Gearhead Curios in Galena throws the switch on its new neon lighting

The owners of Gearhead Curios in downtown Galena, Kansas, on Saturday night threw the switch on the new neon lighting they installed on the gas station building and its Texaco sign out front. Proprietor Aaron Perry shot a Facebook Live video of the event and provided a brief tour of the Gearhead Curios' interior: Just … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena throws the switch on its new neon lighting

Route 66 bike trail extension in Normal would link to Sprague’s Super Service station

The town council of Normal, Illinois, on Monday will consider whether to approve a bid for an extension of a bicycle trail along Route 66 that would connect to the historic Sprague's Super Service station. According to WGLT, an National Public Radio affiliate at Illinois State University: The roughly $471,000 contract would extend the trail … Continue reading Route 66 bike trail extension in Normal would link to Sprague’s Super Service station

Neon relighting ceremony for Gearhead Curios in Galena set for April 24

The Route 66 Association of Missouri on Sunday announced a date of April 24 for the neon relighting at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas. The new neon will involve several elements at the former Texaco gas station: Around dusk approximately 6:30PM on April 24th we will "flip the switch" and light beautiful red TEXACO and … Continue reading Neon relighting ceremony for Gearhead Curios in Galena set for April 24

New exhibit at Oklahoma gallery focuses on famed pop artist Ed Ruscha’s roots

The Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City is hosting an exhibit on pop-art icon Ed Ruscha and the first-ever examination of his roots, including his Sooner State upbringing and the impact of Route 66 on him. The center's Eleanor Kirkpatrick Main Gallery is hosting the show in his hometown until July 5. Free tickets … Continue reading New exhibit at Oklahoma gallery focuses on famed pop artist Ed Ruscha’s roots

Route 66 Association of Missouri raising money for neon project in Galena

The Route 66 Association of Missouri is raising money and matching funds for a campaign to bring back neon lighting at the former Texaco gas station that is Gearheads Curios in Galena, Kansas. Association President Rich Dinkela outlines the campaign in this video: The association will match funds up to $2,500, with the goal of … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Missouri raising money for neon project in Galena

The FourWay restaurant in Cuba has closed

The operator of the FourWay restaurant, housed in a vintage Phillips 66 gas station in Cuba, Missouri, announced last week it closed for good in late December after five years at a prominent corner of Route 66. Joan Patrice Weir posted this on Facebook with the announcement on Friday: https://www.facebook.com/fourway66/posts/2814134562167088 Weir elaborated a bit more … Continue reading The FourWay restaurant in Cuba has closed

Owner of Ann’s Chicken Fry House building wants to open a retro diner there

The owner of the recently closed Ann's Chicken Fry House building in Oklahoma City said he wants to open a retro diner at that location. The Oklahoman newspaper confirms what had been rumored with building owner Tony Maxey for several weeks since the restaurant closed: Maxey wanted to purchase Ann's and reopen it, but that … Continue reading Owner of Ann’s Chicken Fry House building wants to open a retro diner there

Gearhead Curios in Galena plans to add neon lighting by April

The owners of Gearhead Curios along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, said on social media Thursday they plan to install neon lighting at their former gas station by April 21. The social media post included a rendering of the neon added to an existing photo of the site: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1124595541308380&id=550734662027807 Gearhead Curios said anyone who wants … Continue reading Gearhead Curios in Galena plans to add neon lighting by April

POPS in Arcadia undergoes a change in ownership

The POPS convenience store and restaurant, renowned worldwide for offering more than 500 types of soda and its 66-foot-tall LED soda bottle that stands along Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, quietly changed owners several weeks ago. US Star Properties LLC of nearby Edmond, Oklahoma, purchased the property on Nov. 19 for $2.22 million, according to … Continue reading POPS in Arcadia undergoes a change in ownership

Library of Congress puts Negro Motorist Green Book interviews online, including Threatt Filling Station’s

The Library of Congress recently posted online photographs and taped interviews of the owners of surviving African American businesses for Candacy Taylor's Negro Motorist Green Book research. One of the interviewees is Allen Threatt of the Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma. The collection, found here, includes interview subjects from Miami, Florida; … Continue reading Library of Congress puts Negro Motorist Green Book interviews online, including Threatt Filling Station’s