Building in Springfield, Missouri, added to National Register

The McDaniel Building in downtown Springfield, Missouri, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places effective Oct. 22, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. The six-story building, built in 1914, was around when Cyrus Avery and John Woodruff worked on details during meetings in Springfield about what became the fledgling … Continue reading Building in Springfield, Missouri, added to National Register

Lou Whitney, R.I.P.

Lou Whitney, 72, a music producer based in Springfield, Missouri, whose mentoring and influence on other musicians far exceeded his fame as a bassist with The Morells and The Skeletons, died of cancer Tuesday, reported the Springfield News-Leader. Before delving into an amazing career, here's Whitney with his band, The Morells, immortalizing long-gone Route 66 … Continue reading Lou Whitney, R.I.P.

A look back at the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

The folks in Springfield, Missouri, already are publicizing next year's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival -- scheduled for Aug. 7-8 -- by showing a few of the highlights of the festival last month. That includes a performance of "Chicken Train" by some local legends, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Birthplace of Route 66 Festival from SGF … Continue reading A look back at the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

Fox Theatre light returns to downtown Springfield

A replica of the Fox Theatre's neon sign in downtown Springfield, Missouri, was installed and lighted Thursday night, reported KLOR-TV. The relighting was part of History Museum on the Square's fall fundraiser. The Fox Theatre is located at 157 Park Central Square. More from the report: The Fox Theatre's iconic sign was lit at 9 … Continue reading Fox Theatre light returns to downtown Springfield

Southwest Missouri county will dedicate three historic sites

The Greene County Historic Sites Board on Saturday will dedicate three locations west of Springfield, Missouri, along Route 66 as historic sites, reported the Springfield News-Leader. One of the ceremonies will include a lightning ceremony for a restored neon sign at a former tourist cabin complex. The sites are: Barnes Town & Country, 8240 W. Highway 266, formerly … Continue reading Southwest Missouri county will dedicate three historic sites

Old gas station will be converted into a barbershop

A reputed former Sinclair gas station in Springfield, Missouri, soon will reopen as a barbershop and waxing studio later this fall, reported the News-Leader newspaper. The station is just a few hundred feet south of the College Street alignment of Route 66. Dacy and Ryan Mulcahy agreed to buy the station at 640 W. Walnut … Continue reading Old gas station will be converted into a barbershop

Springfield erects new welcome sign, Red’s Giant Hamburg replica

On Friday, right when the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival was kicking off, the city of Springfield, Missouri, showed off its new Route 66-themed welcome sign and a replica of the long-gone Red's Giant Hamburg restaurant sign at the newly christened Route 66 Roadside Park. The Springfield News-Leader had some details about the park: Plans … Continue reading Springfield erects new welcome sign, Red’s Giant Hamburg replica

Did Springfield, Missouri, miss the boat in promoting Route 66?

A few days ago, the Springfield News-Leader published a long, soul-searching piece titled "Selling 66" that asks the question: Has Springfield, Missouri, done a good job promoting Route 66? If you have to ask, you know the answer. Springfield has realized its error and is trying new things to bring tourists, including the future Birthplace of … Continue reading Did Springfield, Missouri, miss the boat in promoting Route 66?

Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces 2014 grants

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program on Thursday announced five cost-share grants totaling $77,000 for 2014, including one for an endangered bridge in Oklahoma. Here are the recipients: Rock Creek Bridge, Sapulpa, Oklahoma ($5,013 National Park Service grant, $5,013 match by recipient)– The bridge carried traffic on Route 66 from 1926 until 1952. The bridge, on the … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces 2014 grants

Springfield tunnel once was part of a brewery

Last week, workers clearing land for the future site of a Route 66-themed park on College Street in Springfield, Missouri, found a series of underground rooms that probably were at least a century old. This week, media outlets -- including the Springfield News-Leader -- found the tunnel once was part of the Springfield Brewing Co. … Continue reading Springfield tunnel once was part of a brewery