There’s been a lot of discussion on the Internet about the Associated Press story about neglected historic motels along Route 66.
Yesterday came this plea on the Route 66 yahoogroup from Bob Kelley, owner of the Grand Motel in Williams, Ariz.:
I have seen the same problems others have that own older Route 66 motels. I have ran out of money to finish restoring the rest of the way so I am limping along trying to compete with Econolodge, Roadside Inn, etc. With only 16 rooms it is hard. If everyone who wants to see our old gal continue to exist would send me $2, I would put it into a restore fund to do so. Please help us! Send $2 to Grand Motel Preservation fund, 234 E. Route 66, Williams, AZ
86046.
Kelley figures if enough people respond, then those little $2 donations can end up being substantial money. But if I were him, I’d also apply for a cost-share grant from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which can cut his costs in half.
Very friendly guy. I spent some time talking with his and looking at his place back in September. If you’re on the road, this is a place you’d want to stay. Down to the Big Band music playing outside. Your continental breakfast, weather permitting, is served outside on the patio.
He also owned a smaller motel across Route 66 which was used primarily to house railroad crews on turn-arounds back in its day. It had fallen into disrepair and was being turned into small shops and businesses.