What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?

Hemmings Motor News published a valuable story with the headline "What's behind the push to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail?" that provides a lot of background behind the initiative. It appears the story was prompted by Mobil 1's current "Keep Route 66 Kickin'" tour, which includes an online petition to support a national-trail … Continue reading What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?

Fundraising campaign launched to repaint Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign near Chambless

The owner and advocates for the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, have launched an online fundraiser to repaint its neon sign. Those who donate $35 or more to the effort through GoFundMe.com will receive a T-shirt and a reproduction bumper sticker from the 1960s when the restaurant still was in operation along … Continue reading Fundraising campaign launched to repaint Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign near Chambless

New Mexico Route 66 Association receives grant to produce neon-repair video

The New Mexico Route 66 Association announced Friday it had received a cost-share grant to produce an instructional video titled titled "Do-It-Yourself Neon Sign Servicing and Repair." The association received $7,500 from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program to produce the $1,500 video. The association gave more details in a news release: The association is … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association receives grant to produce neon-repair video

Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge put up for sale for $1.1 million

The Sunset Motel, known for its location on Route 66 in Villa Ridge, Missouri, and its vibrant neon sign, recently was put up for sale for $1.1 million. Coldwell Banker Realty is the broker for the property. Here's what it stated in the description: The Business of Success. Make it yours with this strategically located … Continue reading Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge put up for sale for $1.1 million

“Hispanic Legacies of Route 66 in New Mexico” webpage given an award for excellence

The "Hispanic Legacies of Route 66 in New Mexico" webpage recently received the 2022 Stanton-Horton Award for Excellence in National Park Service History from the Organization of American Historians. The StoryMap webpage, of which the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program was a prominent partner, combines photos, video and other interactive elements. The Organization of American … Continue reading “Hispanic Legacies of Route 66 in New Mexico” webpage given an award for excellence

Road Runner’s Retreat begins restoration work on its long-dark neon sign

The owner of the closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, began work last week on restoring its long-dark neon sign. The work was detailed in an Instagram post: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Road Runner’s Retreat (@roadrunnersretreatroute66) High winds forced an early end to the day's work, but "we’ll … Continue reading Road Runner’s Retreat begins restoration work on its long-dark neon sign

Two grant opportunities are available through National Trust for Historic Preservation

Kaisa Barthuli, program director for the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, recently sent out an email to alert people about two grant opportunities through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Don't procrastinate, though. Applications for both grants are due March 1. One is the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors. It assists in the … Continue reading Two grant opportunities are available through National Trust for Historic Preservation

Desecration of petroglyphs probably means La Bajada access won’t be reopened anytime soon

Don't anticipate the primitive La Bajada Hill alignment of Route 66 southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, to be reopened to off-roaders or hikers anytime soon. A pueblo group recently accused the U.S. Bureau of Land Management of not doing enough to protect sacred sites in the Caja del Rio Plateau area (aka La Bajada) … Continue reading Desecration of petroglyphs probably means La Bajada access won’t be reopened anytime soon

Cost-share grant season opens for Route 66 Corrodor Preservation Program

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced Wednesday the season for its annual cost-share grant program has opened. "Grants can assist with preservation planning, National Register nominations, preservation and rehabilitation work on eligible historic sites, and/or research and educational outreach initiatives," said program director Kaisa Barthuli. Last year, the program awarded about $103,000 worth of … Continue reading Cost-share grant season opens for Route 66 Corrodor Preservation Program

“Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road” to be broadcast in March

Katrina Parks' documentary about women who played a significant role in the history of Route 66 finally will be coming to television screens in March. Parks announced on Facebook last week her "Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road" will air on American Public Television. In a follow-up message with Route … Continue reading “Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road” to be broadcast in March