Blaine Davis, the longtime caretaker of the landmark Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, during a critical time in its history, has died. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced his death on Wednesday. Many will say Blaine's father built the Blue Whale, which is true. But Blaine was a giant in his own right. He helped … Continue reading Blaine Davis, longtime caretaker of Catoosa’s Blue Whale, dies
Category: Preservation
Century-old Ritz Theatre in Baxter Springs is for sale for $235,000
The historic Ritz Theatre in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas, has been put on the market. The property at 1145 Military Ave. (aka Route 66) is being listed by Burton Real Estate in nearby Frontenac, Kansas, for $235,000. Here's what the listing states: Step into a piece of American history with the iconic Ritz Theatre, a treasured … Continue reading Century-old Ritz Theatre in Baxter Springs is for sale for $235,000
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton goes on the market for $270,000
The property that contains the Henry's Rabbit Ranch complex and an adjoining home in Staunton, Illinois, has been put up for sale after its longtime owner died. The property at 1016 S. Madison St. is listed for $270,000 by Michael Bellovich and Melissa Quinones of RE/MAX Alliance. An alignment of Route 66 runs on the … Continue reading Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton goes on the market for $270,000
Neon sign for Cattleman’s Club in Amarillo is restored
The City of Amarillo announced a few days ago that the Cattleman's Club neon sign was restored and is glowing again, just before the city's Route 66 festival began. The city stated this in a Facebook post: Recognized for its historical significance in a 2016 Texas Historical Survey, the sign stands as a reminder of … Continue reading Neon sign for Cattleman’s Club in Amarillo is restored
Relighting ceremony held for Munger Moss Motel’s neon sign
The City of Lebanon, Missouri, held a relighting ceremony on June 1 for its restored neon sign once owned by the Munger Moss Motel. June 1 was the anniversary that longtime owners Bob and Ramona Lehman, both now deceased, purchased the Route 66 property in 1971. About 100 people attended the ceremony 55 years later. … Continue reading Relighting ceremony held for Munger Moss Motel’s neon sign
L.A. Times takes a closer look at the landmark Aztec Hotel in Monrovia
A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times took a deep dive into the checkered history of the Aztec Hotel, a landmark along Route 66 in Monrovia, California. For the uninitiated, Robert Stacy-Judd designed the 44-room hotel, built about 1925 and contains distinctive Mayan Revival architecture. Celebrities such as Bing Crosby, Clark Gable and Tom … Continue reading L.A. Times takes a closer look at the landmark Aztec Hotel in Monrovia
Hundreds attend grand opening of Blue Whale Visitor Center in Catoosa
As if the Tulsa area wasn't busy enough Saturday with the Route 66 Capital Cruise, the Blue Whale Visitor Center in nearby Catoosa. Oklahoma, held its grand opening after months of construction on the Route 66 landmark. The day at the Blue Whale included a 5K run that drew an estimated 500 runners, vendor markets, … Continue reading Hundreds attend grand opening of Blue Whale Visitor Center in Catoosa
Construction of Centennial Plaza in Pontiac moves into a swifter phase
The mayor of Pontiac, Illinois, reported a few days ago that construction of the Route 66-themed Centennial Plaza near the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum is moving into a more rapid stage. Mayor Kelly Eckhoff in a Facebook post stated: The end of the eight week curing time for the steel structure … Continue reading Construction of Centennial Plaza in Pontiac moves into a swifter phase
Ceremonial relighting held for West Winds Motel’s neon sign in Erick
Folks in Erick, Oklahoma, held a relighting ceremony on Friday for the previously long-dark neon sign at the closed West Winds Motel. The sign had been restored and has been operating nightly since April. The ceremony last week served as more of a celebration. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, was there … Continue reading Ceremonial relighting held for West Winds Motel’s neon sign in Erick
Oklahoma History Center opening its Route 66 exhibit on Saturday
The Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City is opening its "The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma" exhibit on Saturday. Here's what the Oklahoma Historical Society, which runs the center, stated about the exhibit: Oklahoma proudly claims the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the nation, spanning more than 400 miles. This legendary highway … Continue reading Oklahoma History Center opening its Route 66 exhibit on Saturday