The landmark Eads Bridge in St. Louis is marking the 150th anniversary of its completion, and it still is being used for vehicular and rail traffic all this time later. The nearby Gateway Arch National Park is hosting events and special programs through July 7 to mark the occasion. Special promotional items for the bridge's … Continue reading Eads Bridge in St. Louis marks 150th year
Category: Preservation
Women want to preserve prairie dog colony off Route 66 near Yukon
Two women want to protect a prairie dog colony of about 800 animals from development off Route 66 near Yukon, Oklahoma. The Yukon Progress newspaper reports that the colony at Sara Road is one of the last in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Janet Combs and Kathy Crews hope someone buys the land so it's … Continue reading Women want to preserve prairie dog colony off Route 66 near Yukon
Nearly century-old Circle Cinema in Tulsa launches a building and maintenance fund
The 96-year-old Circle Cinema recently launched a building and maintenance fund to help keep the venue going well into its next century. The operators of the Route 66 landmark said the building is in good shape, but it's old enough that an urgent repair issue arises now and then, according to KJRH-TV in Tulsa. When … Continue reading Nearly century-old Circle Cinema in Tulsa launches a building and maintenance fund
Duarte Historical Society to honor the Hellers when it dedicates Route 66 Room on June 30
The Duarte Historical Society & Museum in Duarte, California, will honor Claudia and Alan Heller when it dedicates a new Route 66 Room on June 30. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported the ceremony will be at 3 p.m. that day at the historical society's museum at 777 Encanto Parkway (map here). Claudia Heller was … Continue reading Duarte Historical Society to honor the Hellers when it dedicates Route 66 Room on June 30
Camp Cajon will mark its 105th birthday on July 4
Camp Cajon, a defunct motor camp along Route 66 in Southern California's Cajon Pass, will celebrate 105 years on July 4 with two guided hikes, a program on its history and information from local historical groups. Mark Landis, a historical columnist for the San Bernardino County Sun, had the details on the event, which runs … Continue reading Camp Cajon will mark its 105th birthday on July 4
Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy
A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times (via AOL) published a lengthy story about how the son of the late Albert Okura, owner of the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, is trying to keep that dream alive. The story by Alex Wigglesworth is worth reading in its entirety. But a few nuggets stand … Continue reading Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy
Wings of Freedom in Tulsa erects repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign
A few days ago, the Wings of Freedom organization of Tulsa erected a repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign made for its sober-living facility at the former motel site. Wings of Freedom posted images of the new sign being installed, along with an image of the old sign. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin also … Continue reading Wings of Freedom in Tulsa erects repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign
Painted Desert Inn in eastern Arizona marks its 100th year
The Painted Desert Inn is celebrating its 100th year this month, though it started under another name and was in danger of being torn down during the mid-1970s. To celebrate the centennial, the surrounding Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona will offer free activities for families on June 21-23 along with moonlight-guided tours of … Continue reading Painted Desert Inn in eastern Arizona marks its 100th year
Astro Motel in Amarillo to be converted into housing for homeless veterans
The Astro Motel off Route 66 on the west side of Amarillo, Texas, will become a housing complex for homeless veterans. The Amarillo Globe-News reported that Homeless Heroes of Amarillo had secured the $565,000 needed to purchase the property at 5703 W. Amarillo Blvd. (aka Route 66). The current 20-room configuration will be turned into … Continue reading Astro Motel in Amarillo to be converted into housing for homeless veterans
Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo marking its 50th anniversary this month
The landmark Cadillac Ranch on Amarillo's west side is celebrating its 50th year this month, with a show at the Amarillo Museum of Art through Aug. 15. Texas Highways published a terrific article about the Cadillac Ranch art installation off Route 66, including its genesis back in 1974 and photos from that time. I commend … Continue reading Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo marking its 50th anniversary this month