Joel Baker, an expert on the Muffler Men made in the 1960s and '70s, reported something I've suspected for a few years -- that those fiberglass giants are seeing a big resurgence across the country. Baker in this recent video recounts all the activity seen with new and old Muffler Men, including along the Route … Continue reading Expert: Muffler Men seeing a resurgence across the U.S.
Category: Preservation
Art Deco dairy building along Route 66 in Tulsa to be converted into a boutique hotel
The 75-year-old Hawks Dairy Building at 11th Street (aka Route 66) and Lewis Avenue will be converted into part of a 100-room, full-service boutique hotel. Local developer Kimberly Honea, along with her business partner, Daniel Dolins of Chicago, told the Tulsa World newspaper about her plans for the large building located almost directly across from … Continue reading Art Deco dairy building along Route 66 in Tulsa to be converted into a boutique hotel
Sprague’s Super Service station in Normal receives $150,000 grant
The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau won a $150,000 state tourism grant for further restorations to Sprague’s Super Service in Normal, Illinois, before Route 66's centennial next year. According to WGLT radio, the money comes from the Route 66 Grant Program, which aims to preserve and educate travelers along the state's Route 66 corridor. The funds … Continue reading Sprague’s Super Service station in Normal receives $150,000 grant
Original stretch of Route 66 opens to public at Carpenter Park in Springfield
The City of Springfield, Illinois, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to celebrate the opening of a quarter-mile stretch of original Route 66 in Carpenter Park to the public. The 16-foot-wide roadway, which had served as Route 66 from 1926 to 1936, sat unused and mostly neglected for 90 years. More from Capital City Now: … Continue reading Original stretch of Route 66 opens to public at Carpenter Park in Springfield
Viking Carpet giant installed at American Giants Museum
The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, has added another very tall artifact. This time, it's the Viking Carpet giant, originally hailing from Virginia, that was installed at the Route 66 landmark. It was purchased two years ago and restored. The Viking giant stands alongside the Phillips 66 Cowboy and a Snerd at the museum. … Continue reading Viking Carpet giant installed at American Giants Museum
City of Albuquerque plans to move former Valentine diner to Route 66 Visitor Center
The City of Albuquerque plans to move a former Valentine diner that serves as a police substation to the troubled and yet-to-open Route 66 Visitor Center by next year for the highway's centennial. The police substation currently sits at Girard Boulevard and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), though it was at Eighth Street and Central … Continue reading City of Albuquerque plans to move former Valentine diner to Route 66 Visitor Center
West Winds Motel in Erick named one of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
The long-closed West Winds Motel along Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma, was named one of the Most Endangered Places by Preservation Oklahoma. Preservation Oklahoma has presented an annual Endangered Places list that "may increase restoration efforts and possibly ensure their longevity." The nonprofit organization seeks nominations from the public each October, and a team of … Continue reading West Winds Motel in Erick named one of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
Motel Safari in Tucumcari changes owners
Larry Smith, owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for the past eight years, announced the handing over of the keys to its new proprietor, Rich Havlik. The motel's Facebook page commemorated the change: Havlik, a longtime funeral director in Minnesota, also celebrated his new profession in a Facebook Reel: Havlik said … Continue reading Motel Safari in Tucumcari changes owners
Weir on 66 restaurant in Cuba to close on July 1
Weir on 66, a restaurant housed in a former Phillips 66 cottage-style gas station in Cuba, Missouri, announced it would close permanently on July 1. The restaurant at 102 W. Washington St. (aka Route 66) stated in a Facebook post: Yes it's sad but true. Weir on 66 is going to close the door for good on … Continue reading Weir on 66 restaurant in Cuba to close on July 1
Museum Club in Flagstaff put up for sale for $2.3 million
The landmark Museum Club building in Flagstaff, Arizona, was recently put up for sale for $2.3 million. Da Vinci Realty in Flagstaff is listing the property at 3404 E. Route 66. This is what it had to say about it: Iconic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Currently operating as The … Continue reading Museum Club in Flagstaff put up for sale for $2.3 million