This fascinating video by Illinois Tourism shows how reopening the historic Palms Grill Cafe improved the coffers of the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill. And the town didn't benefit just financially. https://youtu.be/WP46Wu1C_0Y That 43 percent increase in sales-tax revenue should get a lot of people's attention.
Category: Towns
Route 66 Rendezvous may relocate to Beaumont and be renamed
Organizers of the Route 66 Rendezvous may relocate the classic-car event to Beaumont, Calif., after it was canceled because of severe financial problems by its longtime host city, San Bernardino. According to a short breaking-news article Wednesday afternoon by the Beaumont Record Gazette: Community Services Director Bob Sherwood said that the event organizers spoke at … Continue reading Route 66 Rendezvous may relocate to Beaumont and be renamed
Bethany’s downtown may be poised for revival
A recent story in The Oklahoman newspaper about a new business indicates the long-stagnant downtown of Bethany, Okla., may be poised for a revival. The story focused onTreasure Chest on Route 66, an antique store in a century-old building that opened about a month ago. Owner Stacey Carter, who also owns the adjacent Cedarburg Square gift … Continue reading Bethany’s downtown may be poised for revival
Home movies of Tucumcari, circa 1960
The Historic Tucumcari page on Facebook posted this 15-minute home movie, circa 1960, from the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M. Locations in the film include the Tri-Angle Café, Tucumcari Memorial Park cemetery, Harry's Cafe, and the train station. Does anyone know whether Harry's or the Tri-Angle were on 66? https://youtu.be/C0nJ6d6KInA Regardless, the film is … Continue reading Home movies of Tucumcari, circa 1960
A look at a future boarding house on Route 66
About a year ago, a Springfield newspaper reported that the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill., was reviving an old boarding house that housed overnight Route 66 travelers until the 1940s. Here's the excerpt: The community also has purchased an 1891 residence that served as a rooming house for Route 66 travelers in the 1940s, … Continue reading A look at a future boarding house on Route 66
Atlanta, Ill., organizes a cruise for all-electric vehicles
Credit the town of Atlanta, Ill., to find a new twist to the typical Route 66 car cruise -- it has organized an event for all-electric vehicles on June 8. The Electric Vehicle Cruise-In will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day in downtown Atlanta, where an older alignment of Route 66 runs. … Continue reading Atlanta, Ill., organizes a cruise for all-electric vehicles
Organizers cancel Route 66 Rendezvous
Organizers canceled the annual Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous classic-car show due to severe financial problems and cutbacks by the host city of San Bernardino, Calif., reported the San Bernardino County Sun and other media outlets Tuesday afternoon. The newspaper reported: The San Bernardino Convention and Visitors Bureau today announced its decision to suspend the … Continue reading Organizers cancel Route 66 Rendezvous
New Carthage welcome sign includes Route 66 shield
A new "Welcome to Carthage" monument approved by the City Council of Carthage, Mo., will include a Route 66 shield as part of its design, reported the Carthage Press. It will be more than a sign. It will be a plastic, stone and fiberglass creation, featuring the Route 66 shield carved on a boulder and … Continue reading New Carthage welcome sign includes Route 66 shield
TV program examines Route 66 renaissance of Atlanta, Ill.
WEIU-TV spends about 20 minutes of this 26-minute "Heartland Highways" program telling about the embrace of Route 66 tourism by the town of Atlanta, Ill. https://youtu.be/uzyFfgF6Gdw It makes an impression when the mayor says sales-tax revenues rose 43 percent from 2008 to 2012. And he attributes that entirely to tourism. And you also get a peek … Continue reading TV program examines Route 66 renaissance of Atlanta, Ill.
Long-term plan in Albuquerque includes more neon signs on Route 66
A long-term plan for Albuquerque calls for incentives for more neon signs along the Route 66 corridor, according to a story in the Albuquerque Journal. The initiative that Mayor Richard Berry calls "ABQ: The Plan" seeks to move more money into capital projects to spur more private investment. Funding isn't been sought yet, and Berry acknowledges the … Continue reading Long-term plan in Albuquerque includes more neon signs on Route 66