Businesses that were listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book from 1936 to 1967, including several on or near Route 66, made Landmarks Illinois' annual Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. This year, Landmarks Illinois listed nine sites it considered as endangered. "The purpose of the list is to focus attention on sites threatened by … Continue reading Green Book sites make the list of Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois
Tag: Springfield IL
Crime Stoppers group offers reward for solving graffiti damage to Route 66 mural
A county Crime Stoppers group is offering a reward of up to $2,500 to apprehend whoever defaced a Route 66 mural in Springfield, Illinois, with graffiti. The mural on the railroad viaduct on Ninth Street, just north of Converse Street, was vandalized between the week of Jan. 10 and Jan. 27, causing hundreds of dollars … Continue reading Crime Stoppers group offers reward for solving graffiti damage to Route 66 mural
A World War II bomber landed on Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois
A bomber pilot made an emergency landing on Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, in 1942, then took off from the same highway after his aircraft was repaired. Reader Dave Todd forwarded me the brief story that was recounted in the Illinois State Journal newspaper on Dec. 30, 1942. The pilot, Lt. John W. Graybill, 25, … Continue reading A World War II bomber landed on Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois
‘World’s largest Route 66 sign’ planned in Wellston won’t be the world’s largest
Longtime Route 66 researcher and artist Jerry McClanahan flagged an article in a local newspaper that reported Wellston, Oklahoma, is planning what reputedly would be the "world's largest" Route 66 sign. In a Facebook post, McClanahan posted a photograph of an Oct. 8 article from The Lincoln County News, based in Chandler, Oklahoma, that stated … Continue reading ‘World’s largest Route 66 sign’ planned in Wellston won’t be the world’s largest
‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts
Longtime Route 66 enthusiast Jim Conkle is scheduling a so-called "archaeological dig" at a barn in Rochester, Illinois, to find artifacts that belonged to late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. The barn belongs to Buz Waldmire, Bob's brother. Bob also spent time there off and on during his lifetime, and he died there in 2009 … Continue reading ‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts
Route 66 MotorHeads erects its ‘world’s largest Route 66 emblem’
Route 66 MotorHeads Bar, Grill and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, on Friday erected its "world's largest Route 66 emblem." According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the sign measures 32 by 32 feet. It was attached to 60-foot-tall poles that once carried a Stuckey's sign. Route 66 MotorHeads is housed in a former Stuckey's. The sign … Continue reading Route 66 MotorHeads erects its ‘world’s largest Route 66 emblem’
Route 66 MotorHeads will dedicate ‘world’s largest Route 66 sign’ on Friday
The Route 66 MotorHeads Bar, Grill and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, will celebrate the installation of the "world's largest Route 66 sign" on Friday evening. The big event will take place at 6 p.m. Friday when the massive sign is mounted on two 60-foot-tall poles that once held a Stuckey's sign in front of the … Continue reading Route 66 MotorHeads will dedicate ‘world’s largest Route 66 sign’ on Friday
Blake Shelton concert to be simulcast at 300 drive-ins, including three on Route 66
Country star Blake Shelton announced Wednesday he will perform a concert July 25 that will be simulcast at 300 drive-in theaters across the United States -- another sign drive-ins became suddenly viable venues amid the coronavirus pandemic. Guest stars will include Shelton's wife, Gwen Stefani, and another country star, Trace Adkins. Prices will be about $115 … Continue reading Blake Shelton concert to be simulcast at 300 drive-ins, including three on Route 66
Illinois gives $450,000 in grants for Springfield’s Route 66 corridor
The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission last week landed two state grants totaling $450,000 to redevelop the Peoria Road/Ninth Street corridor and a plan to promote Route 66 in the county. The State Journal-Register in Springfield reported: For Sangamon County, this translates into $250,000 for a study of the Peoria Road/Ninth Street Corridor between Cook … Continue reading Illinois gives $450,000 in grants for Springfield’s Route 66 corridor
Route History shop in Springfield awarded an $80,000 grant
Route History, a former gas station in Springfield, Illinois, that tells the African American experience of Route 66 and acts a souvenir shop, recently earned an $80,047 grant from the state. The grant from the Illinois Minority-Owned Business Capital and Infrastructure Program will the owners help buy the property, improve its grounds, add two staff members … Continue reading Route History shop in Springfield awarded an $80,000 grant