The moribund and fire-damaged America's Value Inn, formerly the Saratoga Motor Hotel, in east Tulsa eventually will be transformed into a sobriety center. KTUL-TV in Tulsa reported that Dixie Pebworth of Wings of Freedom acquired the property: Pebworth founded Wings of Freedom in the early 2000s. Since then, the faith-based organization has helped thousands of … Continue reading America’s Value Inn in Tulsa will be converted into a sobriety center
Category: Preservation
Doc Hudson replica from ‘Cars’ movie unveiled at Gearhead Curios in Galena
A replica of the Doc Hudson character from the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars" was unveiled Saturday at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas. A local television station talked to Aaron Perry, proprietor of the shop that's housed in a former Texaco gas station: He thought Galena would be the perfect place to start Gearhead Curios … Continue reading Doc Hudson replica from ‘Cars’ movie unveiled at Gearhead Curios in Galena
Launching Pad Drive-In will remain closed until spring due to COVID-19 pandemic
The owners of the revived Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington, Illinois, said they would keep their Route 66 restaurant closed until spring "to protect our family, employees and patrons" from COVID-19. Tully Garrett and Holly Barker made the announcement Friday on Instagram and other social media. It stated, in part: We have carefully watched this … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In will remain closed until spring due to COVID-19 pandemic
Tulsa Route 66 Master Plan survey respondents want more preservation
A survey for the Tulsa Route 66 Master Plan that drew more than 1,000 respondents indicated a strong preference for historic preservation along the Route 66 corridor. Public Radio Tulsa first reported on some of the results earlier this week: Nearly three in four responses picked incentives for neon signs, facade improvements and building rehab … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 Master Plan survey respondents want more preservation
Mrs. California Route 66 Esther Hollister found dead; no foul play suspected
Esther Hollister, better known as Mrs. California Route 66, was found dead Monday at a Riverside construction site after she disappeared Saturday during a hiking excursion. She was 53. An autopsy will be performed, but local police said no foul play was suspected. One friend said on Facebook that heatstroke was a possible contributor to … Continue reading Mrs. California Route 66 Esther Hollister found dead; no foul play suspected
Future home of Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 given landmark status
The historic building that will house the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet was given landmark status by the city council. The Herald-News had some details about the landmark designation: The building at 9 W. Cass St. was the original home of the White Store and later housed the local … Continue reading Future home of Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 given landmark status
Arizona Route 66 grant application season is open
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, in conjunction with the Arizona Community Foundation, has opened an online application portal for receiving up to $25,000 grants. Here's who is eligible for a grant: To be eligible to apply for the grants listed below, your organization must belong to one of the following categories: 501(c)(3) nonprofit … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 grant application season is open
Celebration set for Saturday for completion of Totem Pole Park restoration
After five years of work, restoration is complete of the main, 90-foot-tall totem pole at Ed Galloway's historic Totem Pole Park near Foyil, Oklahoma. To celebrate, the park will host a free bluegrass-music jam from 2 p.m. until dusk Saturday. Refreshments and food trucks will be there. Face masks will be suggested, and organizers say … Continue reading Celebration set for Saturday for completion of Totem Pole Park restoration
Fire guts restaurant building at Road Runner’s Retreat near Chambless
A likely arson fire destroyed the restaurant building Wednesday at the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat complex near Chambless, California. Beth Murray reported the fire began about 4:15 p.m. The sign and service station remained intact, but the restaurant was "a total loss." After the bad news, Murray set up a fundraiser with a goal of … Continue reading Fire guts restaurant building at Road Runner’s Retreat near Chambless
Monterey Motel renovations in Albuquerque will finish by September
Renovations on the historic Monterey Motel in Albuquerque will be completed by September in its conversion to a higher-end hostel. Downtown Albuquerque News recently talked to Chad Renneker, a Portland, Oregon-based developer who also brought El Vado Motel back to life as a boutique motel with a taproom and several shops. The bunk beds will … Continue reading Monterey Motel renovations in Albuquerque will finish by September