A resident of Braidwood, Illinois, asked the city council to come up with a preservation ordinance for the town's historic buildings, especially ones on Route 66. Chris Earley said those properties "need to be landmarked for historical reasons and preservation reasons, now, for the future," reported Free Press Newspapers. Earley said he's been working with the … Continue reading Braidwood resident wants preservation ordinance for Route 66
66 Bowl sign being resurrected in Chandler
The venerable 66 Bowl sign that once graced Route 66 in Oklahoma City for 50 years has resurfaced in Chandler, Oklahoma, at a future sports and entertainment complex that will include, yes, a bowling alley. A Facebook post of the sign by longtime Route 66 researcher and artist Jerry McClanahan caused a stir Monday. Marilyn Emde, director of … Continue reading 66 Bowl sign being resurrected in Chandler
Ambler-Becker Texaco station to host 90th birthday for Route 66
An early birthday party for Route 66 will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. April 21 at the historic Ambler-Becker Texaco station in Dwight, Illinois. Although Route 66 doesn't officially turn 90 until Nov. 11, this no doubt will be one of many events marking that anniversary throughout the year. According to a news … Continue reading Ambler-Becker Texaco station to host 90th birthday for Route 66
New sculptures soon will grace Route 66 in Tulsa
New sculptures soon will be greenlighted by the Tulsa Arts Commission and installed along Route 66 in Tulsa. KOKI-TV in Tulsa reports these artist's renderings aren't final, but are close.. First is a Route 66-inspired sculpture at the Admiral Traffic Circle that is Mingo Road and Admiral Place (aka Route 66). The second is a group of sculptures at … Continue reading New sculptures soon will grace Route 66 in Tulsa
Launching Pad Drive-In fails to sell at auction
The Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois -- best-known for its 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant fiberglass statue next to Route 66 -- failed to sell during an auction Saturday because the reserve wasn't met. The Will County News reported Tina and Joel Brownlee of Wilmington, who submitted the high bid of $177,500, will negotiate with auctioneer … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In fails to sell at auction
Architectural neon for Boots Court relighted
The Boots Court in Carthage, Missouri, on Saturday night officially relighted the architectural neon of the Route 66 motel that had gone dark for about 15 years. An estimated 200 people attended the event. Here is a video from Jessica Davis of the countdown before the switch for the neon for Boots Court was flicked on: https://www.facebook.com/100004570088249/videos/618744481621216/ The … Continue reading Architectural neon for Boots Court relighted
Book review: “Bicycling Guide to Route 66”
At first glance, Bob Robinson's "Bicycling Guide to Route 66" appears to be a budget-priced version of the Adventure Cycling Association's "Bicycle Route 66" map series, as the book uses the ACA's route. But the "Bicycling Guide to Route 66" (200 pages, Spirits Creek, paperback, illustrations and photos, $19.95) should be considered as a companion to the ACA … Continue reading Book review: “Bicycling Guide to Route 66”
Marathon Oil station in Miami sold at auction
The historic Miami Marathon Oil Station on an old alignment of Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma, sold for $18,000 at auction Friday, but its new owner remains unknown for now. The Joplin Globe newspaper reported the station's new owner declined to identify himself or do interviews. The deal for the station should be close in about 30 … Continue reading Marathon Oil station in Miami sold at auction
City of Lincoln approves funds for The Mill restoration
The city council of Lincoln, Illinois, this week approved $12,000 in motel-tax funds to help finish restoring The Mill, a now-closed restaurant on Route 66 that eventually will become a museum. According to the Lincoln Courier, the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County plans to use the money for plumbing and sewer-line work. The money will go to … Continue reading City of Lincoln approves funds for The Mill restoration
Wildfires erupt near Topock, Needles
Wildfires on Wednesday threatened resorts on both sides of the Colorado River as more than 1,400 acres burned near Topock, Arizona, and Needles, California. The Havasu News in nearby Lake Havasu City reported: --- The Park Moabi Result and Pirate's Cove Resort were evacuated after hot embers buffeted by wind threatened them. A marketing manager at … Continue reading Wildfires erupt near Topock, Needles