Route 66 Bowl near Joplin being converted into training center

Route 66 Bowl, a facility which had served bowling fans for about a half-century near the Missouri-Kansas border, recently was purchased and is being converted into a wrestling training center and gym. KSN-TV reported Dave O'Banion, owner of Renegade Wrestling Academy in Joplin, Missouri, recently bought the facility, which also was known as Route 66 … Continue reading Route 66 Bowl near Joplin being converted into training center

Veterans memorial trees planned on Route 66 in Barstow, other areas

A Route 66 enthusiast, with the help of a gardening group, plan to plant 3,200 trees along Route 66 to honor veterans, including more than 100 along the Mother Road in Barstow, California. The Desert Dispatch newspaper in Barstow had some of the details: Together with the Incredible Edible Community Garden (IEGC) organization, Conkle is … Continue reading Veterans memorial trees planned on Route 66 in Barstow, other areas

Two historic properties for sale in Galena, Tucumcari

In the past week or so, we've stumbled onto historic properties along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, and Tucumcari, New Mexico, that might interest a prospective entrepreneur for not a lot of money. The Tucumcari property once was the Jerry's Liquors store. It also once was a tattoo shop and a grocery store. Records indicate the … Continue reading Two historic properties for sale in Galena, Tucumcari

Officials dedicate restored Front Street Bridge in Galena

Officials from Galena, Kansas, and the neighboring states of Oklahoma and Missouri attended a ceremony Saturday to mark the restoration of the historic Front Street Bridge in Galena Work on the bridge was finished in early July. Cherokee County received a Community Development Block Grant last year for the repairs, and the county covered the … Continue reading Officials dedicate restored Front Street Bridge in Galena

Restoration of Front Street Bridge in Galena completed

The restoration of the historic Front Street Bridge in Galena, Kansas, recently was finished, and the city will hold a dedication ceremony at 6 p.m. July 22 to mark the occasion. City and county officials talked to the Joplin Globe newspaper about the project, also known as the Galena Viaduct: “It’s a piece of history, … Continue reading Restoration of Front Street Bridge in Galena completed

Front Street Bridge in Galena to be closed for repairs until July

  The historic Front Street Bridge, aka the Galena Viaduct, that carried Route 66 into Galena, Kansas, will be closed for renovations until July. KSNF-TV reports the bridge's road surface, sidewalks and hand rails are being repaved. It's being paid for with a $193,000 Community Development Block Grant, with Cherokee County covering the other half … Continue reading Front Street Bridge in Galena to be closed for repairs until July

Tow Tater, aka Tow Mater, has a competitor in Missouri Mater

A lot of Route 66 folks know of Tow Tater, the 1951 International boom truck on Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, that served as the direct inspiration to the Tow Mater character in the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars." But barely 15 miles east in Carterville, Missouri, also on Route 66, sits another rusty tow truck that … Continue reading Tow Tater, aka Tow Mater, has a competitor in Missouri Mater

Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store

Galena's Bordello in Galena, Kansas, recently was purchased by an English couple and has been converted into an antiques store. KSN-TV reports David and Vicky Horbury have changed the name to Bordello Antiques: They sell all antiques that are imported from their home country. They say they fell in love with the people and Route … Continue reading Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store

Cars on the Route put up for sale

Cars on the Route of Galena, Kansas, which helped usher in a revival of its downtown, is being put up for sale. It will remain open, however, for at least a few more weeks to greet Route 66 tourists. Renee Charles, one of the founders of the business almost 10 years ago, and partner Brian Jordan … Continue reading Cars on the Route put up for sale

Galena Viaduct wins grants to finish restoration

The Galena Viaduct, also known as the Front Street Bridge, north of Galena, Kansas, recently received almost $400,000 in grants to finish its restoration. The bridge recently received a federal $193,836 Community Development Block Grant and a $193,837 match from Cherokee County. Cherokee County commissioner Pat Collins said the money will be used to refurbish the … Continue reading Galena Viaduct wins grants to finish restoration