Denny’s windmill in Arcadia is spinning again

The blades of a windmill atop a Denny's restaurant along Route 66 in Arcadia, California, were spinning again this weekend. The blades inexplicably fell off the structure late last year and damaged the restaurant's roof. Reporter Christopher Yee of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune posted video of the windmill operating Friday evening: The last-of-its-kind windmill … Continue reading Denny’s windmill in Arcadia is spinning again

Clifton’s Cafeteria in Los Angeles closes its cafeteria

Clifton's Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles quietly closed its cafeteria this summer and now the historic site primarily will run only as a nightclub for now. In the interim, Clifton's dropped the "Cafeteria" from its name and now is called Clifton's Republic. No one seems 100 percent sure when Clifton's stopped serving food, but Los … Continue reading Clifton’s Cafeteria in Los Angeles closes its cafeteria

Tourism center opens in building that houses Lincoln law office

The tourism bureau of Springfield, Illinois, recently opened a welcome center in a downtown building that once contained Abraham Lincoln's law office. The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices historic site inside the 1840 three-story Tinsley dry-goods building was closed a few years ago for a $1 million renovation, but a state budget impasse kept the structure from … Continue reading Tourism center opens in building that houses Lincoln law office

Pacific moves forward with Red Cedar Inn project

The city of Pacific, Missouri, gave the official green light to its plan to convert the Red Cedar Inn restaurant building and lounge into a history and visitors center. The Washington Missourian reported: Aldermen approved a contract Nov 6 with architects Patterhn-Ives, St. Louis, to design a multiuse interior for the structure, and determine improvements … Continue reading Pacific moves forward with Red Cedar Inn project

Metal turkey stolen from Route 66 turkey tracks site

A small metal turkey sign that helps mark 1920s turkey tracks on old Route 66 near Nilwood, Illinois, was stolen earlier this month. Crime Stoppers of Macoupin County posted on Facebook: Sometime on or before November 11th, 2018, person or persons unknown stole a commemorative sign marking the spot of the “Turkey Tracks” on Old … Continue reading Metal turkey stolen from Route 66 turkey tracks site

Carthage sues railroad over crossings, including Whee Bridge

The city of Carthage, Missouri, is suing the Union Pacific Railroad for failing to keep up crossings and bridges in the city, including the fabled Whee Bridge along Route 66. According to the Joplin Globe: The suit, filed in federal court, cites 17 crossings, including the Oak Street bridge along Route 66. The city is … Continue reading Carthage sues railroad over crossings, including Whee Bridge

A look inside the historic Threatt Filling Station

A few months ago, a prominent Route 66 advocate whispered she'd been inside the Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma, and she was blown away by the artifacts inside. Last week, KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City brought a reporter inside the station. Take a look for yourself: More from the story: “I don't … Continue reading A look inside the historic Threatt Filling Station

Tulsa commission bolsters Route 66 neon sign funding

The Tulsa Route 66 Commission recently boosted the money available for its neon-sign grant program by 60 percent. According to Tulsa Public Radio, the commission's revised budget is allocating $40,000 for the program, instead of the $25,000 originally proposed. The commission will award matching grants up to $10,000 for new signs or repairs to existing … Continue reading Tulsa commission bolsters Route 66 neon sign funding

Painted Desert Trading Post gets a more level look

Take a look at this days-old photograph of the front of the remnants of the Painted Desert Trading Post in eastern Arizona. Notice anything different? If you're not seeing it, here's a photograph from a few months before: Those straighter lines you now see along the roof line are not an illusion. Volunteers with the … Continue reading Painted Desert Trading Post gets a more level look

T-shirt sales aim to restore Threatt Filling Station near Luther

David Threatt a few days ago launched a T-shirt sales campaign to help restore his family's century-old Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma. The family wants to reopen the long-closed gas station on Route 66 as a historical museum. As of Wednesday night, 55 of the long-sleeved shirts had sold, raising more than $1,400. The … Continue reading T-shirt sales aim to restore Threatt Filling Station near Luther