Ellsworth Hayes, son of deceased Bottle Tree Ranch founder Elmer Long, a few days ago popped in at the Historic Route 66 group on Facebook to announce he would "continue his legacy" as the Route 66 landmark approaches its 25th anniversary. Hayes wrote: After he passed away from lung cancer In 2019, I basically went … Continue reading Elmer Long’s son says he’ll “continue legacy” of Bottle Tree Ranch
Category: Preservation
Historic tax credits rejected to convert Gold Dome in OKC into a music venue
A developer wants to convert the historic Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City into a music concert site, but he'll have to do it without historic tax credits or grants from the state's Route 66 commission. Instead, Mike Brown, president of Tulsa-based Kismet Koncerts, will seek $3 million in local tax increment financing to renovate the site, … Continue reading Historic tax credits rejected to convert Gold Dome in OKC into a music venue
Camp Joy replica arch mostly completed in front of an original cabin at Lebanon park
Lettering for a Camp Joy replica archway in front of one of the former Route 66 tourist camp's original cabins was completed just before the new year at Boswell Park in Lebanon, Missouri. Joker Welding and Weld Supply of Lebanon attached the lettering. The only task remaining for the archway project is painting the back … Continue reading Camp Joy replica arch mostly completed in front of an original cabin at Lebanon park
Big Willy’s Hot Dogs stand in Chandler uses 1930 Phillips 66 gas station for indoor seating
Shortly before Christmas, the Big Willy's Hot Dogs trailer in Chandler, Oklahoma, announced it would use a famous 1930 Phillips 66 cottage-style gas station for indoor seating at the restaurant. Here's the announcement by the restaurant: Route 66 artist and author Jerry McClanahan, who lives in Chandler, stopped by that day to check it out: … Continue reading Big Willy’s Hot Dogs stand in Chandler uses 1930 Phillips 66 gas station for indoor seating
Group gets $5,000 Landmarks Illinois grant to preserve McLean water tower
A historic preservation group based in the Route 66 town of McLean, Illinois, recently received a $5,000 grant from Landmarks Illinois to help restore the village’s 90-year-old water tower. CORE of McLean, which took possession of the tower from the village this fall, will use the grant for Phase I of restoration, which includes power … Continue reading Group gets $5,000 Landmarks Illinois grant to preserve McLean water tower
Roy’s in Amboy hopes to have cafe, cottage open by 2026
The owners of Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy, California, hope to have the restaurant and it six small cottages reopened by Route 66's centennial in 2026. That factoid was part of a feature in The Guardian newspaper in London about Roy's and the Okura family, who own the complex and the town. Albert Okura, … Continue reading Roy’s in Amboy hopes to have cafe, cottage open by 2026
Missouri Route 66 Association acquires historic signs for future neon park
The Route 66 Association of Missouri announced Thursday it had acquired four neon signs -- including from the Ozark Court and La Casa Grande Motel -- for a future neon park development. Rich Dinkela, president of the association, bought the signs for $44,400 from the estate of St. Louis-area sign collector Greg Rhomberg so they … Continue reading Missouri Route 66 Association acquires historic signs for future neon park
Forthcoming Hotrod Hangout in Galena soon will include an operating Valentine diner
The Hotrod Hangout Speed Shop & Diner, which will open soon in Galena, Kansas, will include an original Valentine diner operating as soon as this spring. The speed shop inside will include elements of an old-time Fina gas station and a drive-in theatre, complete with a ticket booth, which the owner hopes will become a … Continue reading Forthcoming Hotrod Hangout in Galena soon will include an operating Valentine diner
Promoter wants to buy Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, turn it into a music venue
A Tulsa-based music promoter wants to buy the closed Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City and transform it into a live music venue. Mike Brown, president of Kismet Koncerts, has requested $3 million in public assistance for the project, reported The Oklahoman (subscription required). The money would come from tax-increment financing. Kismet owns and operates … Continue reading Promoter wants to buy Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, turn it into a music venue
Albuquerque police close Tewa Lodge; owner says he’ll consider buyout offer
The City of Albuquerque last month closed the crime-ridden Tewa Lodge. Still, the owner said he'll consider a buyout offer of the motel, including from the city or a private developer. Several Albuquerque news outlets reported on the Route 66 motel's closure after an official-involved shooting there. In addition to rampant crime there, reports also … Continue reading Albuquerque police close Tewa Lodge; owner says he’ll consider buyout offer