Ottawa County, Oklahoma, is considering four options for restoring the nearly century-old Sidewalk Highway, aka Ribbon Road, that once carried Route 66 from Miami to Afton. KOAM-TV presented the options in a recent report: OPTION #1: Widening- adds 16 feet to top width; keeps original concrete and asphalt section; rebuilds existing gravel shoulders into new … Continue reading Four options presented to restore Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma
Category: Preservation
Article reveals more details about Glorieta Station’s sign collection in Albuquerque
A long-awaited feature in the New Mexico Route 66 Association's publication reveals fascinating details about the much-discussed (and cussed) Glorieta Station and its neon-sign collection in Albuquerque. Nick Gerlich, a marketing professor at West Texas A&M University and a Route 66 enthusiast, wrote the article for the current, spring 2020 edition of the association's Route … Continue reading Article reveals more details about Glorieta Station’s sign collection in Albuquerque
Bob Mullen, creator of Bob’s Gasoline Alley, dies at 67
Bob Mullen, who parlayed his massive collection of gas-station and other old-time memorabilia into Bob's Gasoline Alley for about 20 years near Cuba, Missouri, died suddenly at his home Sunday night. He was 67. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 7057 Old 66, in Cuba. The funeral will … Continue reading Bob Mullen, creator of Bob’s Gasoline Alley, dies at 67
Afton Station in Afton is up for sale again
The landmark Afton Station in Afton, Oklahoma, is on the market again after being sold at auction less than a year ago. A sharp-eyed Route 66 enthusiast noticed the property recently listed on Facebook Marketplace by Teresa McCoin. Contacted via Facebook Messenger, McCoin stated she wanted $174,000 for it but would consider renting out the … Continue reading Afton Station in Afton is up for sale again
County may rehabilitate an original stretch of Route 66 west of El Reno
Canadian County, Oklahoma, is looking at updates for a 12-mile stretch of original Route 66 west of El Reno, prompting concerns from historic preservationists. ROUTE Magazine flagged a story from the El Reno Tribune about the possible project from Fort Reno to the Cherokee Trading Post. The newspaper talked to county commissioner Jack Stewart: According … Continue reading County may rehabilitate an original stretch of Route 66 west of El Reno
Back part of a historic building on Route 66 in Bristow collapses
The rear portion of a century-old building in downtown Bristow, Oklahoma, along Route 66 collapsed Sunday. The building's owner, Charlie Elliott, noticed the building starting to sag Friday and put barricades around it. The structure reportedly was built in 1903. City officials blocked off Sixth Avenue in that block in case more of the building … Continue reading Back part of a historic building on Route 66 in Bristow collapses
Missouri Route 66 association to begin talks to take ownership of Gasconade River Bridge
The Route 66 Association of Missouri plans to submit a formal proposal to the state by March 4 to take over ownership of the endangered Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen. The association decided to try to make the move during a special meeting Saturday. The Missouri Department of Transportation has set a "drop-dead date" of … Continue reading Missouri Route 66 association to begin talks to take ownership of Gasconade River Bridge
Gasconade Bridge Guardians win a lawsuit against Workin’ Bridges group
The Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge Guardians on Tuesday won a lawsuit in St. Louis small-claims court against the Michigan-based group better known as Workin' Bridges. Rich Dinkela, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri and a member of the group trying to save the Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, filed the lawsuit in … Continue reading Gasconade Bridge Guardians win a lawsuit against Workin’ Bridges group
City Tucumcari approves landmarks ordinance for historic Route 66 neon signs
By a 3-2 vote, the Tucumcari City Commission last week approved a landmark ordinance for the town's several dozen historic neon signs along its Route 66 corridor. The proposed ordinance had been rejected in December when it first was introduced, but it was reworked and resubmitted last month. Johnnie Meier, a former president of the … Continue reading City Tucumcari approves landmarks ordinance for historic Route 66 neon signs
County schedules meeting for March 10 on revitalizing Sidewalk Highway
Ottawa County, Oklahoma, is planning a public meeting on March 10 to discuss options on revitalizing and preserving the historic Sidewalk Highway of Route 66 between Miami and Afton. One of the possible options is a hiking and cycling trail, county commissioner Russell Earls told KSNF-TV. A partnership with Miami Parks and Recreation could mean … Continue reading County schedules meeting for March 10 on revitalizing Sidewalk Highway