The Natatorium, also known as The Nat, in Amarillo, Texas, will mark the 100th anniversary of its completion in July. The approaching centennial first was flagged by Charlie, a Route 66 fan, at Mix94.1 radio in Amarillo. Natatorium is just a fancy word for swimming pool. It opened up in the summer of 1922.The Natatorium … Continue reading Amarillo’s Natatorium marks its 100th anniversary this summer
Oklahoma on verge of state Route 66 Commission, millions for development and preservation
A bill in the Oklahoma Legislature is on the cusp of creating an Oklahoma Route 66 Commission and earmarking up to $6.6 million in annual funding for the preservation and development of the historic highway. The Oklahoma House advanced the bill by a 72-6 vote, and the Senate advanced it to the governor by a … Continue reading Oklahoma on verge of state Route 66 Commission, millions for development and preservation
City of Wildwood wants a Route 66 roadside park before highway’s centennial
A historic preservation commission for the City of Wildwood, Missouri, wants to build a Route 66 roadside park before the centennial of the historic highway in 2026. West Newsmagazine reported some details about the commission's efforts to capitalize on the Mother Road: The Historic Preservation Commission has proposed to establish a Historic Route 66 Roadside … Continue reading City of Wildwood wants a Route 66 roadside park before highway’s centennial
Donut Man to mark its 50th year tomorrow with a giveaway of 500 doughnuts
The Donut Man along Route 66 in Glendora, California, is celebrating its 50th year in business starting at 8 a.m. Monday with a free anniversary sprinkle doughnut with a $5 purchase The Glendora shop is not only giving away the doughnuts but so is its newer shop inside the Grand Central Market in downtown Los … Continue reading Donut Man to mark its 50th year tomorrow with a giveaway of 500 doughnuts
New Route 66 sign installed at Tulsa Fire Station 66
Tulsa Fire Station 66 on the city's east side recently installed a repurposed Route 66 sign there that lights up a night. According to News on 6 in Tulsa: Someone donated the new sign, to help boost tourism on Route 66.Fire Chief Michael Baker flipped the switch on Thursday night and turned on the sign for the … Continue reading New Route 66 sign installed at Tulsa Fire Station 66
Bridge failure closes Route 66 indefinitely from Ludlow to Amboy
More bridges on Route 66 apparently have failed in recent days east of Ludlow, California, closing the historic highway to the hamlet of Amboy, California. That's on top of the closed portion of Route 66 from Essex, California, to Amboy. That leaves no direct Route 66 access to Amboy the east and west of the … Continue reading Bridge failure closes Route 66 indefinitely from Ludlow to Amboy
Revival of “Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide” planned later this year
Mark Hamilton, the creator of the Backroads66 website, stated in a recent post he is planning to revive the "Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide" in November or December after updates on the publication ceased about seven years ago. Hamilton stated his guide would contain listings of only independently owned properties on or just off … Continue reading Revival of “Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide” planned later this year
Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award
The Castaneda Hotel of Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently won a 2022 CPRC Heritage Preservation Award for architectural heritage from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Commission. The state historic preservation office posted this on social media about the award: Affeldt and Mion also own the historic Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico, and … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award
Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened
The historic but long-closed Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo, Texas, recently landed new owners that plan to restore and reopen the 14-story building within the next three years. Tipped off by a reader, county property records indicate the building was acquired by Herring Hotel Development Co. LLC in October via a warranty deed. A new … Continue reading Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened
Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday announced $4 million in grants for various projects along Route 66, including a visitors center in a former Edwardsville gas station, reopening the old Cannonball Jail in Carlinville and a new Muffler Man on a restaurant in Berwyn. According to Riverbender.com and … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million in grants for projects along Route 66