Work has begun in restoring the Crestwood Bowl neon sign along Route 66 in Crestwood, Mo., a southwest suburb of St. Louis. The official relighting ceremony for the sign will be Saturday, Oct. 20, at dusk.
According to climate data, sunset on that date will be 6:14 p.m., although darkness could come earlier if it’s cloudy.
According to a news release:
Crestwood Bowl received a $9,500 cost-share grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program to restore the sign. The building and sign were built in 1957, with the latter going dark in March 2009. After 50 years, the internal electrical components had deteriorated beyond normal maintenance and repair. When restored, it will be the only vintage 66 neon sign still lighted on the primary Watson Road alignment in St. Louis County. Furthermore, it is one of only three signs in St. Louis County designated as a County Landmark by the Historic Buildings Commission of St. Louis County.
Crestwood Bowl is located at 9822 Watson Road (map here), near Sappington Road.
The release also said:
Ray Bluth and his son, Mike, owners of the business since 1973, are eagerly awaiting this day when their historic Route 66 beacon will again shine like it did during the heyday of the Mother Road. They are delighted to welcome all Route 66 roadies to join in the fun and celebrate this event with them.
Refreshments will be served, and it is anticipated the mayors (and other representatives) of the Crestwood and Sunset Hills communities will be there to show their support for Route 66 preservation and help this longtime business within the community celebrate this event.
(Photos courtesy of Jim Thole)
Sure wish it was not on a Sunday,we would probably make the trip to see this
It may not sound like much but still would be neat to be a part of an event. Just think a piece of history that has not worked for 3 years coming back to life
It’s a Saturday, Doc. I made an error in the initial post, and corrected it.