The Natatorium, also known as The Nat, in Amarillo, Texas, will mark the 100th anniversary of its completion in July. The approaching centennial first was flagged by Charlie, a Route 66 fan, at Mix94.1 radio in Amarillo. Natatorium is just a fancy word for swimming pool. It opened up in the summer of 1922.The Natatorium … Continue reading Amarillo’s Natatorium marks its 100th anniversary this summer
Category: Preservation
Oklahoma on verge of state Route 66 Commission, millions for development and preservation
A bill in the Oklahoma Legislature is on the cusp of creating an Oklahoma Route 66 Commission and earmarking up to $6.6 million in annual funding for the preservation and development of the historic highway. The Oklahoma House advanced the bill by a 72-6 vote, and the Senate advanced it to the governor by a … Continue reading Oklahoma on verge of state Route 66 Commission, millions for development and preservation
Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award
The Castaneda Hotel of Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently won a 2022 CPRC Heritage Preservation Award for architectural heritage from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Commission. The state historic preservation office posted this on social media about the award: Affeldt and Mion also own the historic Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico, and … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award
Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened
The historic but long-closed Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo, Texas, recently landed new owners that plan to restore and reopen the 14-story building within the next three years. Tipped off by a reader, county property records indicate the building was acquired by Herring Hotel Development Co. LLC in October via a warranty deed. A new … Continue reading Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened
Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday announced $4 million in grants for various projects along Route 66, including a visitors center in a former Edwardsville gas station, reopening the old Cannonball Jail in Carlinville and a new Muffler Man on a restaurant in Berwyn. According to Riverbender.com and … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66
Missy’s Sweet Shoppe soon will open in Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta
The historic Palms Grill Cafe in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, soon will have a new tenant -- the Missy's Sweet Shoppe bakery. Missy Gaither is leasing the property from the owner, the Atlanta Public Library. She said in a phone interview she would open there in early June. "I was looking for a storefront, and it … Continue reading Missy’s Sweet Shoppe soon will open in Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta
City of Joplin hires firm to help find a developer for Joplin Union Depot
The City of Joplin, Missouri, has tapped a commercial real-estate firm to help market the century-old Joplin Union Depot with the hope someone can redevelop and renovate it. The city announced the effort Wednesday. The real-estate company, Glenn Group, will work with the Downtown Joplin Alliance through its Endangered Properties Program and the Missouri Department … Continue reading City of Joplin hires firm to help find a developer for Joplin Union Depot
Interior of Blue Whale of Catoosa closed off after recent vandalism
Visitors at the iconic Blue Whale site off Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, will be unable to climb into the whale's interior after someone vandalized that space with spraypaint last week. According to Channel 2 in nearby Tulsa: “Yesterday morning, a sweet family who had climbed up the blue whale’s head for the great photo … Continue reading Interior of Blue Whale of Catoosa closed off after recent vandalism
Miami, Oklahoma, firefighters seek to restore 1949 firetruck
Firefighters in the Route 66 town of Miami, Oklahoma, are raising funds to restore their 1949 firetruck so it can be used for parades and other special events. The 75-year-old Seagrave firetruck undoubtedly was used many times over the decades in fires and accidents along Route 66 in the city. The city estimates it will … Continue reading Miami, Oklahoma, firefighters seek to restore 1949 firetruck
“Route 66: The Mother Road” film from 1994 uploaded to the Internet Archive
The 88-minute film "Route 66: The Mother Road" which starred bestselling author Michael Wallis and his wife Suzanne in 1994, recently was uploaded to the Internet Archive for everyone to enjoy. The out-of-print film often also was titled "A Journey Down Route 66." A few copies on VHS or even DVD could be found on … Continue reading “Route 66: The Mother Road” film from 1994 uploaded to the Internet Archive