs to be passed by voters on Election Day, reports the Albuquerque Tribune. This theater is Route 66," Archuleta said. … Continue reading Historic theater to get repairs if bond is approved