The Route 66 town of Pontiac, Illinois, has gained another museum to its bulging portfolio -- one that's dedicated to basketball in the the Land of Lincoln that's scheduled to open by summer 2016. According to the Bloomington Pantagraph, the Basketball Museum of Illinois, run by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, will be built inside … Continue reading Pontiac lands another museum
‘Singing Road’ already needs to be restriped
Barely three months after it was first installed, the New Mexico Department of Transportation will put new markings on the pavement of the "Singing Road" section of Route 66 east of Albuquerque because the old markings apparently have worn off. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque explains the problems involved with a set of rumble strips that allow … Continue reading ‘Singing Road’ already needs to be restriped
Ernie Banks broke the Cubs color line
I didn't know this until nearly two days after his death, but Ernie Banks, aka Mr. Cub, essentially was the first player to break the color line with Chicago's National League baseball club. Sports writer Joe Posnanski explains: At that time in the National League, just about every black player played in New York, either … Continue reading Ernie Banks broke the Cubs color line
National Trust shepherds preservation plan for Southwest Museum
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has added the century-old Southwest Museum of the American Indian as a "national treasure" and is devising a plan for its future, according to the Los Angeles Times. Here's what the newspaper found out: Over the next 18 months, the Washington, D.C.-based National Trust will gather ideas and build … Continue reading National Trust shepherds preservation plan for Southwest Museum
Owner of Gay Parita Sinclair station dies
Gary Turner, the beloved owner of the Gay Parita Sinclair gas station on old Route 66 west of Halltown, Missouri, died Thursday night. Turner's daughter, Barb Barnes, confirmed his passing Friday morning. Turner had battled health problems in the last few years, including a stroke in 2012 and a lengthy stay in the hospital this … Continue reading Owner of Gay Parita Sinclair station dies
Pacific lands grant to buy scenic lookout
The city of Pacific, Missouri, has been awarded a $350,000 grant to help buy Lookout on Jensen’s Point off Route 66, reported the Washington Missourian. The St. Louis County Parks awarded the grant earlier this month. Pacific's parks and recreation department will use the landmark after the sale with longtime owner Wayne Winchester goes through. … Continue reading Pacific lands grant to buy scenic lookout
TV show goes ghost-hunting at Grand Canyon Caverns
Grand Canyon Caverns on Route 66 near Peach Springs, Arizona, will be the subject of an episode of the Travel Channel's "Ghost Adventures," according to the Kingman Daily Miner. Route 66 Paranormal Investigators, based in Kingman, worked with show host Zak Bagans and a film crew for about a week at the caverns. The episode … Continue reading TV show goes ghost-hunting at Grand Canyon Caverns
Oklahoma may repair or replace railings on historic bridges
Mead & Hunt, an engineering and planning firm with offices nationwide, is working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation on the possibility of repairing or replacing railings on historic bridges along the Route 66 corridor. Route 66 in Oklahoma is designated a National Scenic Byway and is developing a Corridor Management Plan to help preserve … Continue reading Oklahoma may repair or replace railings on historic bridges
Bob Waldmire exhibit planned in Walldog museum
An exhibit of the artwork and artifacts of late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire will be in the Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, by May, reported the Pontiac Daily Leader. The show, named the Bob Waldmire Experience, will be made in cooperation with his brother, Buz Waldmire, who has been a … Continue reading Bob Waldmire exhibit planned in Walldog museum
Boot Hill restaurant will be auctioned next month
Boot Hill Saloon & Grill along Route 66 in Vega, Texas, will be auctioned Feb. 28 after owner Rory Schepisi said she suffered steep revenue losses. Schepisi made the announcement on Facebook on Monday: Well it's official, the building that has housed Boot Hill will be going up for auction through Caprock auctions Febuary 28th. … Continue reading Boot Hill restaurant will be auctioned next month