The new Frontier League baseball team in Joliet, Ill., soon will begin its inaugural season, and it is asking its potential fan base to come up with a name: We have held some brainstorming sessions and come up with a list of names. BUT… We know that someone out there may have a better idea! … Continue reading Name that baseball team
Vega Motel shows signs of new life
The Vega Motel boasts a new owner who's converted part of the historic Route 66 motel in Vega, Texas, into a business center, and wants to reopen part of the property for overnight guests again. Darren Elliott, pastor of Christ's Community Fellowship church in Vega, bought the property during a tax auction in June, remodeled a … Continue reading Vega Motel shows signs of new life
Triangle Motel named to National Register
The Triangle Motel in Amarillo, Texas, was added to the National Register of Historic Places effective Dec. 7, according to an e-mail today from the National Park Service. The State Board of Review unanimously voted in late September to recommend the Route 66 motel to the National Register, so the national listing was deemed all … Continue reading Triangle Motel named to National Register
Launching Pad Drive-In put up for sale
The Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant of Wilmington, Ill., made famous by its 28-foot-tall astronaut Gemini Giant mascot that stands next to Route 66, has been put up for sale and appears to be closed at least temporarily. Longtime Route 66 advocate John Weiss, a Wilmington resident, took note of the restaurant's closing a few days … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In put up for sale
Gillioz Theatre faces possible foreclosure
The historic Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Mo., is urging supporters to dig deep into their pockets to prevent a possible New Year's Eve foreclosure, reported the Springfield News-Leader. The Gillioz was built in 1926 on Route 66 near downtown. The Springfield Landmarks Preservation Trust guided a $10 million restoration and reopened the theater in 2006. However, … Continue reading Gillioz Theatre faces possible foreclosure
Man finishes cross-country run
Using the 1928 Bunion Derby as his inspiration, John Radich recently completed his transcontinental run from Santa Monica to Atlantic City, N.J. -- two-thirds of it on Route 66. The Pasadena (Calif.) Star-News caught up with Radich, who lives in nearby Monrovia. It required four months, 20 days and seven pairs of shoes for him … Continue reading Man finishes cross-country run
Hello from Guatemala
Guatemala is about 2,000 miles from the closest point of Route 66. However, that doesn't prevent musicians in that nation from singing about it. This video shows road scenes in Guatemala, but includes Bobby Troup's famous tune. (Hat tip: Frank Kocevar of Historic Seligman Sundries)
Mayor of Springfield, Ill., found dead
Tim Davlin, 53, the mayor of Springfield, Ill., since 2003, was found dead at his home Tuesday morning of a gunshot wound, according to the Springfield State Journal-Register. The newspaper reported that the wound was self-inflicted. Police remained tight-lipped throughout the day, and would not say whether it was a suicide or accident. An autopsy … Continue reading Mayor of Springfield, Ill., found dead
Waynesville bridge soon will be improved
The city of Waynesville, Mo., is proceeding with plans to improve the historic Roubidoux Bridge that carried Route 66, reported The Daily Guide newspaper. Waynesville City Councilwoman Luge Hardman said lighting would be placed on both sides of the bridge, and that bids for the project would be let as soon as spring. Hardman said the … Continue reading Waynesville bridge soon will be improved
Lake Overholser Bridge will undergo repairs
The historic Lake Overholser Bridge that once carried Route 66 in Bethany, Okla., is about to undergo repairs after it was closed to traffic for the past year or so. According to KWTV in Oklahoma City: The plan is to keep the bridge preserved and close to the original state as possible. Eventually, it will … Continue reading Lake Overholser Bridge will undergo repairs