The Oklahoma Department of Transportation on Wednesday held a groundbreaking ceremony on a two-year, $35 million project to widen the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport but preserve the span's distinctive pony trusses. ODOT sent out this tweet from the scene: Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell & Oklahoma History Center Director Trait Thompson joined Secretary of Transportation … Continue reading Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport
Category: Preservation
Groundbreaking held for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Missouri side
The Great Rivers Greenway on Saturday held a groundbreaking ceremony for long-awaited improvements, including security additions, to the Missouri side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. Construction actually will begin early next year, with completion slated for early 2024. An artist's rendering of the Missouri side of the bridge can be … Continue reading Groundbreaking held for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Missouri side
Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants
The restoration of the Hi-Way Cafe neon sign near Vinita, Oklahoma, was among the newest cost-share grants announced this week by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Four of the grants involved neon signs. In addition to the Hi-Way, grants went to the Henning Motel sign in Newberry Springs, California; the Road Runner's Retreat sign … Continue reading Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants
TeePee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa to screen movies for the first time in 20 years
The TeePee Drive-In on the west side of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will hold screenings of movies for the first time in more than 20 years on Halloween weekend. The theater will show "Halloween End" on Friday night and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" on Saturday. It would be the first time movies have been shown at the venue … Continue reading TeePee Drive-In theater in Sapulpa to screen movies for the first time in 20 years
Rick Koch no longer involved in Glancy Motel, Pop Hicks redevelopment plan
Local oilman Rick Koch no longer is involved in a plan to redevelop the Glancy Motel and Pop Hicks properties along Route 66 in Clinton, Oklahoma. According to the Clinton Daily News (subscription required): “Rick Koch is no longer involved in the Glancy project and has chosen instead to focus on his work down at … Continue reading Rick Koch no longer involved in Glancy Motel, Pop Hicks redevelopment plan
Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years
The landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, will be closed to traffic for at least two years next Monday as it undergoes extensive improvements that will preserve it distinctive trusses. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin announced the imminent closure in an email Friday: We have known this day is coming for a long … Continue reading Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years
Old Azusa Schoolhouse moved to a park off Route 66
Last week, the Old Azusa Schoolhouse was moved from its old spot in Asuza, California, to a new location in a park just off Route 66 in the city. The historic building was jacked up, placed on a flatbed truck trailer and moved last week to Veterans Freedom Park (map here) in an area the … Continue reading Old Azusa Schoolhouse moved to a park off Route 66
Pancake Hut in Carthage to mark homecoming of restored Chicago Band Box
The Pancake Hut restaurant in Carthage, Missouri, will hold a homecoming celebration on Friday of its recently restored Chicago Band Box animated music box. According to the Joplin Globe, the restaurant at 301 S. Garrison Ave. (aka Route 66) will hold the celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. that day. The Pancake Hut is next … Continue reading Pancake Hut in Carthage to mark homecoming of restored Chicago Band Box
Owner puts historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba up for sale
Connie Echols, owner of the historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, announced in a news release today that she is putting the Route 66 landmark on the market. Echols, who renovated the property extensively after buying it in 2009, stated is selling the motel and plans to retire. "As authentic Route 66 motels are … Continue reading Owner puts historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba up for sale
Caretaker creating new additions to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Not only is someone looking after Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch near Oro Grande, California, but he is adding to it three years after the creator's death. According to ABC10 in Los Angeles, Brian McKinsey now serves as caretaker of the Route 66 landmark. The story contains this encouraging excerpt: McKinsey says it’s not uncommon … Continue reading Caretaker creating new additions to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch