The owner of an RV park in Vega, Texas, has launched an online fundraiser to restore a 1950s Gulf station along Route 66 and convert it into a museum or visitors center. James Gorman, who operates the Walnut RV Park in Vega, has started a GoFundMe campaign for the station, with a goal of $1,500. … Continue reading RV park owner in Vega aims to restore a former Gulf station as museum or visitor center
Category: Preservation
West Winds Motel sign in Erick removed for restoration; project may be done in 30 days
The neon sign for the long-closed West Winds Motel in Erick, Oklahoma, recently was hauled away by contractors so it could undergo restoration. The workers hope the restoration project will be finished in 30 days, reported the Beckham County Record. The City of Erick received an Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant of $35,710 from the … Continue reading West Winds Motel sign in Erick removed for restoration; project may be done in 30 days
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton marks its 30th anniversary
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, located in Clinton, marked its 30th anniversary last Tuesday. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also leads the state's tourism department, paid tribute to the museum: The museum opened on Sept. 23, 1995, and is the oldest dedicated to the Mother Road. It draws 35,000 visitors annually, according to Oklahoma Tourism. … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton marks its 30th anniversary
NMDOT receives national award for preservation of original Route 66 near Los Lunas
The New Mexico Department of Transportation received the 2025 Perpetual Pavement Award from the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, recognizing exceptional long-term performance and preservation of a historic section of New Mexico Route 6, part of the original Route 66 alignment. The recognized segment is a nine-mile portion of Route 6 west of Los Lunas, originally opened … Continue reading NMDOT receives national award for preservation of original Route 66 near Los Lunas
Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow dismantled for restoration
The 110-foot-tall Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow, Oklahoma, was taken apart Monday so it can be restored and then reassembled on Route 66 in the city. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, snapped a few photos of the job: Encino Signs in nearby Tulsa has been contracted to restore the sign. … Continue reading Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow dismantled for restoration
The Landing Pad in Wilmington earns Bureau Innovation Award at regional conference
Heritage Corridor Destinations announced earlier this month that it was honored with the Bureau Innovation Award from the Upper Midwest Conference and Visitors Bureau for The Landing Pad, just a few steps from the iconic Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. The honor was given earlier this month at the Upper Midwest Conference and Visitors Bureau Fall Conference in … Continue reading The Landing Pad in Wilmington earns Bureau Innovation Award at regional conference
Old firehouse in Clinton may be turned into a visitors center
The City of Clinton, Oklahoma, is applying for a state Route 66 centennial grant that could be used to convert its historic former fire station into a visitors center. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) reported Thursday that the grant is due to be submitted on Sept. 30. Awards from the centennial grant program will … Continue reading Old firehouse in Clinton may be turned into a visitors center
Five senators introduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
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
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