Businesses that were listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book from 1936 to 1967, including several on or near Route 66, made Landmarks Illinois' annual Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. This year, Landmarks Illinois listed nine sites it considered as endangered. "The purpose of the list is to focus attention on sites threatened by … Continue reading Green Book sites make the list of Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois
Category: Restaurants
Chicken Shack restaurant of Luther moving to old Hillbillee’s complex in Arcadia
The Chicken Shack, a popular restaurant along Route 66 in Luther, Oklahoma, is moving a few miles west to the closed Hillbillee's complex in Arcadia, also on Route 66. Shellee Graham, who lives near Arcadia, recently confirmed the rumored news after visiting Chicken Shack's owner and seeing a banner announcing the impending move at Hillbillee's. … Continue reading Chicken Shack restaurant of Luther moving to old Hillbillee’s complex in Arcadia
Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington reopens after long COVID-19 closure
The landmark Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, reopened this past weekend after a lengthy voluntary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening occurred during the Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival, which essentially is a 90-minute car cruise along the route in the northern part of the state. Tully Garrett and Holly … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington reopens after long COVID-19 closure
Vintage gas pump stolen from Owl Court property in Oklahoma City
A gasoline pump that dated to 1930 was stolen from the old Owl Court motel property in Oklahoma City that now is used by a local coffee shop. According to KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City, the Texaco pump at the Route 66 motel that served as the marquee for Brew Brother Coffee inside the long-closed motel's … Continue reading Vintage gas pump stolen from Owl Court property in Oklahoma City
White Fence Farm in Romeoville has lost $2.4 million since the pandemic began
The owner of the original White Fence Farm in Romeoville, Illinois, said the Route 66 restaurant has lost $2.4 million in 12 months since the pandemic began last year and still is trying to survive since it reopened in March. A reporter of the Lemont Patch interviewed third-generation owner Laura Hastert, who admitted she needs … Continue reading White Fence Farm in Romeoville has lost $2.4 million since the pandemic began
Rosita’s Restaurant in Barstow to close next month after 66 years
Rosita's Restaurant, a mainstay along Route 66 in downtown Barstow, California, for more than six decades, announced a few days ago it would close permanently on May 29. Proprietor Jerry Guardado Jr. stated on a social media post "the time has come for Stasia and I to start on a new path in our lives." … Continue reading Rosita’s Restaurant in Barstow to close next month after 66 years
Historic auto parts store in Baxter Springs to reopen April 22 as Bricks and Brew restaurant
The century-old Bob Page Auto Supply building along Route 66 in Baxter Springs, Kansas, will reopen on April 22 as a Bricks and Brews restaurant. KSNF-TV talked to the owner, Doug Puckett, who bought the building at 1531 Military Ave. (aka Route 66) two years ago and has been renovating it since: The neat thing … Continue reading Historic auto parts store in Baxter Springs to reopen April 22 as Bricks and Brew restaurant
Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean reopens for the first time in a year
The Devil's Rope Museum in McLean, Texas, is back open to the public after being closed for a solid year because of COVID-19. That museum's reopening is another signal that the U.S. is slowly emerging from the pandemic. Vaccinations have reduced caseloads and hospitalizations in many states. KAMR-TV in nearby Amarillo reported: “We had just … Continue reading Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean reopens for the first time in a year
Original Bobcat Bite on Old Las Vegas Highway in Sante Fe to reopen in May
The original Bobcat Bite restaurant along Old Las Vegas Highway (aka Route 66) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is scheduled to reopen in May after closing about eight years ago. The Bobcat Bite, which opened in 1953, became well-known over the years for its green chile cheeseburger. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican: The … Continue reading Original Bobcat Bite on Old Las Vegas Highway in Sante Fe to reopen in May
18th sign aided by Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program goes up
The 18th sign that received funds from the City of Tulsa's widely praised Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program was installed this week. The latest neon sign is for the Wildflower Cafe, which isn't even open yet, at the corner of Peoria Avenue and 11th Street (aka Route 66). Here's an image of the sign … Continue reading 18th sign aided by Tulsa’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program goes up