Down Da 66-- Motel Compromise-- Tulsa Development-- Montana-- Pontiac's Betty Estes

Down Da 66-- News Along Route 66-- A Bit Late with this batch, though.

1. El Vado Compromise-- The Jan. 8th KOB TV had a segment on the Albuquerque City Council which voted 5-4 to designate the controversial El Vado Motel on Central Avenue as a historical landmark, but this in itself will not save it from the owner's bulldozer. Richard Gonzales, the property owner wants to develop high-end condos on the site and city statutes state that landmarks must also be economically viable, if not, the owner can do whatever they want. Gonzales says it isn't viable.

So the historical and distinctive El Vado is not out of the woods yet.

2. Tulsa, Oklahoma Development Underway-- Tulsa's KJRH TV reported that the city was getting involved with its 24 miles of Route 66 as per its Vision 2025 Plan.

The 11th Street Bridge will feature bronze artwork of the Father of Route 66, Cyrus Avery and flags of the eight states the road goes through. There will also be an illuminated skywalk and a diner atop a three story building and interactive museum.

On the west side of town, there are plans for a Route 66 Red Fork Centennial Park. Also, a 154 foot oil derrick will be constructed to honor Tulsa's oil heritage. At that highth, it will be the tallest derrick in the world. Tulsa's old Frisco engine train will also be located here.

3. Montana Doing OK-- Much discussion has been going on in the Route 66 E-mail Group regarding the health of Montana the rabbit, the official Route 66 greeter at Henry's in Staunton, Illinois. She had to be operated on, but is recovering nicely. Shouldn't be long before she will once again be "signing" postcards at Henry's.

4. Pontiac's Betty Estes-- Betty Estes, who has done much to further Route 66 and Pontiac, Illinois tourism, recently was elected to the Illinois Senior Hall of Fame. This is an honor she very-much deserved. Congratulations Betty!

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog