Welcome to Roadside Peek News. This section will feature a news peek of what's happening out on the road. While not pretending to be comprehensive, we hope you'll visit this section from time to time to keep up on just a sample of issues that are roadside related. Don't forget to check out the Roadside Peek main page for the day's update.

News from: Current | Q4 '08 | Q3 '08 | Q2 '08 | Q1 '08 | Q4 '07 | Q3 '07 | Q2 '07 | Q1 '07 | Q4 '06 | Q3 '06 | Q2 '06 | Q1 ' 06
Q4 '05 | Q3 '05 | Q2 '05 | Q1 '05 | Q4 '04 | Q3 '04 | Q2 '04 | Q1 '04 | 2003 | 2002 | Main

November 7, 2009

Faded Detroit Landmark Updates to Roadside Peek

New photos of Downtown Detroit's The Lafayette Building now undergoing demolition and the former Tubby's sandwich guy courtesy of Richard Weiss. See What's New.

--------------------

Las Vegas Neon Museum Wins Refurbishment Funds

The Las Vegas Neon Museum is a recent recipient of restoration funds from the Hampton Hotel Save-A-Landmark program. According to this Digital City article, the neon museum was a terrific fit for the 2009 theme of "All American" landmarks. The project includes restoring the welcome center to the museum, which is a piece of the La Concha Motel lobby that dates back to 1961.

November 2, 2009

Northern California Signage Updates to Roadside Peek

More Northern California signage photos have been added courtesy of Scott Strickland. See What's New.

October 29, 2009

Route 66 Artist and Legend Saying Goodbye

As reported on Route 66 News, Route 66 artist, and legend Bob Waldmire has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Bob, who has been described as the "last of the hippies", is the son of Ed Waldmire, owner and founder of the Cozy Dog in Springfield, IL. Bob is currently surrounded by family, friend, and well wishers in Central Illinois. More information can also be found in this article from The State Journal-Register.

--------------------

Vegas Moulin Rouge May Be Razed

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Mayor Oscar Goldman would like to see the historic Moulin Rouge demolished, calling it a "blight". The Moulin Rouge on Bonanza Road dates back to 1955 and is known as Las Vegas' first racially integrated casino. Fires in recent years have destroyed much of the casino and property and the well known script marquee is currently being stored at the Las Vegas Neon Museum.

--------------------

Missouri's Wagon Wheel Motel to be Renovated

The historic Wagon Wheel Motel located on Route 66 in Cuba, MO has been under new ownership as of September 15. The new owner plans to modernize the 1934 motel while keeping it as historically accurate as possible. The Wagon Wheel Motel has been on the National Register of HIstoric Places since 2003. More information can be found here.

--------------------

East and Midwest Signage Updates to Roadside Peek

Added roadside gems from the East with photos from John Verity and Rick Ibsen. Also added a Jeep historic building to the Midwest section courtesy of Richard Weiss. See What's New.

--------------------

More Northern California Roadside Peek Updates

Added roadside gems from the East with photos from John Verity and Rick Ibsen. Also added a Jeep historic building to the Midwest section courtesy of Richard Weiss. See What's New.

October 25, 2009

Mel's Drive-in in Rossmoor Closes

Mel's Drive-in in Rossmoor, CA near Seal Beach closed its doors this past Tuesday. According to the restaurant owner, this Mel's location saw a large decline in customers since the beginning of the year as well as a problem getting rent reduced. This is the former site of the 1960's era Parasol Restaurant which had occupied the building for almost 40 years before it closed in 2006. Mel's had maintained much of the Parasol's mid-century look when it renovated the building. According to the Long Beach Press Telegram, the shopping center is now working with a national tenant to occupy the site.

-------------------------

Wednesday Cruise Nights Back at the Broiler

Stop by the new Bob's Big Boy Broiler on Wednesday nights between 5 to 10pm in the old Harvey's and Johnie's Broiler tradition.

October 19, 2009

Bob's Big Boy Broiler Opens at Historic Spot

Two years and 9 months after the illegal demolition of Johnie's Broiler, fans of the former Harvey's and Johnie's Broiler in Downey gathered at the Firestone Boulevard location Monday for the opening of the new Bob's Big Boy Broiler. Featuring a familiar huge car rooftop marquee, the Broiler has remained as true to its original roots as possible with authentic terrazzo flooring in the interior of the restaurant and carhop service during weekdays. More information can be found at cbs2.com and the Long Beach Press Telegram.

October 13, 2009

New Route 66 Itinerary from the NPS

The National Park Service (NPS) recently added a Route 66 tour to its series of travel itineraries. The NPS Route 66 itinerary features essays, maps, and in depth information on many of the Mother Road's highlights and is well worth a visit.

October 5, 2009

Last Tucson Drive-in Fades Away

The De Anza Drive-in Theatre held its last open-air picture show on Saturday October 3 after being purchased by a land developer. The former Cactus Drive-in first showed movies in 1951 and was Tucson's last open drive-in theatre. According to the Arizona Daily Star, the Evergreen Development Co. has no immediate plans to develop the property.

October 3, 2009

Judge Rejects Halt to Wagon Wheel Demolition

Despite the efforts of the San Buenaventura Conservancy, a Ventura County Superior Court judge ruled against the bid to stop demolition of the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Motel. More information can be found in this Ventura County Star article.

-------------------------

More Florida Roadside Updates

Check out more Florida updates courtesy of Scott Strickland. See What's New for more info.

-------------------------

Midwest Cafe and Signage Updates

Added more photos to the Midwest section with photos from Dennis Dixson and Jim Zahniser. See What's New for more info.

October 1, 2009

Power On at the New Broiler

The Broiler is lit up once again! Check out the photos here courtesy of Adriene Biondo.

-------------------------

Detroit Roadside Updates

Added new photos from Detroit, MI including the Obama Gas Staion from Richard Weiss. See What's New for more info.