The city of Tulsa long had promised the clocks that once sat on top of the historic Meadow Gold neon sign would be replaced "when funding becomes available." Apparently the money is in the bank. The Tulsa World reports bids to replace the clocks will come due this week. The clocks stood at the very … Continue reading Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa soon will get clocks
Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store
Galena's Bordello in Galena, Kansas, recently was purchased by an English couple and has been converted into an antiques store. KSN-TV reports David and Vicky Horbury have changed the name to Bordello Antiques: They sell all antiques that are imported from their home country. They say they fell in love with the people and Route … Continue reading Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store
Elvis sightings on Route 66
The Marshfield Mail in Missouri published an extensive listing of Elvis Presley sightings and shows in the Show-Me State in 1956 -- the year he came into national prominence. The future King of Rock 'n' Roll's tours brought him to a few Route 66 landmarks that year. According to the newspaper. --- "By May 1956, Elvis was … Continue reading Elvis sightings on Route 66
What will happen to Gathering of Nations?
Organizers for the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow are looking for a new venue -- including in other states -- after the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque recently canceled its contract after 30 years of hosting the event. Gathering of Nations was one of the biggest annual events in Albuquerque, and it commonly was included … Continue reading What will happen to Gathering of Nations?
A closer look at Butcher BBQ Stand
The Butcher BBQ Stand off Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, has been open less than two years, but it already has gained a following well past its small-town roots. Oklahoma Living magazine put together this high-quality video in an attempt to figure out the barbecue stand's success. https://youtu.be/cAJNI7vHViI Two observations: -- It's a very good … Continue reading A closer look at Butcher BBQ Stand
Class project helps identify Civil War tombstones in Odell cemetery
As Memorial Day approaches, do yourself a favor and read this amazing story from the Chicago Tribune about a schoolteacher who guided his students to identify worn tombstones of once-forgotten Civil War soldiers at a cemetery overlooking Route 66 in Odell, Illinois. The Tribune also created a video about the Operation Gravestone project, which likely will make … Continue reading Class project helps identify Civil War tombstones in Odell cemetery
Ritz Theatre in Baxter Springs to reopen next month
The historic Ritz Theatre in Baxter Springs, Kansas, will reopen in July after it underwent nine years of renovations by a local couple. The Joplin Globe reported: A retired Caterpillar manager, Ron Puckett, 74, did much of the work himself after the couple bought the building at the northwest corner of 12th Street and Military … Continue reading Ritz Theatre in Baxter Springs to reopen next month
Your vote may help the Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is one of 20 national parks that could receive a grant, but it needs votes to get it. More from the news release: In honor of the National Park Service’s Centennial, we at the National Trust for Historic Preservation have joined with National Geographic and American Express for Partners … Continue reading Your vote may help the Gateway Arch
Arizona eventually will get official Route 66 license plates
Arizona's governor recently signed into law a measure that will create a commemorative Route 66 license plate designed by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. Tom Spear, executive vice president of the association, spoke to the Phoenix Business Journal about the new law: The group is working on a design for the plates, which … Continue reading Arizona eventually will get official Route 66 license plates
Reporter finishes walk on Oklahoma City’s Route 66
Brianna Bailey, a reporter for The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City, recently embarked on a walking journey of Route 66 in that city for a story and a series of blog posts. She finished recently, and the last story is here. Some takeaways: --- We learn the beloved Carlyle Motel sign was purchased by Donald … Continue reading Reporter finishes walk on Oklahoma City’s Route 66