Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct

A drive-through Route 66 shield is being constructed on Old Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, between the historic Front Street Bridge and the downtown area. The Joplin Globe in nearby Joplin, Missouri, had the details: Dale Oglesby, owner of B&B Discount and a former mayor of Galena, provided a large forklift to move the frame … Continue reading Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct

Gearhead Curios in Galena plans a ‘Big A the Texaco Man’ fiberglass giant by summer

The owner of Gearhead Curios of Galena, Kansas, is commissioning a new, nearly 20-foot-tall Muffler Man called "Big A the Texaco Man" that he hopes will be standing at his business by summer 2024. "Big A" is being made by Enchanted Castle Studios, which has made other Muffler Men or fiberglass giants around the country … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena plans a ‘Big A the Texaco Man’ fiberglass giant by summer

Gearhead Curios in Galena holds its official ribbon-cutting

Though it's been open for more than a year, Gearhead Curios in downtown Galena, Kansas, held its official ribbon-cutting on Saturday. The ceremony commemorated five years of renovations on the old Texaco site by owner Aaron Perry. Rhys Martin of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association was there when the deed was done: Another set of … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena holds its official ribbon-cutting

New indoor mural is being painted in Galena Mining and History Museum

An artist is painting a mural inside the Galena Mining and History Museum in Galena, Kansas, and anticipates finishing it in about 10 days. According to KSNF-TV and museum director Linda Phipps, Sandra Pemberton's mural will depict Galena's railroad, mining and Route 66 history. Here's what Phipps said inspired the mural: “I was visiting my … Continue reading New indoor mural is being painted in Galena Mining and History Museum

Longtime Kansas Route 66 advocate Carolyn Pendleton dies

Carolyn Pendleton, a longtime advocate for the 13 miles of Route 66 in Kansas, died last week after being in declining health. She was 80. Pendleton was director of the Route 66 Visitor Center in Baxter Springs, housed in a former Phillips 66 gas station that was renovated about 15 years ago. In 2009, Pendleton … Continue reading Longtime Kansas Route 66 advocate Carolyn Pendleton dies

Gearhead Curios in Galena to hold official ribbon-cutting on June 17

Mark your calendars. Gearhead Curios of Galena, Kansas, will hold an official ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m. June 17 to celebrate several years of work on the former Texaco station. "It will have been almost 5 years of renovations; we have been soft open since March of '22 but come June we will be ready ready … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena to hold official ribbon-cutting on June 17

Modified Big Boy statue added to Gearhead Curios in Galena

Gearhead Curios along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, has a new addition -- a modified Big Boy statue from a Big Boy Restaurant. Instead of the Big Boy carrying a hamburger, he's hoisting four tires. That seems to be an appropriate modification for a site that once was a Texaco station. Gearhead Curios owner Aaron … Continue reading Modified Big Boy statue added to Gearhead Curios in Galena

Accidental fire destroys Frecs the Miner statue in Galena

A fire sparked accidentally by maintenance work on Tuesday destroyed the 19-foot-tall Frecs the Miner statue along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas. Renee Charles, president of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association, stated in a Facebook post that sparks during repair work on the statue's arm fell inside the structure and set it ablaze. Undeterred, … Continue reading Accidental fire destroys Frecs the Miner statue in Galena

‘Yellow brick road’ marker added to old Route 66 at Kansas-Missouri border

Other than the nearby old State Line Bar, nothing vividly marked the line for Kansas and Missouri on old Route 66 for many years. Until now. The City of Galena, Kansas, and the Joplin Special Road District on Tuesday completed a project on old Route 66 that unmistakably delineates that border. They placed bricks in … Continue reading ‘Yellow brick road’ marker added to old Route 66 at Kansas-Missouri border

Replica of Lightning McQueen from “Cars” unveiled along Route 66 in Galena

The Kansas Historic Route 66 Association on Saturday unveiled along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, a replica of the Lightning McQueen character from the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated movie "Cars." Lightning is part of the Luigi's Pit Stop attraction on East Front Street (aka Route 66) in Galena, along with several other "Cars" characters. Much of … Continue reading Replica of Lightning McQueen from “Cars” unveiled along Route 66 in Galena