A group based in Tucumcari, New Mexico, is raising money to buy a neon sign listed on eBay that once graced a closed motel in the city. The sign once hung on the large, ornamental stone chimney of the Trav-O-Tel Motel along U.S. 54 in Tucumcari, less than a mile north of Route 66.One can … Continue reading Tucumcari group raising money to buy a vintage neon motel sign
Category: Preservation
Route 66 in Wheeler County, Texas, added to National Register of Historic Places
About 30 miles of Route 66 in Wheeler County, Texas, from the Oklahoma border to the Gray County line has been designated to the National Register of Historic Places. The listing was effective Sept. 22, according to an email from the National Park Service. The email states the historic designation covers the south outer road … Continue reading Route 66 in Wheeler County, Texas, added to National Register of Historic Places
Fine-art photographer lends a hand to struggling Midpoint Cafe
A fine-art photographer based in Amarillo is helping the iconic Midpoint Cafe in nearby Adrian, Texas, as it struggles through the economic ripples of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jim Livingston, whom many readers may remember from his "I Am Route 66" project, said he would donate proceeds from the sale of photographs of the Route 66 … Continue reading Fine-art photographer lends a hand to struggling Midpoint Cafe
Some stucco repairs made to Painted Desert Trading Post
Volunteers recently spent a few days performing stucco repairs to the long-abandoned Painted Desert Trading Post building in eastern Arizona before winter sets in. When the group returns in the spring, it'll finish the stucco work, then Route 66 artist and researcher Jerry McClanahan eventually will repaint the faded letters on the building. Mike Ward … Continue reading Some stucco repairs made to Painted Desert Trading Post
‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts
Longtime Route 66 enthusiast Jim Conkle is scheduling a so-called "archaeological dig" at a barn in Rochester, Illinois, to find artifacts that belonged to late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. The barn belongs to Buz Waldmire, Bob's brother. Bob also spent time there off and on during his lifetime, and he died there in 2009 … Continue reading ‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts
New Route 66 Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress
The U.S. Congress is going to try again to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail during the current session. According to a Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership news release, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) on Monday introduced HR8240 in the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano [D-Calif.] co-sponsored the bill Here's … Continue reading New Route 66 Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress
Golf event by Oklahoma lieutenant governor to benefit Threatt Station
Some proceeds from Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell's annual Luau on the Green and golf tournament later this month will benefit the historic Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma. The family that owns the station made the announcement on Facebook a few days ago. They stated: We are honored, thankful and excited … Continue reading Golf event by Oklahoma lieutenant governor to benefit Threatt Station
House Building in Bristow added to National Register of Historic Places
The House Building, also known as the Root's Furniture Building, in downtown Bristow, Oklahoma, last week was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The listing was effective Sept. 9, according to a weekly email of National Register listings from the National Park Service. The building at 301-305 N. Main St. (aka Route 66) … Continue reading House Building in Bristow added to National Register of Historic Places
$22M federal grant will reconstruct Pony Bridge near Bridgeport
The U.S. Department of Transportation has given Oklahoma a $22 million grant to help rehab and reconstruct the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, which includes keeping its distinctive yellow trusses. The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City reports: “The investment made by the U.S. Department of Transportation to help restore and upgrade Bridgeport Bridge is welcomed … Continue reading $22M federal grant will reconstruct Pony Bridge near Bridgeport
Williams panel creates a guide to help businesses retain Route 66 heritage
The Williams Historic Preservation Commission of Williams, Arizona, has created a design guide to help businesses preserve the historic integrity of its Route 66 corridor. The city council last month approved the 60-page "Williams Historic Business District Design Guide," which provides details of how business owners can maintain Route 66 architecture. The Williams-Grand Canyon News … Continue reading Williams panel creates a guide to help businesses retain Route 66 heritage