Oklahoma issues guidelines for entities to paint Route 66 shield on pavement

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently issued pavement-marking guidelines for cities and counties along Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. According to an ODOT news release posted by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, the guidance came after several entities requested it. The 21-foot by 8-foot black and white markings will be approved by … Continue reading Oklahoma issues guidelines for entities to paint Route 66 shield on pavement

Neon for Shamrock Court motel in Sullivan is relighted during a ceremony

The long-anticipated relighting of a neon sign and architectural neon for the historic Shamrock Court motel in Sullivan, Missouri, occurred Saturday evening with dozens of roadies in attendance. Here is a short video, posted on Facebook, by Douglas Rice of the lighting countdown: Property owner Roamin' Rich Dinkela posted a live feed from the festivities: … Continue reading Neon for Shamrock Court motel in Sullivan is relighted during a ceremony

Two Albuquerque businesses receive Heritage Award from New Mexico Route 66 Association

Two Albuquerque businesses, including the Monterey Motel, on Friday received the Heritage Award from the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The association stated in a news release the Monterey was honored "in recognition of the preservation and retro-nouveau adaption of a classic Route 66 motel, originally opened as David Court in 1946 - renamed Monterey … Continue reading Two Albuquerque businesses receive Heritage Award from New Mexico Route 66 Association

Three neon signs from Route 66 will be part of a huge auction next week

Michael Brown of Arlington, Texas, is liquidating his huge collection of vintage neon signs, and three of them from Route 66 will be part of that auction next week in Arizona. The sale of the Hooked on Vettes Collection will be on March 16-19 by Mecum Auctions of Glendale, Arizona. More than 180 items are … Continue reading Three neon signs from Route 66 will be part of a huge auction next week

Road Runner’s Retreat begins restoration work on its long-dark neon sign

The owner of the closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, began work last week on restoring its long-dark neon sign. The work was detailed in an Instagram post: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Road Runner’s Retreat (@roadrunnersretreatroute66) High winds forced an early end to the day's work, but "we’ll … Continue reading Road Runner’s Retreat begins restoration work on its long-dark neon sign

Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa gets a new neon sign

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, recently showed off a new neon sign. The sign was designed by LekTron Branding Solutions of nearby Tulsa. Here are some images of the sign, along with its older sign and its 66-foot-tall faux gas pump, posted on the museum's Facebook page: The museum, which … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa gets a new neon sign

Bristow wants to restore four Route 66 landmarks, including Chrysler Plymouth tower

The Bristow (Oklahoma) Historical Society has compiled a wish list of landmarks along or near Route 66 it wants to beautify and restore, including the Chrysler Plymouth tower. According to the Sapulpa Times, the society has placed these landmarks on the renovation list before Route 66's centennial in 2026: The 100-foot-tall Chrysler Plymouth tower just … Continue reading Bristow wants to restore four Route 66 landmarks, including Chrysler Plymouth tower

Yet another neon sign erected along Tulsa’s Route 66 corridor

Tulsa Time Dental Design at East 11th Street (aka Route 66) and New Haven Avenue was the latest beneficiary of the city's Route 66 neon sign grant program. The Tulsa Route 66 Commission posted an image of the new neon sign a few days ago: Dennis Whitaker, who is part of the city's planning office, … Continue reading Yet another neon sign erected along Tulsa’s Route 66 corridor

1939 newspaper article shows one big reason Tucumcari became a neon-sign haven

Tucumcari, New Mexico, never was a huge town. Its population never surpassed 9,000, according to the U.S. Census records. Regardless, Tucumcari during its heyday was home to dozens of neon signs, especially along its Route 66 corridor. Even now, about 25 neon signs still exist along the historic highway, in various states of repair. Several … Continue reading 1939 newspaper article shows one big reason Tucumcari became a neon-sign haven

Illinois announces $4 million grant program for Route 66

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on Thursday announced the creation of a $4 million grant program "for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66" in 2026. According to a news release from the state government: This funding opportunity supports … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million grant program for Route 66