The National Science Foundation recently awarded a five-year, $312,000 grant to a group of anthropologists so it can create a comprehensive map of the Cahokia Mounds site near Collinsville, Illinois. The project using magnetometry equipment would be the largest archaeo-geophysical project to date in all the Americas, reported the Edwardsville Intelligencer. For this project they … Continue reading Anthropologists to create a comprehensive map of Cahokia Mounds site near St. Louis
Ideas emerge for the redevelopment of Joplin’s Union Depot
Community members recently brought up some ideas for the possible redevelopment of Union Depot in Joplin, Missouri, including bringing back train rides. The Downtown Joplin Alliance asked about 80 residents to provide possible uses for the century-old building, reported the Joplin Globe. A group of students and faculty from Kansas State University and architectural students … Continue reading Ideas emerge for the redevelopment of Joplin’s Union Depot
Old Standard station in Eagle Rock is on its way to being historic-cultural monument
A tiny Standard gas station that's more than 100 years old likely will be designated a historic-cultural monument after the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission approved its nomination from the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society. The City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee is expected to pass the measure at a later date. The station … Continue reading Old Standard station in Eagle Rock is on its way to being historic-cultural monument
Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61
Becky Ransom, a Route 66 fan who used that enthusiasm for years in the classroom and at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, died suddenly in Wyoming on Feb. 8. She was 61. According to her obituary, a joint celebration of life will be held for Ramsom and her father, Wayne Ransom, on July … Continue reading Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61
All 13 rooms at Boots Court motel in Carthage now available for overnight stays
The historic Boots Court motel in Carthage, Missouri, announced all 13 of its rooms now are available for overnight travelers. The owners in a Facebook post proclaimed it was the first time "in decades" all the rooms can be booked. That includes the fabled Clark Gable Room; No. 6 was used by the movie star … Continue reading All 13 rooms at Boots Court motel in Carthage now available for overnight stays
Partial teardown begins of Glancy Motel in Clinton
A partial demolition of the historic Glancy Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, began a few days ago, likely making way for a new state police station. Route 66 enthusiast Nick Gerlich happened to be driving through town when he encountered the demolition crews at work on the site at 217 W. Gary Blvd. (aka Route 66). … Continue reading Partial teardown begins of Glancy Motel in Clinton
“Route 66 Simulator” videogame coming later this year
A new videogame called "Route 66 Simulator" is coming to the Steam platform later this year. The developers are Grande Games, NPC Games and Playway, and the expected release date is the third quarter of 2023. Here's a brief description of the game: Have you ever dreamed about leaving everything behind and setting out on … Continue reading “Route 66 Simulator” videogame coming later this year
Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove imposes sudden layoffs
The Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove, Illinois, imposed sudden layoffs and shut down its visitors center last week, shocking volunteers and former staff members. Sugar Grove Nature Center consists of over 1,000 acres of preserved forest, the nature center just off Route 66. It regularly hosted field trips and programs about Illinois history … Continue reading Sugar Grove Nature Center in Funks Grove imposes sudden layoffs
New Route 66 emblem emerges on Amarillo water tower
A long-planned Amarillo Route 66 emblem recently emerged on one of the city's large water towers located just off the Mother Road. Dora Meroney of Texas Ivy Antiques has posted a number of photos of the emblem on the tower, which is undergoing repainting: The Amarillo Route 66 water tower even has its own Facebook … Continue reading New Route 66 emblem emerges on Amarillo water tower
Munger Moss Motel changes hands; he pledges to keep neon sign and rooms for overnight guests
Ramona Lehman apparently has sold the historic Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri. The new owner has pledged to keep its neon sign and rooms for overnight Route 66 travelers, though part of it will be designated to long-term renters. Reports of the Munger Moss' sale began surfacing Monday after Route 66 enthusiasts or those … Continue reading Munger Moss Motel changes hands; he pledges to keep neon sign and rooms for overnight guests