The restoration of the historic Front Street Bridge in Galena, Kansas, recently was finished, and the city will hold a dedication ceremony at 6 p.m. July 22 to mark the occasion. City and county officials talked to the Joplin Globe newspaper about the project, also known as the Galena Viaduct: “It’s a piece of history, … Continue reading Restoration of Front Street Bridge in Galena completed
Tag: Galena
Front Street Bridge in Galena to be closed for repairs until July
The historic Front Street Bridge, aka the Galena Viaduct, that carried Route 66 into Galena, Kansas, will be closed for renovations until July. KSNF-TV reports the bridge's road surface, sidewalks and hand rails are being repaved. It's being paid for with a $193,000 Community Development Block Grant, with Cherokee County covering the other half … Continue reading Front Street Bridge in Galena to be closed for repairs until July
Tow Tater, aka Tow Mater, has a competitor in Missouri Mater
A lot of Route 66 folks know of Tow Tater, the 1951 International boom truck on Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, that served as the direct inspiration to the Tow Mater character in the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars." But barely 15 miles east in Carterville, Missouri, also on Route 66, sits another rusty tow truck that … Continue reading Tow Tater, aka Tow Mater, has a competitor in Missouri Mater
Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store
Galena's Bordello in Galena, Kansas, recently was purchased by an English couple and has been converted into an antiques store. KSN-TV reports David and Vicky Horbury have changed the name to Bordello Antiques: They sell all antiques that are imported from their home country. They say they fell in love with the people and Route … Continue reading Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store
Cars on the Route put up for sale
Cars on the Route of Galena, Kansas, which helped usher in a revival of its downtown, is being put up for sale. It will remain open, however, for at least a few more weeks to greet Route 66 tourists. Renee Charles, one of the founders of the business almost 10 years ago, and partner Brian Jordan … Continue reading Cars on the Route put up for sale
Galena Viaduct wins grants to finish restoration
The Galena Viaduct, also known as the Front Street Bridge, north of Galena, Kansas, recently received almost $400,000 in grants to finish its restoration. The bridge recently received a federal $193,836 Community Development Block Grant and a $193,837 match from Cherokee County. Cherokee County commissioner Pat Collins said the money will be used to refurbish the … Continue reading Galena Viaduct wins grants to finish restoration
Melba Rigg retires from Cars on the Route
Melba Rigg, one of the original four women of the 4 Women on the Route station in Galena, Kansas, before its name changed to Cars on the Route, announced her retirement over the weekend. Rigg wrote on a Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/melba.rigg/posts/944043785674648 This video by KC Keefer on his Genuine Route 66 Life video series interviewed Rigg couple … Continue reading Melba Rigg retires from Cars on the Route
Larry the Cable Guy meets Tow Tater
Comedian Larry the Cable Guy voiced the hillbilly tow-truck character of Tow Mater in the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars" and the sequel "Cars 2." The first film's portrayal of the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs brought the Mother Road's story to a new generation of travelers. The inspiration to Tow Mater was … Continue reading Larry the Cable Guy meets Tow Tater
Prosecutor requests indictment be dropped against Galena officials
A special prosecutor in Cherokee County, Kansas, has filed a motion to drop criminal charges against several Galena officials, including the mayor, over a land purchase, according to a report late Thursday by KSN / KODE-TV. According to the report, the prosecutor filed the motion after it was determined the city officials didn't violate the … Continue reading Prosecutor requests indictment be dropped against Galena officials
Galena needs volunteers to help plant trees on Route 66
A few weeks ago, we told you about a Dutch arborist who was helping the Route 66 town of Galena, Kansas, plant trees, using the Groasis Waterbox method, in the city's rugged soils degraded by decades of lead mining. Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association is asking for volunteers to help … Continue reading Galena needs volunteers to help plant trees on Route 66