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
Fire heavily damages Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque
A fire early Tuesday engulfed two-thirds of the historic Desert Sands Motel along old Route 66 in Albuquerque and left 57 long-term residents there homeless, according to varying media accounts. The Albuquerque Journal reported 22 firefighting units were called to the scene at 1:45 a.m. At least two people were hospitalized with smoke inhalation. KOB-TV … Continue reading Fire heavily damages Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque
New Mexico aims to help old theaters
The state of New Mexico is trying to fix up movie theaters in small towns not only for the sake of historic preservation, but also to give an economic boost. The Associated Press reports: An economic development program, similar to efforts in Iowa and Illinois, seeks save the often-forgotten facilities [...] with help on refurbishing … Continue reading New Mexico aims to help old theaters
Book review: “The Zeon Files”
"The Zeon Files" provides a colorful glimpse of Albuquerque's past with dozens of a company's working drawings of neon signs that once graced the Route 66 corridor decades ago. But what's most striking is the drawings are revealed as detailed and precise as any architectural rendering. The people who made these signs weren't just blue-collar guys who'd learned the trade of fire, electricity … Continue reading Book review: “The Zeon Files”
Route 66 part of Devore Interchange Project not quite finished
Friday marked the finish of a huge part of the $324 million Devore Interchange Project in Southern California. However, the part that would have reconnected a two-mile section of Route 66 for the first time in decades won't be finished for another month or two. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the interchange was held Friday that … Continue reading Route 66 part of Devore Interchange Project not quite finished
“Small Frame” music video shot at Roy’s of Amboy
The Los Angeles-based folk-rock band, Highland Kites, shot a video for its song, "Small Frame," at the historic Roy's complex on Route 66 in Amboy, California. Small Frame - Highland Kites from Aaron Cota on Vimeo. The shoot was done in October, according to the band's blog. (Image capture from the "Small Frame" video)