This story from the Miami (Okla.) News-Record about the town's future tourism efforts caught my eye with this excerpt (boldface type is my emphasis): Oklahoma is already investing in international tourism as state tourism officials have partnered with the state of Kansas to commit a half-million dollars to target international travelers. Barger said the investment … Continue reading Ambitious plans for Miami
Category: Theaters
Fire destroys historic Albuquerque saloon
The Golden West Saloon, which was built on Albuquerque's Central Avenue in 1929, was destroyed by fire Thursday, reports the Albuquerque Journal. The fire also damaged the historic El Rey Theater next door, but the owner is optimistic it will reopen next weekend. The owner made a appeal to the community to revive the saloon, … Continue reading Fire destroys historic Albuquerque saloon
Another town receiving design help from students
A few days ago, architecture students helped the Route 66 town of Webb City, Mo., with ideas for revitalizing its downtown. Now it looks like University of Oklahoma landscaping architecture students also will provide ideas on March 7 for another Mother Road city, Miami, Okla., reports the Joplin (Mo.) Globe. “They will be looking at … Continue reading Another town receiving design help from students
Restoration of Rialto Square Theatre begins
About 18 months ago, we passed on the news that a local group was trying to raise $5 million to renovate the historic Rialto Square Theatre of Joliet, Ill., which is saddled between lanes of Route 66 and is a stone's throw from the Lincoln Highway. The Joliet Herald News reports that the fundraising continues, … Continue reading Restoration of Rialto Square Theatre begins
Don’t use them for a fill-up
The City of Joliet, Ill., found a unique way to kick off its Joliet Kicks on Route 66 tourism campaign. It has placed fiberglass replica gas pumps at various historical landmarks, complete with informational placards, reports the Joliet Herald News. The story contains a photo of a Texaco gas pump in front of the Rialto … Continue reading Don’t use them for a fill-up
Haunts along Route 66
Ghost stories abound along the old road that is Route 66. And it appears Flagstaff, Ariz., is lousy with them. City historian James Hardy says there are multitudes of ghost stories and legends along Route 66 in town. You have a tree near the library that you should leave alone, a mischievous poltergeist at the … Continue reading Haunts along Route 66
KiMo Theatre marks 80th year
The KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque, which is along the Central Avenue alignment of Route 66, is marking its 80th year. Check out this excellent story by the Albuquerque Tribune about the theater's doughnut-loving ghost, performers such as a beer-drinking mule and Sally Rand, and its non-Nazi swastikas.
Book review: “Roadside Attractions”
Rating high on our wish list is an updated volume of "Roadside America." "New Roadside America," an irreverent but fond look at highway oddities, proved to be a critical influence to us at Route 66 News. The Roadside America site is still going strong, but the dead-tree version hasn't been updated since 1992. Brian and … Continue reading Book review: “Roadside Attractions”
Historic theater soon will close
The Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, Calif., recently announced that its last day of operation will be Aug. 19. The Rialto, built in 1925, is on the Fair Oaks alignment of Route 66. According to the theater's MySpace site: Sadly we have to end with the Simpsons. So if you want to see the Simpsons … Continue reading Historic theater soon will close
A tour of the Gillioz Theatre
I haven't yet visited the recently restored Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Mo., but this video tour will do nicely in the meantime. It reminds me of the Coleman Theatre Beautiful in Miami, Okla. Incidentally, the Gillioz is on an alignment of Route 66, as is the Coleman.