Route 66 has a humongous weekend

This past weekend was a huge one for Route 66 -- not just in Springfield, Missouri, but also in Williams, Arizona; Kingman, Arizona; Seligman, Arizona; and Joliet, Illinois. The events came 100 years after officials in Springfield sent a telegram to the federal government, stating they were receptive to the No. 66 for their Chicago-to-Los … Continue reading Route 66 has a humongous weekend

Retro-looking, neon monument signs coming soon to Wilmington

The mayor of Wilmington, Illinois, announced that the city council approved new logos that will include the addition of retro-styled, neon monument signs. "In the coming months our entrance signs to Wilmington will also be replaced with a massive upgrade," Mayor Ben Dietz wrote in a Facebook post. "Friends, tourists, and residents will be welcomed … Continue reading Retro-looking, neon monument signs coming soon to Wilmington

Neon sign for the West Winds Motel in Erick is restored

The neon sign for the long-closed but still-standing West Winds Motel in Erick, Oklahoma, has been restored and installed, but it may look a little different from how you remember it. During the restoration process, it was discovered that the business was originally named West Winds Court. So they went with that instead. The City … Continue reading Neon sign for the West Winds Motel in Erick is restored

Lighting ceremony set for May 1 for three historic Route 66 neon signs in Williams

Margaret Hangan, chairwoman of the Historic Preservation Commission for the City of Williams, Arizona, announced a lighting ceremony scheduled for 7:15 p.m. local time on May 1 for three historic neon signs along the city's Route 66 corridor. The neon signs that were restored belong to the Turquoise Teepee, Canyon Club, and the World Famous Sultana Bar. The … Continue reading Lighting ceremony set for May 1 for three historic Route 66 neon signs in Williams

Chrysler Plymouth neon tower sign in Bristow is relighted

The long-dark tower sign that advertised a now-defunct Chrysler-Plymouth dealership in Bristow, Oklahoma, is glowing again for the first time in about 70 years after a relighting ceremony on Saturday night. Naturally, a bunch of Route 66 enthusiasts posted photos and videos from the big event: The tower sign once stood a block or two … Continue reading Chrysler Plymouth neon tower sign in Bristow is relighted

Grants MainStreet purchases Roarin’ 20’s sign to restore it

Grants MainStreet, a nonprofit organization based in Grants, New Mexico, recently announced it has purchased the Roarin' 20's neon sign and adjoining lot for the long-closed Route 66 bar. "This historic landmark has long been a part of our community’s story, and we’re excited to begin the journey of revitalizing the sign and bringing it … Continue reading Grants MainStreet purchases Roarin’ 20’s sign to restore it

Hotel Beale neon sign in Kingman to be relighted on May 2 as part of Fun Run after-party event

The historic Hotel Beale neon sign in Kingman, Arizona, will be relighted for the first time in more than 40 years during an after-party event of the Route 66 Fun Run at 7:30 p.m. on May 2. After the ceremony, there will be live music, a beer garden and dancing in the parking lot at … Continue reading Hotel Beale neon sign in Kingman to be relighted on May 2 as part of Fun Run after-party event

Paradise Motel signs removed from Tucumcari return back to New Mexico

The Paradise Motel neon signs that once stood at a long-closed motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, recently returned to the Land of Enchantment. The Facebook account for Glorieta Station in Albuquerque recently revealed that it had obtained the signs from John and Mary Thoresen of Wisconsin. The signs are now undergoing restoration by West Hand … Continue reading Paradise Motel signs removed from Tucumcari return back to New Mexico

Neon sign removed from Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo

The distinctive neon sign for the Silver Spur Motel along Route 66 in Amarillo was removed last week. It will be at least partially restored, but it won't be going back up at the property because it has new owners. James Benson, an apparent sign collector based on his Facebook account, posted photos of the … Continue reading Neon sign removed from Silver Spur Motel in Amarillo

Western Hills Motel in Flagstaff being converted into affordable workforce apartments

The former Western Hills Motel along Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, will soon be converted into 29 apartment units by Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona. The nonprofit organization recently purchased the motel and will rent its rooms to households making up to 80% of the area median income, which is $69,840 for a Flagstaff household … Continue reading Western Hills Motel in Flagstaff being converted into affordable workforce apartments