April to June 2004

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 | Q1 '04 | 2003 | 2002 | Main

Meadow Gold Milk sign along Route 66 Tulsa being dismantled.

Tulsa, OK - As first reported in February, the Meadow Gold Milk sign that has been a fixture along Route 66 in Tulsa for decades is being relocated from its current spot at 11th and Lewis. Word is the sign will be moved to another spot along the historic Mother Road for all to enjoy for years to come.

However, historic preservations still need funding to finance this restoration and location of this grand sign. Please see our Preservation Alley's section on the Meadow Gold for more details on how you can help.

Many thanks to Chris King for first reporting this on June 17.

Southern California says goodbye to yet another bowling alley treasure. Java Lanes unplugged after over 40 years.

Long Beach, CA - It's official. The plug has been pulled on the fantastic Polynesian themed bowling alley Java Lanes. Despite a concerted effort around the clock by historic preservationists to save this treasure, Java Lanes closed down on June 1, 2004. Unbelievable.

Many thanks to Adriene Biondo and Andre Eubanks for this update.

A brief update from Vegas...

Las Vegas, NV - Here's a brief update from this past weekend in Las Vegas. All that's left of the Glass Pool Inn on Las Vegas Boulevard is the marquee. The lot is fenced off and the lot is bare.

There is no sign of any remnants from the Tam O'Shanter Motel. Looks like work to prepare the lot for the Venetian expansion is on track.

The La Concha Motel marquee and lobby still stands, however the marquee wasn't lit up. The hotel itself has been demolished. The Silver City Casino next door has also been leveled and work building a convenience store is well underway.

See other recent news at Roadside News.

A true legend of the Mother Road, Juan Delgadillo of the Snow Cap Drive-in passes away at 88.

Seligman, AZ - Route 66 legend Juan Delgadillo, who served and entertained guests at the Snow Cap Drive-in in Seligman, AZ for over 50 years, passed away on June 2, 2004. He was 88.

All of us who has had the opportunity to meet Mr. Delgadillo will forever remember the glint in his eye as he pulled another laugher out of his bag of tricks. Mr. Juan Delgadillo... you will be missed.

See other recent news at Roadside News.

More roadside losses...

The Pinellas Park Drive-in Theatre near St. Petersburg, FL succumbed to development sometime in 2002, and now a brand new Wal-Mart Supercenter stands in its place.

Many thanks to Brian Koepnick for this update.

The Bellflower Camera sign no longer sits atop the building alongside Bellflower Boulevard, once a major cruising street. The owner sold it to a medical supply business.

Many thanks to Loretta Lewis for update.

Oakland, CA - Kwik Way burger joint in danger of being converted into a McDonalds.

The Kwik Way burger stand in Oakland that dates back to the 50's-60's has been proposed to be converted into a McDonald's by its owner. The latest news is after a great deal of effort by the Greater Grand Lake Coalition, the The Planning Commission voted unanimously that this work can't be done without a Major Conditional Use Permit.

See The Great Grand Lake Coalition site for more details.

Many thanks to Dave van Hulsteyn for bringing up this alert.

See other recent news at Roadside News.