Five U.S. senators on Thursday introduced bipartisan legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. According to the Amarillo Globe-News, the senators are Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Alex Padilla, D-Calif.; Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.; Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. -- all from states where historic Route 66 traverses. Similar legislation is being brought … Continue reading Five senators introduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
Category: Preservation
Crews at forthcoming Sapulpa park try to uncover sections of original Route 66 roadway
While the Route 66-themed View Stop Park is being built on the west side of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, workers are seeking to find the original Route 66 roadway that went through there. The park will include a Route 66 centennial marker, a bridge overlook plaza, parking, wildflower gardens, a boulder playground, a “Get Your Kicks” photo-op … Continue reading Crews at forthcoming Sapulpa park try to uncover sections of original Route 66 roadway
Robert Redford helped save Santa Monica Pier from demolition during the 1970s
In the wake of actor and director Robert Redford's death this week at age 89, a story emerged about how he helped save the decaying Santa Monica Pier from being torn down in the early 1970s. It's hard to believe now, but the pier was so dilapidated, the Santa Monica City Council voted to demolish … Continue reading Robert Redford helped save Santa Monica Pier from demolition during the 1970s
City of Albuquerque searches for new managers of historic KiMo Theatre
The City of Albuquerque is searching for new operators of a Route 66 landmark, the historic KiMo Theatre in the downtown area. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reports that the city has issued a request for proposals to find new managers. The city’s Arts and Culture Department had run the venue for decades. City Councilor Joaquin Baca … Continue reading City of Albuquerque searches for new managers of historic KiMo Theatre
City of Lebanon officially accepts donation of Munger Moss Motel sign
The city council of Lebanon, Missouri, this week officially accepted the donation of the historic neon sign of the Munger Moss Motel and has pledged to restore it early next year. The sign will remain on the premises of the Route 66 motel, reported the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society in a Facebook post. The … Continue reading City of Lebanon officially accepts donation of Munger Moss Motel sign
Grant may help restore three classic neon signs in Williams
A grant from the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona to the Williams Association for the Arts may help restore three neon signs along the Route 66 corridor of Williams, Arizona. The neon signs that will be assessed are the Turquoise Teepee, Canyon Club, and the World Famous Sultana Bar. The association's newsletter reported: Margaret … Continue reading Grant may help restore three classic neon signs in Williams
Blue Whale site in Catoosa shuts down for renovation project
The landmark Blue Whale site in Catoosa, Oklahoma, on Tuesday closed down temporarily for a months-long renovation project. The Blue Whale of Catoosa page on Facebook stated the closure was prompted by safety concerns regarding the construction. In the meantime, Blue Whale's gift shop is being relocated to the D.W. Correll Museum, located at 19934 E. … Continue reading Blue Whale site in Catoosa shuts down for renovation project
Arcadia Lodge motel in Kingman lands new owners who vow to revive it
The troubled Arcadia Lodge in Kingman, Arizona, recently gained new owners who plan to bring the Route 66 motel back to life. According to the Kingman Daily Miner, Ninette and Douglas DaSilva purchased the property, who have plans to bring the lodge back to life with a face lift and some significant additions." In March, … Continue reading Arcadia Lodge motel in Kingman lands new owners who vow to revive it
Hudson Service Station in Miami designated to National Register of Historic Places
The 90-year-old Hudson Service Station in Miami, Oklahoma, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The station at 218 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) landed the designation on Aug. 18, according to an email from the National Park Service. The Oklahoma Historical Society also announced it. According to Sooner State News: Built … Continue reading Hudson Service Station in Miami designated to National Register of Historic Places
Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
The historic Rod's Steak House in Williams, Arizona, reopened Saturday under new ownership after it shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic several years ago. Kennelly Concepts spent months remodeling and restoring the Route 66 landmark, which dates to 1946. Williams Mayor Don Dent, former Rod's owner Lawrence Sanchez and Tom Kennelly celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony … Continue reading Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure