The historic Mahan gas station that sat at the now-closed Shea's Gas Station Museum in Springfield, Illinois, was moved Sunday about a quarter-mile north to its new owner, Fulgenzi's Pizza and Pasta, reported the State Journal-Register. Owner Jeff Fulgenzi told the newspaper he plans to restore it as much as possible to its original state. It was placed … Continue reading Mahan gas station moved to restaurant
Coliseum Ballroom film will previewed at tribute show
A documentary film about the Coliseum Ballroom in Benld, Illinois, will be previewed at a Feb. 20 tribute show for the former Route 66 landmark. According to the State Journal-Register in Springfield, Illinois: "Memories of the Coliseum Ballroom," which will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center, will feature music by former members of Frankie … Continue reading Coliseum Ballroom film will previewed at tribute show
Sprague Super Service station will host a visitors center, gift shop by spring
Terri Ryburn, who's owned the Sprague Super Service gas station in Normal, Illinois, for almost 10 years and has spent all that time getting the historic property shored up, will open a Route 66 gift shop and visitors center on the premises this spring. This little tidbit was revealed during a recent blog post for the … Continue reading Sprague Super Service station will host a visitors center, gift shop by spring
Final 2015 report of Route 66: The Road Ahead Initiative panel released
The steering committee of the Route 66: The Road Ahead Initiative last week issued a final report of what it did in 2015 and what it hopes to carry out in 2016. You can read the entire 13-page report here. The committee's goals sprang from a series of workshops held in several Route 66 states … Continue reading Final 2015 report of Route 66: The Road Ahead Initiative panel released
California Route 66 group may partner with Needles group
The California Historic Route 66 Association is examining the possibility of a permanent partnership with the Needles Downtown Business Alliance in Needles, California. Sharon Foster of the California association attended a meeting of the alliance earlier this month, reported the Needles Desert Star. Part of what she wanted to accomplish was to bring Needles back … Continue reading California Route 66 group may partner with Needles group
No, nobody’s going to hunt Oatman burros
A few media outlets reported a Mohave County, Arizona, official proposed hunting for wild burros to reduce overpopulation in the region. Naturally, this got Route 66 folks and animal-rights activists riled up, because that would mean the Route 66 town of Oatman, Arizona, would see its beloved wild burros in the cross hairs. Mojave County … Continue reading No, nobody’s going to hunt Oatman burros
Nearly 200 attend Glenn Frey memorial in Winslow
About 200 people attended a memorial service Tuesday night at Standin' on a Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona, for The Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey, who died at age 67 on Monday from several illnesses. The Associated Press reported that Winslow residents, including Tom McCauley, staged the memorial at the corner made famous by the 1972 … Continue reading Nearly 200 attend Glenn Frey memorial in Winslow
“Take It Easy” co-writer Glenn Frey dies
There's a little corner in Winslow, Arizona, that's a sadder sight to see Glenn Frey, a co-founder of the mega-selling country-rock band The Eagles and co-writer of one of its early hits, "Take It Easy," that made the Route 66 town internationally famous, died Monday at age 67 after suffering from several ailments for weeks. Frey … Continue reading “Take It Easy” co-writer Glenn Frey dies
Former co-owner of Blue Swallow Motel dies
Dale Bakke, a co-owner of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, during a crucial time for the Route 66 landmark's preservation, died Jan. 4, a month short of his 61st birthday. Dale Bakke and his wife, Hilda, bought the motel in 1999, not long after owner Gene Shelton bought it from its longtime matriarch, Lillian Redman. … Continue reading Former co-owner of Blue Swallow Motel dies
Season begins for Route 66 cost-share grant applications
If you own a historic Route 66 business or property that needs upkeep, now is is the time to apply for a cost-share grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. The program announced Friday applications will be accepted until April 1. More about it: The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program provides cost-share grant assistance … Continue reading Season begins for Route 66 cost-share grant applications