The operator of the long-closed Apache Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, anticipates he'll reopen the Route 66 business to overnight travelers by early spring. I wrote a story in the Quay County Sun in Tucumcari: Wade Dirr said in a telephone interview that electricians and plumbers were working on getting the lobby at least eight … Continue reading Apache Motel in Tucumcari slated to reopen in mid-March
Category: Preservation
Lease on historic Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta now available for applicants
The interior of the Palms Grill Cafe in 2014 The historic Palms Grill Cafe along Route 66 in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, is available to lease for prospective restaurateurs. According to a news release Wednesday from the Atlanta Public Library, which owns the property: The Palms Grill Café is a turnkey operation. It is fully equipped … Continue reading Lease on historic Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta now available for applicants
Billboard Museum picks up pink Cadillac from closed Ann’s Chicken Fry House
The Billboard Museum Association on Sunday picked up the pink Cadillac that long was on display in front of the now-closed Ann's Chicken Fry House in Oklahoma City and plans to restore it at its future museum home. KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City reported: “We’re going to pull out the ’59 pink Cadi, and that’s been … Continue reading Billboard Museum picks up pink Cadillac from closed Ann’s Chicken Fry House
POPS in Arcadia undergoes a change in ownership
The POPS convenience store and restaurant, renowned worldwide for offering more than 500 types of soda and its 66-foot-tall LED soda bottle that stands along Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, quietly changed owners several weeks ago. US Star Properties LLC of nearby Edmond, Oklahoma, purchased the property on Nov. 19 for $2.22 million, according to … Continue reading POPS in Arcadia undergoes a change in ownership
16th neon sign finished by Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program
Tulsa last week saw its 16th neon sign lighted with the help of the city's Route 66 Neon Sign Program. The latest beneficiary is Justin Thompson Catering, which is near 11th Street (aka Route 66) and Lewis Avenue. Here's a Facebook post by the Tulsa Route 66 Commission that shows it: https://www.facebook.com/Tulsa66Commission/posts/800029263880137 The other recipients … Continue reading 16th neon sign finished by Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program
Motel Safari in Tucumcari to receive New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award
Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, later today will receive the 2020 New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award because of its historic-friendly preservation. The association stated in a news release Wednesday the award comes "in recognition of numerous renovations to the Classic Googie Style Motel, a New Mexico Route 66 landmark." The award ceremony … Continue reading Motel Safari in Tucumcari to receive New Mexico Route 66 Association Heritage Award
Historic Gordon’s Clock resurfaces in Las Vegas after its restoration
The historic Gordon's Jewelry Clock recently was restored and reinstalled at its old location in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico. The jewelry store it touted is gone, but the clock stood sentinel in the 600 block of Douglas Avenue (map here) for about 75 years until it was auctioned in 2013. A local, Bob Mishler, … Continue reading Historic Gordon’s Clock resurfaces in Las Vegas after its restoration
Praying Hands Monument in Webb City to undergo extensive renovations
The nearly 50-year-old Praying Hands Monument in King Jack Park in Webb City, Missouri, will undergo extensive stabilization work later this month. According to the Joplin Globe, the Dawson Heritage Foundation has hired Midland Enterprises to work on the substructure of the sculpture, which was built in 1973: The contractor will place a new reinforced concrete … Continue reading Praying Hands Monument in Webb City to undergo extensive renovations
St. Robert begins restoration of Stanley Cour-Tel neon signs
The City of St. Robert, Missouri, recently announced it began the long-awaited restoration of the Stanley Cour-Tel neon signs that once graced a defunct motel along Route 66 in west St. Louis. The sign restorations are part of the Route 66 Sign Neon Park planned at the historic George M. Reed Roadside Park at 228 … Continue reading St. Robert begins restoration of Stanley Cour-Tel neon signs
President Trump signs Route 66 Centennial Commission Act bill into law
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act into law, giving the forthcoming commission a few years to plan for Route 66's centennial in 2026. The White House reported Trump's signing of Senate Bill 1014 on Wednesday night, with six other bills. The U.S. House advanced it by voice vote earlier … Continue reading President Trump signs Route 66 Centennial Commission Act bill into law