Joplin tourism director wants better signage

Carol Stark, editor of the Joplin (Mo.) Globe, talked to Vincent Lindstrom, the new director of the Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Most chamber and tourism folks usually take an "everything is beautiful" tone with the local media. But Lindstrom seems willing to address the area's weaknesses (with the bold type as my emphasis). With … Continue reading Joplin tourism director wants better signage

Grants for Grants

It sounds like the Route 66 town of Grants, N.M., home of the annual Fire and Ice motorcycle rally, is sprucing itself up a bit, thanks to its MainStreet program. From the Cibola County Beacon: Jaramillo reported on recent funds awarded to the group. “We've received a $53,000 grant to erect a neon Route 66 … Continue reading Grants for Grants

Beverly’s Pancake Corner is moving

Beverly's Pancake Corner, which has occupied a corner on Route 66 in Oklahoma City for decades, is moving a few blocks down the street, reports the Daily Oklahoman. Beverly's, which is at 2115 Northwest Expressway, is moving to Midland Center at 3315 Northwest Expressway. The old site is reportedly making way for a Talbot's women's … Continue reading Beverly’s Pancake Corner is moving

Cussing and discussing a sign ordinance

A while back, the city of Albuquerque was considering a strict sign ordinance that would severely curb the size, type and placement of businesses signs. Because of opposition from the business community and from a fair number of Route 66ers who fear for the fate of the neon along Central Avenue, the proposed ordinance has … Continue reading Cussing and discussing a sign ordinance

Putting back the neon

Dwayne of New Zealand posted a bunch of videos weeks ago from his summer Route 66 trip, but I missed this one. Here, he talks to Bill Kinder, co-owner of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., as he's about to install new neon lighting in July. The previous neon was destroyed by a severe … Continue reading Putting back the neon

Side trips in Missouri

This video makes stops in the remarkable Red Oak II complex near Carthage, Mo. The one guy interviewed keeps calling it "Red Oaks II" for some reason. It also checks out the neon in Lebanon, Mo., focusing mostly on the Munger Moss Motel and recently revived Wrink's Market.

Route 66 Caravan returning in 2008

Jim Conkle of the California Route 66 Preservation Foundation announced Monday that he will be embarking on a Route 66 Caravan to mark attractions on the road in summer 2008, similar to the one he led in 2003. Hampton Inn was the sponsor nearly five years ago. It will participate, but won't be a major … Continue reading Route 66 Caravan returning in 2008

Glancy Motel undergoing renovations

While driving last week through the Route 66 town of Clinton, Okla., we saw something that gladdened our hearts. The Glancy Motel at 217 Gary Blvd., was undergoing extensive renovations after years of slow decline. The owner of the 1950s motel wasn't there, but building permits for remodeling, electrical and plumbing work were taped to … Continue reading Glancy Motel undergoing renovations

Not fade away

While returning to Tulsa from a weekend outing in the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico, we saw a slight but welcome change to the restoration of the closed Lucille's near Hydro, Okla. See it? Here's a hint: The little Lucille's sign has been restored. The sign had continued to fade after Lucille Hamons' death in … Continue reading Not fade away