On the road back to Needles CA...

edklein69

On the road back to Needles CA...

Arizona, California, Daily No Responses »

Apr 202012

Phase 2 begins on the sign!

On our trip from Holbrook to Needles (I say OUR because I am traveling with Rich Talley, Motel Safari - Tucumcari fame). We decided to hit a few places on the way to Needles.

Now, on the way BACK to Flagstaff, we will be driving most of the route to stop at a bunch of places….

Until then, here are a few places we stopped at:

We met at the Globetrotter Motel and headed out to Flagstaff.
In Flagstaff, it was MANDATORY we stop at the Mother Road Brewering Company.

This is a new business on Route 66 and Rich really wanted to stop here, and we are glad we did!
It was 2pm and although they did not open until 3pm, they let us in and gave us a tour, and even better, a sampling of beer!

These folks are passionate about what they do and I feel they will be a great addition to Route 66. They are distributing in Arizona, but are looking for distributors all along the route.

After buying a 6 pack, we headed out.

We then headed out to Kingman and decided to stop and eat at Mr. D’s. I had about 8 glasses of their Root Beer and a burger. I was not disappointed.

We will spend all day getting the sign looking like it should and I will post the updates as well as our trip back to Flagstaff.

It begins! The fundraiser for the restoration of the 66 Motel sign!

California, Daily No Responses »

Mar 292012

IndieGogo Fundraiser to relight the 66 Motel sign in Needles CA.

Here is your chance to help restore and get the 66 Motel sign lit up again after 15 years of being off!
Every dollar counts! Share this with EVERYONE you know to get the word out to save this iconic historic sign!

We have several folks and businesses along the route who have donated items to donors – so not only do you get the gift of satisfaction for helping such a worthwhile cause – you also GET something from the route!

The painting work has been started and this will be for the neon, transformers, electrical , and installation.
I cannot thank you enough for the help!

Click HERE for more information on how to donate.

Ed Klein
Route 66 World

Winslow to Holbrook - nice and slow!

Arizona, Daily No Responses »

Mar 222012

Seeing I have the next 12-14 months running back and forth from Scottsdale to Joseph City / Holbrook, I figured I should REALLY get to know the eastern part of Route 66 in Arizona as well as I could…

I usually leave around 5am (or earlier) on my trek north to Flagstaff then east to Joseph City. I like driving in the dark, there is no one out and the road is pretty much yours.

Getting to Flagstaff – the snow was everywhere! Reports said 19-28″ (depending on who you believe) fell over the weekend, and I decided to postpone my trip one day to get the plows out and do what they do best.

I hit a few ice patches in Flagstaff, but just enough to get gas and get on I-40 (sorry, I have a meeting to get to!)

Before I rushed to get to my meeting, I thought it would be nice to get off at the Winslow exit to ‘poke a peek’ at what was happening. I came across this building, which has a story behind it…

This is the ‘Route 66 Palace’ in Winslow – located right across the street from the Winslow Theater (the theater is for sale ya know!) and I stumbled upon the owner via a website dedicated to, his wife’s truck (??)

For those who do not know – I am restoring a 1949 Ford F-3 3/4 ton pickup truck, because I like to work on things. While looking for parts online, I came across an unusal 1948 Ford F-1 1/2 ton pickup truck, and it caught my eye.

The one on the left is hers – the one on the right is mine.

So, I tracked down the owner of the Route 66 Palace - Brian, and he and I spoke for about an hour about, well, Route 66 stuff!
I can tell you he is a welcome addition to the ‘owners club’ on the route, and he is going full steam ahead with the restoration of his building, which he told me he will use as a ‘getaway house’. So you might ask, what is he running from? The same type of thing anyone owning a summer cottage, a small home on the lake, or even a ski resort place, this one happens to be on the route!

He and I will meet in the near future!

After my meeting, I went to lunch at the Wayside Cafe in Holbrook for a quick bite. (sorry – no pics!) I have never been here before and the food wasn’t bad. It is truly a ‘mom and pop’ type of restaurant. Quick and easy. I had the Chicken Burrito – and it was good.

I wanted to leave the job early enough to get to Winslow and stop at a few places, but this would not be the case.

One of those stops was to the Old Trails Museum a few doors down from the ‘Standin on the Corner Gift Shop’

Alas, they were closed!
I always wanted to check it out inside and see what they have on display – maybe next time…

I ALWAYS stop in to my favorite LITTLE gift shop – the Standin’ on the Corner Gift Shop just to chat with the ladies and see what is happening in town. As usual, they were chock-full of knowledge.

I ended up buying a few things for my office (it is slowly becoming the ‘Corporate America Route 66 Shrine!’).

I said my good-byes and hurried over to the Meteor Crater Trading Post to check in… only to find they were closed! Um, it’s getting close to travel season folks! Extend the hours a little!

I keep checking out the ‘World’s Largest Map of Route 66′ mural to assess the work that could be done to it, and there will be quite a bit of work to do. They also want to do a few more things around the property – but that little ‘surprise’ will have to wait.

I felt I needed to get home, but as I was driving towards Flagstaff, I noticed a steel structure going up just north of Twin Arrows. Curious by nature, I got off the Twin Arrows exit and went the OTHER way away from the Trading Post and headed up the road. The road is abruptly closed off with gates and signs and warnings, and I slowly approached a couple who happened to be outside.

I asked them if this is where the new casino was being built and the older gentleman simply replied ‘Yep’. Then he proceeded to ask if I were ‘the media’… He told me the name of the new casino will be the Twin Arrows Resort and Casino - because Twin Arrows itself is trademarked, so they went with this name.

Notice they did not change the logo?

Now, here is the hope: If the casino is going up, I am wondering how long until the Hopi Tribe starts working on the Twin Arrows Diner, Trading Post and Gas Station!

There has always been talk of once the Navajo start the casino…. the Trading Post would be right behind it.

So I left and headed back to Scottsdale. Knowing in a few short days (tomorrow actually!) I am back on the road towards Needles to start recon on the 66 Motel sign so we can light that baby up!!

Route 66 World on Facebook & Twitter

Daily No Responses »

Mar 032012

Have you ‘LIKED’ us on Facebook yet? Or what about following us on Twitter to be the first with the latest posts and news?

We have a strong following on Facebook, and some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated folks who know and care about the route are there posting, adding photos, and always answering questions.

Get connected to us on our Twitter page and get instant tweets when we post some new posts and latest news.

Come see what everone else already knows!

Click HERE to get connected to our Facebook page.

Click HERE to get connected to our Twitter page.

Thanks!
Ed

'Project Richfield' begins - the Route 66 Truck!

Arizona, Daily No Responses »

Feb 252012

I have been putting a few posts up on my Facebook page about a ‘model truck’ I was building. I used to be a avid modeler when I was – like 10!! – so I have built my share of model cars.

This one is a little different.

I wanted to use the model as a ‘sketch pad’ of sorts. I had, in my mind, what I wanted a truck to look like if I were ever to buy one, but I didn’t want to use the real truck as a blank canvas and then mess it up and have a real mess on my hands. Insert model truck here: A 1950 Ford F-1 Pick Up truck.

I had a concept: to built an old pickup truck as if it were, lets say, a service station truck. I went through the lists of all the old service station on the route and decided I wanted to go with a Richfield Yellow / Blue theme, and make it as stock as possible, and make it look like you can park it in an old gas station and it would look like a natural fit.

Easy enough – you would think.
After a bunch of research, I finally found the color pattern I wanted and started to build my model of the truck I would one day want to own.

So, after a month, the model is done. I could have spent 3 months making the model truck perfect, as I usually would if / when I build models, but I really was interested in the paint scheme.

So, the model is as done as I need to to be, now what?

Insert REAL 1949 Ford F-3 3/4 Ton Long Bed Pick Up Truck!

Actually, it is a pretty clean truck with VERY little rust (and I mean very little!) The ‘brown’ on the truck is primer and the metal is all pretty straight and solid.

Since this picture was taken, I have already stripped the truck down to (almost) bare frame with only the cab to be lifted off. It is just sitting there waiting to be removed. That will probably happen next week.

The goal: To get this thing up and running by next year, and drive it in the AZ or NM Route 66 Association’s Fun Run.
That’s the goal – the reality might be a little different.

I will post a pic here and there – as I have a full restoration thread going on a separate Ford Truck blog. I feel that is where it should be documented – I want a variety of Route 66 stuff to occupy this site!!

My wife actually gave me the ‘green light’ to do more of these projects, which means I might be able to keep a Route 66 theme going and possibly loan them to different museums along the route…. would be a nice way to ‘give back’ to the route – sounds like a resolution someone made in January…

It's back! The Historic Minnetonka Trading Post on Route 66...

Arizona, Daily No Responses »

Feb 232012

Just happened to cruise CraigsList ane this popped up again! Last time I saw it for sale was in August of 2011 for $100,000.

Seemed they dropped the price a little. I would put money $50,000 buys it, but you would need another $100,000 to restore it and make it functional again!

Historic Minnetonka Trading Post on Old Route 66.
Liquor license #06090003

Previously a trading post, post office, gas station, feed store, rodeo/roping arena, and more, Minnetonka Trading Post Winslow and the surrounding areas for the last several decades. Originally built nearly a century ago, the building’s 2500 sqaure foot interior was gutted and a new roof has been installed.

The location is ideal for anyone looking for a business that will attract local customers, Route 66 buffs, Interstate 40 travelers, and Navajo/Hopi commuters on State Highway 87. The three acres for sale sit at the intersection of all three byways.

The main trading post building, with its unique petrified wood facade, includes A LIGHTED 50 x 15 BILLBOARD located off of I-40 that is in the renewal stage, and a well. The large billboard sits on the back part of the acreage along Interstate 40.

At the intersection of Old Route 66 / Interstate 40 and State Highway 87 RIGHT OFF THE EXIT.
101 E. Route 66, Winslow, AZ 86047

Quick Sale! Make an offer!

(928) 377-9190

Click HERE for the post and some pictures.

The first Route 66 Restoration Project of 2012 begins!!

Daily No Responses »

Feb 222012

… well – at least any project that I am working on!

I stopped out at the 66 Motel last year when I was out doing another bit of ‘work’ in Needles and I promised the owners I would do something about their iconic sign.

As the story goes: the current owners are really nice older folks from Europe who have had to take the motel and turn it into monthly rentals due to the fact they couldn’t get travelers to stop (I did find this hard to believe seeing it is one of the most famous signs / stops on the route) – but they were more than happy to have the help – telling me ‘there are hundreds and hundreds of cars who stop and take pictures of the sign and we are so thrilled it is here for them.’

So after a year of trying to get firmly planted in AZ – and trying to get the house / job / life established – I have a window of opportunity to finally do good on my part.

The sign will need to be repainted, all new bubls in the ’66′ numbers, electrical tested / repaired / replaced, and yes – even the neon might glow again….

What I am doing: I am getting the ‘green light’ to do this, to get the sign guy to come out to inspect and test everything, and then I will have to make a trip or two to paint the sign. Also, I am pretty much paying for this part out of my own pocket (someone once said to me ‘put your money where your mouth is’ - well here it is….)

What YOU can do: If you are in the area, SHOW UP and help! I can always use help even thought the sign is 20′ in the air! If I get anyone to show up, I will make sure we have ladders and such to get this thing going. Also, I will be getting a price for the neon work (glass and installation) and I am pretty sure I will have to do some type of fund raiser to get this thing 100% the way it used to look like!

I will have to find out when the last time all the lights were on because to be honest with you – after all the searches I have done for this sign, I have not seen ONE picture with the sign all lit up.

There will be media there to take the story, I probably will have someone tape it to air it on YouTube shortly there after, and if things go right, a Re-Lighting Ceremony.

Saturday March 31st is the day (around 9am) when I will be there beginning the work and I will be going home Sunday night, April 1st (no joke here!)

Let me know what you think as I will be updating this project as I get more information on it.

This is the first one, there is another one I am working on for April BTW….

Route 66 Catoosa Blue Whale Struck By Vandals

Oklahoma No Responses »

Feb 182012

CATOOSA, Oklahoma — A popular Route 66 roadside attraction has been the target of vandalism.

Vandals wrote what is believed to be their names on the cultural icon, which was built in 1972, and Catoosa police are investigating. Police are not releasing photos of the graffiti because they feel it will hinder the investigation.

It is unknown when the act occurred, but a member of the Catoosa Arts and Tourism Society/Fins of the Blue Whale took to Twitter Saturday afternoon to address the situation.

“I’m kinda sad….some vandals have defaced my new paint job. I don’t know why people feel the need to do that, I’m just so disappointed.”

The group later released a statement to News On 6.

“Although the vandalism done to me was not with paint, vulgar or costly, the bigger issue is the act of vandalism, not the content or application. Mistreatment to any property other than your own is disrespectful. I’m simply disappointed that this type of behavior is measured. It is not levels on a scale of 1 to 10, it is all bad form. I forgive the vandals, I just wish there was nothing to forgive them for,” the statement said.

The organization also said the recent vandalism isn’t a new thing. After Christmas, it had to remove the donation box because of frequent break-ins and damage.

“People have always written inside my snot pocket …We never say anything about it,” a spokesperson for the arts and tourism society said. “This is overt.”

The attraction was repainted just months ago

In September 2011, the whale received facelift due to a donation of time, money and man-power, courtesy of The Bill Haynes Company of Tulsa.

-Brandi Ball, NewsOn6.com

Route 66 tourism good for central Illinois communities

Daily, Illinois No Responses »

Jan 252012

Bill Thomas remembers the response when he suggested developing the Logan County village of Atlanta, population 1,635, as a Route 66 tourist attraction.

“Fifteen years ago, that was laughed at,” Thomas said.

Nobody’s laughing today.

Communities throughout central Illinois — from Atlanta to Williamsville to Litchfield — are benefiting from efforts to market their ties to the famous road — and to attract some of the thousands of visitors who trace its path from Chicago to the West Coast each year.

In Atlanta, sales tax revenue jumped 43 percent last year during the peak tourism season of April to August compared to four years ago, before the opening of the Atlanta Museum and the reopening of the 1930s-era Palms Grill Cafe. Both buildings in the 100 block of S.W. Arch St. are owned by the Atlanta Public Library.

The two endeavors were Atlanta’s first efforts to generate revenue from the steady trickle of Route 66 travelers who drive through the town every summer.

Atlanta had long been a favorite stop with its library packed with memorabilia, a 19-foot-tall fiberglass Paul Bunyan-like statue holding a super-sized hot dog and advertising murals painted on the brick buildings lining Route 66.

Today, visitors can take a walking tour of the community, eat at the Palms Grill and trace where their corn flakes come from at the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum, housed in a restored 1904 grain elevator.

The increase in foot traffic led to the opening of two new businesses: the Route 66 Gift Shop, which sells memorabilia and vintage items, and the Arch Street Artisan Shop.

“The city really got behind this push,” said Mayor Fred Finchum, who served on the village board when Thomas first proposed the idea. “It took a while to wrap our minds around it. But we thought, what we’re doing to try to bring people in isn’t working.

“What else can we do?”

Atlanta leaders are still asking that question, but today they are looking at historical aspects of their community tourists might be drawn to.

Packaging the past

This spring, Atlanta will begin preparing a walking trail and signage around a quarter-mile of the original Route 66 pavement north of town. Officials also plan to open a coal-mining exhibit next to the grain elevator museum.

The community also has purchased an 1891 residence that served as a rooming house for Route 66 travelers in the 1940s, before motels were readily available. The city plans to offer the same service to modern travelers, although the Atlanta Route 66 Rooming House isn’t expected to open until 2013.

Annual 'Route 66 Race to the Rocker' to be bigger and better

Daily, Missouri No Responses »

Jan 242012

Rolla, Mo. — CUBA — Race director Brad Austin promises the Route 66 Race to the Rocker on March 31 will be bigger and better this year.

This is the fourth year for the 4-mile race that starts at the Mizell Funeral Home and continues on Route 66 to the Outpost US 66 General Store’s Guinness Book of World Records Largest Rocking Chair.

The Cuba 4-H groups will be offering a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. March 30 at the Business and Fitness Expo so runners can get their carbs in before the big race the next day.

The race begins at 9 a.m., rain or shine. Participants can pick up race packets and t-shirts at the Business and Fitness Expo or the day of the race. Participants are asked to bring a canned food item for the food bank or personal hygiene items for the Friday Backpack for Kids program.

On race day, the Cuba High School parking lot will be available for parking before the race, with shuttle buses taking runners to the race registration area starting at 7:30 a.m. More buses will be available this year for both pre- and post-race shuttles. Bag drops are available at the beginning of the race with pickup at the rocker finish area.

This year there are plans for music and other events along the course to inspire runners. As well as an orange Race to the Rocker t-shirt, runners will all receive Cuba’s signature treat of two baby cakes from the Route 66 Fudge Shop, and Route 66 Race to the Rocker candy bars will go to the race division winners.

Big River Running from St. Louis will provide race numbers with chip timing and will post times and results online. Both lanes of Route 66 will be closed from Kinder Cemetery to the rocker from 8:45-11 a.m. The Missouri Highway Patrol as well as local fire, EMT, and police officials will help with the course management.

Almost $35,000 for kids’ fitness/health projects was raised over the last three years. This year’s funds will go to the Friday Backpacks for Kids Program, two scholarships for track and cross country students, to purchase or rehabilitation of weight room equipment, and for ongoing investigation of the Rails to Trails program.

Jessica Harrison of Captured by Jessica will be available to take individual and team photos with the Rocker in the background. Race director Brad Austin said, “We are signing up volunteers and sponsors to make it all happen and run smoothly. This race is a community event and effort, and Cuba’s wonderful support has allowed the race to grow each year and raise so much for our kids and their health and fitness.”

Race organizers have set a goal of 1,000 run/walkers to make it the largest race to date. The race is open to all ability levels and age groups.

Faster runners will be placed in the front of the pack to insure the safety of all. Feel free to costume up to make it a colorful race. Bring your cameras and spend some time in the “Route 66 Mural City” after the race.

The Rolla Daily News

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