The big jackrabbit at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post near Joseph City, Arizona, recently was reinstalled after about a one-week restoration effort. Here's a "before" photo of the fiberglass giant: And here's an "after" image of the giant animal: Co-owner Cindy Jaquez said the 34-year-old jackrabbit needed a new coat of paint and badly needed … Continue reading Big jackrabbit restored at Jack Rabbit Trading Post
Restoration complete on Muffler Man lumberjack in Albuquerque
Restoration on a Muffler Man lumberjack on the premises of a Vietnamese restaurant in Albuquerque finished a few days ago, including the statue's severed arms and his ax. Repair work on the fiberglass statue at the May Cafe at Central Avenue (aka Route 66) and Louisiana Boulevard began a couple of weeks ago. Strong winds … Continue reading Restoration complete on Muffler Man lumberjack in Albuquerque
Gasconade River Bridge Guardians issue “urgent call to action”
The Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge Guardians issued an "urgent call to action" because the historic bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, is in "imminent danger" of demolition if a new owner isn't found by spring. Here's the message this week on the group's Facebook page that urges letters from Route 66 enthusiasts, urging the Missouri Department … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge Guardians issue “urgent call to action”
Mother Road Route 66 Passport now available along the highway
The Mother Road Route 66 Passport, created by the folks who developed the Route 66 Navigation app, now is available at locations along Route 66. Marian Pavel, CEO of Touch Media, put out this news release over the weekend. It states, in part: Passport holders collect unique stamps at 28 carefully selected locations on their … Continue reading Mother Road Route 66 Passport now available along the highway
Radio station gets preview of History Museum on the Square renovations
A local radio station recently received a sneak preview of renovations at the History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, that will give visitors a more interactive and immersive experience later this summer, including of Route 66. KSMU radio reported on the elaborate $12 million project that was paid for with grants, donations … Continue reading Radio station gets preview of History Museum on the Square renovations
Sign at Fender’s River Road Resort shines again
The historic neon sign at Fender's River Road Resort in Needles, California, shined again Saturday evening during a relighting ceremony. Here's a short video posted on Facebook by the good folks from Route 66 Navigation: Jim Hinckley also hosted an hour-long Facebook Live session before the sign was fired up. Colorado photographer and videographer KC … Continue reading Sign at Fender’s River Road Resort shines again
Office of La Fonda Hotel architect added to National Register
The office of John Gaw Meem, architect of the expansion and remodeling of the famed La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a key figure in the popularization of the Pueblo Revival style, was designated on the National Register of Historic Places. The John Gaw Meem Architects Office at 1101 Camino De Cruz … Continue reading Office of La Fonda Hotel architect added to National Register
“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
Restoration of Gemini Giant completed
The restoration of the Gemini Giant, the famous fiberglass mascot of the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, was finished a few days ago. Here is a before-and-after photo the restaurant posted on Facebook: Tully Garrett and Holly Barker stated Sunday on the restaurant's Facebook page: Success! The Gemini Giant’s paint is finally complete! His … Continue reading Restoration of Gemini Giant completed
State awards $2 million for Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque
The New Mexico Legislature's capital-outlays package includes $2 million for Albuquerque's proposed Route 66 Visitors Center and another $50,000 for Route 66 signage in the city. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque listed more than 100 projects approved by the Legislature and governor, including the two Route 66 items. The Route 66 Visitors Center on Nine Mile Hill … Continue reading State awards $2 million for Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque