Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry announced Tuesday that he was signing a bill into law to allocate $125 million for emergency bridge repairs. Reports are that the state in particular is targeting what are called load-posted bridges. These are bridges that are not allowed the full weight of big trucks or other large vehicles because their … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 bridges may be endangered
Category: Preservation
Horn Motor Lodge in Albuquerque threatened
The historic Horn Motor Lodge (pictured here in present-day and an old postcard), on Route 66 in Albuquerque, is being threatened by development. The Sandia Theatre is also threatened. There's a proposal, called Country Club Plaza (scroll down to the lone Southwest listing to read it), to raze the properties for a mixed-use development of … Continue reading Horn Motor Lodge in Albuquerque threatened
Historic building in Arizona being restored
The historic Beck Furniture Building in the Route 66 town of Holbrook, Ariz., is being restored to be a restaurant and gift shop, according to the Holbrook Tribune-News. The couple fixing up the building hope to have it open by late May.
Good for him
Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., is encouraging communities and businesses along Route 66 to apply for cost-share grants from the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, according to the Quay County Sun in Tucumcari. Applications and guidelines can be found here or by calling (505) 988-6701. Deadline to apply for the fiscal year is … Continue reading Good for him
Rose Bowl in Tulsa is sold
KOTV Channel 6 in Tulsa reports that the scorched-and-shuttered Rose Bowl on Route 66 has been sold to businessman Steve Baker. Baker says he hasn't figured out what to do with the former bowling alley, which suffered at least two arsons. One thing it can't be is a bowling alley again because of a non-compete … Continue reading Rose Bowl in Tulsa is sold
A look back, a look now, and looking forward
Erik Siemers of the Albuquerque Journal takes a look at Route 66 in the Duke City as the highway is about to mark its 80th anniversary. It's an interesting overview of what the Mother Road once was, what it is, and what to do in the future to keep it around. Recommended reading.
Big Vess bottle will be preserved
An area north of downtown St. Louis is set to be redeveloped as a residential and entertainment district, called the Gateway Village and the Bottle District. The good news, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, is that the 30-foot-tall Vess bottle in that area, a landmark on Route 66 since 1991 after years in storage, … Continue reading Big Vess bottle will be preserved
History Channel wants to help preserve history
The History Channel is launching a Save Our History grant program. In total, $250,000 worth of grants up to $10,000 each will be given historical organizations, schools, or youth groups that teach students their local history and get them involved in preservation. History museums, preservation groups, government agencies and other groups are eligible to apply. … Continue reading History Channel wants to help preserve history
Azusa Foothill Drive-In marquee will be preserved
Asuza Pacific University and R&R Signs of Glendora, Calif., are working together to restore the landmark marquee of Azusa Foothill Drive-In on Route 66 in Asuza, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. According to Rice, about one-eighth of the sign's 500 bulbs glowed during a Jan. 24 test lighting, and those that did light … Continue reading Azusa Foothill Drive-In marquee will be preserved
City’s decision on El Vado earns praise
The Albuquerque Tribune's opinion page has a regular "bouquets and brickbats" feature, in which it heaps its praise or derision on what's happening with local issues. The Tribune sent a bouquet to the Albuquerque City Council for designating landmark status Monday night to El Vado Motel on Route 66. Albuquerque obsessed with razing historic buildings … Continue reading City’s decision on El Vado earns praise