Lucille Pech will be honored as grand marshal of the Atlanta Fall Festival Parade in the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill., reported the Lincoln Courier. The newspaper gives some background: Pech views Atlanta as the perfect hometown, a place where everyone knows each other, and everyone is each other's neighbor. Pech was asked to … Continue reading “Route 66 Grandma” to be honored
Category: Towns
New turnpike entrance will improve access to Route 66 towns
I didn't know this was going to happen, but new gate to Oklahoma's Turner Turnpike, set to be finished sometime in 2009, should improve access to the Route 66 towns of Luther and Arcadia, reports the Daily Oklahoman. The new gates will be built here (map link), with access to Triple XXX Road, 164th Street … Continue reading New turnpike entrance will improve access to Route 66 towns
Big development coming to Flagstaff
The Arizona Daily Sun is reporting that a developer is planning a $70 million project that includes residential, retail and combinations of the two in an area around the new Fourth Street bridge and Route 66 in east Flagstaff. AZ North is one of five companies vying to develop the 28-acre parcel. The city of … Continue reading Big development coming to Flagstaff
Book review: “Macoupin County on Route 66”
"Macoupin County on Route 66," with text and photo compilations by Dennis Garrels, is yet another historical volume about the Mother Road by Arcadia Publishing. That includes "Route 66 in California" and the recently published "Route 66 in Chicago." "Macoupin County on Route 66" (96 pages, $19.95) covers Macoupin County, Ill., which boasts not one, … Continue reading Book review: “Macoupin County on Route 66”
Town will receive historical certification
The active Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill., will receive another feather in its cap -- the National Park Service is set to certify it for its historic preservation, reports the Lincoln Courier. It would be the 61st city in Illinois to receive this certification, which opens it up for preservation grants and other aid. … Continue reading Town will receive historical certification
Who will own Red Rock Park?
The Gallup (N.M.) Independent published a fascinating story about future-ownership controversy over nearby Red Rock Park. The city owns the park, which hosts the popular Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and other events each year. But maintaining the park has put a strain on the city's budget -- and Red Rock needs millions of dollars more … Continue reading Who will own Red Rock Park?
Winslow takes it easy
The Christian Science Monitor tells the story of how the Route 66 town of Winslow, Ariz., has capitalized on The Eagles' song "Take It Easy" and its mention of a certain corner. The Monitor says Winslow didn't start to cash in on the song until 1997. I'm surprised it waited that long, as "Take It … Continue reading Winslow takes it easy
Save those signs
The City of Tucumcari, N.M., is working on a new Unified Development Code for the town, reports the Quay County Sun. Among the proposals are: • Adopt a Route 66 Overlay Ordinance to protect the existing historic neon signs along Route 66. These signs can be reused and adapted to meet new businesses, instead of … Continue reading Save those signs
Rebuilding Amboy one chicken at a time
The Inland Press-Enterprise of Southern California published an excellent article about Juan Pollo restaurant chain owner Albert Okura and his efforts to restore Roy's and the nearly abandoned town of Amboy, Calif. "Everyone who has owned Amboy has been in it to make money," he said. "You can't. "I see this as a marketing avenue … Continue reading Rebuilding Amboy one chicken at a time
Needles brainstorms about revitalizing downtown
The Route 66 town of Needles, Calif., wants to revitalize its downtown, and is seeking input from residents on how to do so, according to the Mohave Daily News. One of the ideas floated sounds intriguing: A Hot Rocks and Rods on Route 66 event is currently envisioned as an alternative energy fair with music. … Continue reading Needles brainstorms about revitalizing downtown