A Dutch arborist who loves Route 66 aims to help trees grow in the tainted soil of Galena, Kansas, and other Route 66 towns with a method that helps vegetation thrive in arid climates or poisoned soils, according to an article in the Joplin Globe. It's difficult for trees to grow in Galena and other … Continue reading A tree grows in Galena
Springfield mayor ends up with Bel-Aire Motel’s seal
The mayor of Springfield, Illinois, is the new owner of the seal sculpture that once stood at the now-demolished Bel-Air Motel on Route 66 in Springfield, according to the State Journal-Register. Jim Langfelder said he paid $2,500 of his own money for the 8,000-pound statue, which once stood as a fountain near what used to be … Continue reading Springfield mayor ends up with Bel-Aire Motel’s seal
Joplin approves rezoning of Dale’s Ole 66 Barber Shop
The city council of Joplin, Missouri, on Monday night unanimously voted to approve a special-use permit for Dale's Ole 66 Barber Shop that would allow an artist to set up a gallery and visitors center there, according to the Joplin Globe. The barber shop, owned by Dale Holly's widow, is in a former Phillips 66 cottage-style … Continue reading Joplin approves rezoning of Dale’s Ole 66 Barber Shop
Owner of Tally’s Good Food Cafe says he’s not closing
Apparently Tulsa popped with rumors that Tally's Good Food Cafe -- a fixture for locals and Route 66 travelers along 11th Street -- would close. Owner Tally Alame says it's not true. But he's not happy with his former landlord, according to a report by KRMG radio in Tulsa. Alame said he wanted to buy from Will … Continue reading Owner of Tally’s Good Food Cafe says he’s not closing
Full inventory of Negro Motorist Green Book sites released
Here's another reason to go on a road trip: The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program has released a list of all the properties listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book from 1936 to 1964 during the Jim Crow era of rampant racial segregation. A full list of the properties and their statuses is here. Kaisa … Continue reading Full inventory of Negro Motorist Green Book sites released
A word from our sponsor …
The folks at MeUndies posted this video over the weekend publicizing its Route 66 underwear line. Give the company props for actually showing its undies at real-life Route 66 landmarks in Arizona and California. https://youtu.be/uDH5xSQi0Lo (Screen capture of the MeUndies ad at Bottletree Ranch in Oro Grande, California)
Milk Bottle Building reopens with new tenant
Prairie Gothic, a boutique based in nearby Guthrie, Oklahoma, opened a second store in the historic Milk Bottle Building along Route 66 in Oklahoma City last week after months of renovations, according to an article in The Oklahoman newspaper. It's not a carbon copy of the other Prairie Gothic store, either. The Milk Bottle Building … Continue reading Milk Bottle Building reopens with new tenant
Grants mayor wants to end Fire and Ice Bike Rally
Grants, New Mexico, Mayor Martin Hicks and several city councilors want to end the city's annual Historic Route 66 Fire and Ice Bike Rally because of a spike in crime at the event last month and fears of a "major incident" breaking out at future events. According to the Cibola County Beacon newspaper: According to … Continue reading Grants mayor wants to end Fire and Ice Bike Rally
The Nat may have a new owner soon
Tucked deep into a KFDA-TV story about The Nat in Amarillo, Texas, is the news the historic venue's current tenant intends to buy it as soon as her lease expires. Here's the relevant excerpt about Kasey Tam, who runs The Nat as an antique store: Tam is leasing the building currently. Her lease agreement expires … Continue reading The Nat may have a new owner soon
Trip to lobby for Mojave Trails National Park finishes tonight
Jim Conkle's 26-day van trip to lobby for the designation of the Mother Road-Mojave Trails National Monument finishes tonight with a show at the Santa Monica Pier, according to an article in the Victorville Daily Press. The designation was proposed by a U.S. senator, but the legislation has been stuck in Congress for years. Conkle … Continue reading Trip to lobby for Mojave Trails National Park finishes tonight