Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity this week announced seven awards, totaling $3.3 million, through the Route 66 Grant Program. This funding is intended to boost local tourism and attract visitors to Route 66, leading up to the 100th anniversary of the highway in 2026, according to a … Continue reading Illinois announces seven grants for projects along Route 66
Category: Signs
Camp Cajon volunteers erect Route 66 directional signpost
Volunteers for Camp Cajon monument in Southern California last month added a new photo-op at the historic site -- a directional signpost that lists mileages to numerous cities on Route 66. According to history columnist Mark Landis of the San Bernardino County Sun: Designed as a nostalgic reminder of historic mileage signposts on early highways, … Continue reading Camp Cajon volunteers erect Route 66 directional signpost
Bristow’s Town Square being revitalized as part of Route 66 project
The Town Square of Bristow, Oklahoma, is being revitalized by the town's historical society as part of a Route 66 Landmark Renovation Project. News on 6 in nearby Tulsa reported the society is building a new roof for the nearby historic depot. So far, all tiles have been removed for new roofing and the structure … Continue reading Bristow’s Town Square being revitalized as part of Route 66 project
Kingman seeks images from photographers that will be placed on billboards
The Kingman, Arizona, Office of Tourism and Economic Development is calling on photographers worldwide to participate in a contest through February where the winners' work will be displayed on nearly 50-foot billboards. The contest seeks images that showcase Kingman's key attractions: Route 66, history and outdoor recreation. The City of Kingman will award three grand … Continue reading Kingman seeks images from photographers that will be placed on billboards
Lucky couples can get married on Route 66 in Kingman this February
The vintage Cupid’s Wedding Chapel neon sign from Las Vegas will be transformed into the newest roadside landmark in Kingman, Arizona, in February. The sign will be 200 feet west of the famous Route 66 drive-through shield, directly across Route 66 from Dunton Motors Dream Machines in downtown Kingman. And Kingman is offering chances to get married … Continue reading Lucky couples can get married on Route 66 in Kingman this February
Joplin may allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts
The City of Joplin, Missouri, is exploring a proposal to allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts. According to the Joplin Globe, city staff and the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission are seeking input for the plan at a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the 530 Somewhere restaurant at 530 S. Main … Continue reading Joplin may allow neon signs in its historic downtown districts
Jobe’s Drive-In in El Reno scheduled to reopen in mid-2024
Jobe's Drive-In in El Reno, Oklahoma, is scheduled to reopen as a restaurant in June after it closed nearly a decade ago. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin noted early this summer that the sign for the Route 66 landmark had been spruced up. According to a recent story in the Yukon Progress-News, longtime … Continue reading Jobe’s Drive-In in El Reno scheduled to reopen in mid-2024
Mexican restaurant with Route 66 theme opens at the former site of Sonrise Donuts in Springfield
A Mexican restaurant called Lil Fiesta on Route 66 recently opened in the space that held Sonrise Donuts and its iconic sign for many years in Springfield, Illinois. Lil Fiesta on Route 66 opened Friday at 1101 S. Ninth St. (aka Route 66) in a space that also held another Mexican restaurant, for a few … Continue reading Mexican restaurant with Route 66 theme opens at the former site of Sonrise Donuts in Springfield
El Rancho Grande restaurant in Tulsa marks its 70th year
The landmark El Rancho Grande Mexican Food Restaurant near downtown Tulsa recently marked its 70th anniversary of operation. El Rancho, located at 1629 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66), remains best known for its well-preserved neon sign and that it is a pioneer in Mexican restaurant food in the United States. The restaurant marked the … Continue reading El Rancho Grande restaurant in Tulsa marks its 70th year
St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler put up for sale by its longtime owner
The 120-year-old St. Cloud Hotel building along Route 66 in Chandler, Oklahoma, has been placed on the market by its longtime owner. John Givens, who has owned the property since the 1980s, said in a telephone interview he put it up for sale a few weeks ago because he needs to devote more time to … Continue reading St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler put up for sale by its longtime owner