Several blocks of the Maplewood Historic Commercial District in Maplewood, Missouri, recently were added to the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes portions of the 7100 and 7200 blocks of Manchester Road, which is the earliest alignment of Route 66 through that part of the St. Louis region. It also includes a portion … Continue reading Part of Maplewood Historic Commercial District added to National Register
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Big Chief Roadhouse marks 90th year in Wildwood
The Big Chief Roadhouse, which sits along an old alignment of Route 66 in Wildwood, Missouri. recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. The Lancer Feed, a newspaper created by students at Lafayette High School in Wildwood, created this video from the Sept. 14 celebration: https://youtu.be/38_lRMseNlY The restaurant's website contains an extensive history here. The Big Chief … Continue reading Big Chief Roadhouse marks 90th year in Wildwood
Santa Monica library hosting Historic Route 66 Information Fair next weekend
If you happen to be checking out the western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, you've got another reason to hang around an hour or so next weekend -- a Historic Route 66 Information Fair. The Santa Monica Public Library will host the event from 11 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. And the … Continue reading Santa Monica library hosting Historic Route 66 Information Fair next weekend
Albuquerque restaurant blames ART for closure
An Albuquerque restaurant along Route 66 recently closed its doors for good, and it's blaming the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project for its misfortune. A local group claims it is the 60th business to close since ART began. Three Little Birds Cafe on Central Avenue (aka Route 66) shuttered, and according to KOB-TV in Albuquerque, it … Continue reading Albuquerque restaurant blames ART for closure
“Chuggin on Down 66” an early example of a Route 66 song
Here's a Route 66 song that escaped my notice for many years -- until recently. Country music artist Smiley Burnette in 1954 recorded and released "Chuggin on Down 66" on the Abbott label. Some attribute it also being on the London label, probably for the European market. https://youtu.be/k7UD3SgAvhw Near the end of the song, Burnette … Continue reading “Chuggin on Down 66” an early example of a Route 66 song
Launching Pad Drive-In begins restoration of its Gemini Giant statue
The Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, announced it has begun a restoration of its 50-plus-year-old and iconic Gemini Giant fiberglass statue. Co-owner Tully Garrett stated in a Facebook post Monday for the restaurant it would be the first time in a quarter-century the big spaceman has undergone maintenance. And the Launching Pad is … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In begins restoration of its Gemini Giant statue
Florist takes over Hi-Way Tavern building in Edwardsville
The historic Hi-Way Tavern and Cafe building along Route 66 in Edwardsville, Illinois, is being renovated into a Krupp Florist. The Edwardsville Intelligencer newspaper reports Walter Bergman has worked in the past few weeks to preserve the old mood of the building at 463 E. Vandalia St. (aka Route 66) but make it more welcoming … Continue reading Florist takes over Hi-Way Tavern building in Edwardsville
Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe soon will be closed for remodeling
The 400-year-old Palace of the Governors site in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, soon will be closed for six months for remodeling. The Albuquerque Journal reported: The renovations beginning Aug. 1 will include the installation of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as fire safety construction. No information on the cost of … Continue reading Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe soon will be closed for remodeling
Old Joliet Prison event includes Blues Brothers tribute band
An August fundraiser to help restore the old Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, will include a performance by a Blue Brothers tribute band, and organizers have invited one of the original Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd, to the event. The Great Joliet Prison Break-In is slated for 5 p.m. Aug. 25 inside the historic, limestone-walled … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison event includes Blues Brothers tribute band
Butch Breger, longtime caretaker of the Round Barn of Arcadia, dies
Ernest Lee "Butch" Breger, longtime caretaker of the historic Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, died Tuesday at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 74. Breger also was part of the original Over the Hill Gang that helped restore the dilapidated Round Barn during the 1980s and '90s. One local told me Breger was the … Continue reading Butch Breger, longtime caretaker of the Round Barn of Arcadia, dies