This story from the Wall Street Journal that a reader pointed out doesn’t have any Route 66 content, save for the soon-to-be-apparent roadside nostalgia.
But this group’s protests over ConocoPhillips’ decision to remove the “76” orange balls from old Union 76 gas stations that the corporation acquired proves to be illustrative on how grassroots efforts can effect change. Fledgling Route 66 preservationists should take note.
ConocoPhillips wanted to balls destroyed. The group was persistent in preserving the balls, and even launched a Web site in an effort to preserve the 76 brand — www.savethe76ball.com.
ConocoPhillips’ resistance to the group turned into a public-relations nightmare, and now the company is trying to make amends.
(NOTE: This link to the WSJ article will last only about a week, so read it quickly.)