I missed this somewhere, but this opinion piece in the Mountain View Telegraph reveals that Mike Anaya, owner of Mike's Friendly Store on old Route 66 in Moriarty, N.M., was inducted into the New Mexico Business Hall of Fame. Anaya is no absentee owner. He's easy to find at his supermarket and is not afraid … Continue reading Route 66 business owner honored
Thoughts on El Vado hearing
Johnny Meier, a longtime member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, attended the recent hearing regarding the demolition application of El Vado Motel in Albuquerque. Here are excerpts from an e-mail of his thoughts: The projected income was argued by the developer to be considered as an unreasonable rate of return given the cost … Continue reading Thoughts on El Vado hearing
Re-use of a historic Route 66 motel
Following a discussion about preserving historic Route 66 motels on the Albuquerque blog Duke City Fix, contributor Arizona Phil found this fascinating Albuquerque Journal story about developers converting the old Cactus Motel, along old Route 66 in Santa Fe, into the Cactus Centro business center. The anchor is the Sun Loan Company, where the former … Continue reading Re-use of a historic Route 66 motel
“Cars” gets one Golden Globe nomination
The hit Disney-Pixar movie about Route 66, "Cars," received just one nomination from the Golden Globes today, and that was for the new Best Animated Feature Film category. Its competition is "Happy Feet" and "Monster House." Disappointingly, composer Randy Newman and "Our Town" were not nominated for score and best song. Instead of Newman and … Continue reading “Cars” gets one Golden Globe nomination
El Vado’s fate remains in limbo
The City of Albuquerque's Landmarks and Urban Commission held a hearing for 3 1/2 hours Wednesday, but no decision was made about whether to allow a demolition permit for the historic Route 66 motel, according to the Albuquerque Tribune. The commission will hold another meeting Jan. 10 to hear more witnesses and testimony. Based on … Continue reading El Vado’s fate remains in limbo
Historic service station in limbo
Here's an item from the Ontario (Calif.) Daily Bulletin that's a bit discouraging: RANCHO CUCAMONGA - The historic gas station on Foothill Boulevard west of Archibald Avenue, one of the last relics of the Route 66 days, has been fenced off for some time now but the city says no plans for the station have … Continue reading Historic service station in limbo
Western Motel in Bethany gets a reprieve
Several weeks ago, it appeared the historic Western Motel in Bethany, Okla., was in jeopardy. The manager was busted during a prostitution sting, and the city filed a notice to abate the nuisance -- usually a first step that leads to a motel's demolition. But things have changed. The motel's owner, Ken Patel, has taken … Continue reading Western Motel in Bethany gets a reprieve
Big Lincoln on big wagon may move to Lincoln
In Divernon, Ill., there's a big Abraham Lincoln figure that sits on a gigantic covered wagon, right off Route 66. The wagon is 40 feet long, 20 feet tall, and the wheels alone are 10 feet tall. It weighs five tons. You can see and read about the Giant Lincoln on a Covered Wagon at … Continue reading Big Lincoln on big wagon may move to Lincoln
Two Route 66 towns to enroll in Main Street program
The Tulsa World reports today that the City Council is expected to allow part of southwest Tulsa, known as Red Fork, to participate in the Oklahoma Main Street revitalization and preservation program. It would last for three years and cost $150,000. It would recognize what is being called Red Fork Main Street, which encompasses two … Continue reading Two Route 66 towns to enroll in Main Street program
Attention, western roadies
Jim Conkle of the California Route 66 Preservation Foundation is going to start filming pilots for a television series about Route 66 that will be similar in format to Charles Kuralt's "On the Road." The series is being pitched to Fox, HGTV and local stations. He wants to interview as many Route 66 aficionados as … Continue reading Attention, western roadies