The Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., has set an official relighting ceremony for its restored neon sign for 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, according to a news release from the motel. At that time, the anonymous donor who supplied the funds to refurbish the sign will reveal himself or herself by throwing the switch. Refreshments … Continue reading Relighting ceremony for Boots Motel sign is July 19
“American Giants,” Episode 2
Joel Baker has posted the second episode of "American Giants," an exploration of Muffler Men found across the country. https://youtu.be/xALGXa6svO0 This episode deals with the history of the company that built the fiberglass figures, and the Lauterbach Tire Muffler Man on Route 66 in Springfield, Ill.
Artist offers to paint over Stanley Marsh 3’s whimsical signs
A local artist has offered to paint over the whimsical road signs erected years ago in the Amarillo area by the criminally indicted Stanley Marsh 3, according to a report by KFDA-TV in Amarillo. The station says about a dozen sign owners, including Glenda Daniels, have accepted artist Jacob Morin's offer: The man best know … Continue reading Artist offers to paint over Stanley Marsh 3’s whimsical signs
Oatman Hotel is in the money
This video, shot over the Fourth of July holiday, shows all of the dollar bills affixed to the walls, ceilings, and whatever else is available at the Oatman Hotel in Oatman, Ariz. According to the videographer, the total count of the bills was 62,000 about three years ago. There's little reason to doubt that: https://youtu.be/Yj507i5DnRI?t=13s … Continue reading Oatman Hotel is in the money
Ground broken on interchange project that restores part of Route 66
The California Department of Transportation held a ceremonial groundbreaking last week for building a new interchange for Interstates 15 and 215 near Devore that includes restoring a part of Route 66 to traffic, reported the Highland Community News. The $324 million project adds truck by-pass lanes and one travel lane in each direction -- all to … Continue reading Ground broken on interchange project that restores part of Route 66
Albuquerque soon will enact neon sign incentives
The Albuquerque City Council last week passed a series of proposals that will encourage neon signs along Route 66 in the city, and Mayor Richard Berry says he intends to sign them, according to the Albuquerque Journal. The proposal will go into effect about a month after Berry's signature. According to the newspaper, the packages … Continue reading Albuquerque soon will enact neon sign incentives
More of this, please
The exterior of a new radiator and auto body shop in Victorville, Calif., sports a Route 66 theme, thanks to the help of city planners, reported the Victorville Daily Press. After six years of construction, the exterior of a radiator and auto body shop has been completed on D Street in Old Town, making it … Continue reading More of this, please
Huge kerosene tank removed in front of El Garces
A previously unknown 20,000-gallon underground tank containing kerosene was dug up and removed from a park directly in front of the El Garces Hotel in Needles, Calif., a few days ago, reported the Mohave Daily News. Needles public works director Marc Richards explained how the tank was discovered: Richards said the tank was discovered while crew … Continue reading Huge kerosene tank removed in front of El Garces
Joliet may balk at paying for repairs to Rich & Creamy stand
Even though the historic Rich & Creamy ice cream stand in Joliet, Ill., reportedly has a good business -- including Route 66 travelers from all over the globe -- the city manager is wary of the city paying for a new roof, said The Herald-News in Joliet. The City of Joliet bought the aging building about … Continue reading Joliet may balk at paying for repairs to Rich & Creamy stand
Group may renovate Elk City hotel into apartments
A development group may restore the long-closed Casa Grande Hotel on Route 66 in Elk City, Okla., and convert it into apartments for moderate-income families, according to an article by The Daily Elk Citian. City commissioners passed a resolution supporting the group's efforts, although it didn't pass a zoning change for the project, the newspaper … Continue reading Group may renovate Elk City hotel into apartments