October to December 2005

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 | Q3 '05 | Q2 '05 | Q1 '05 | Q4 '04 | Q3 '04 | Q2 '04 | Q1 '04 | 2003 | 2002 | Main

Correction: Rose Bowl Lanes in Tulsa Still Intact

Tulsa, OK - Just received confirmation that the Rose Bowl Lanes building itself is still intact despite the 3rd fire. The building is currently boarded up and not demolished as erroneously stated during the October 27 update.

Many thanks to Tom Baddley for update.

Historic Austin Landmark Motel Slated for Demolition

Austin, TX - Once upon a time, South Congress Avenue was a hotbed for roadside motel courts as it was the major highway into Austin back in 1920's and 30's. After decaying in the 1980's like many of the old motel rows, S. Congress began to revitalize in the 1990's. However, with revitalization sometimes comes destruction of old roadside landmarks.

The Don-Mar Motor Court will be torn down soon to make room for a new multimillion-dollar development. Going with the motel is the marquee, which is a roadside treasure in its own right.

According to the News 8 website, the development could range from "an auto repair facility, offices, or mixed-use project with retail on the lower level and residential above."

Many thanks to John Hickman for update.

Don-Mar photo courtesy Dave and Debra van Hulsteyn

Azusa Foothill Drive-in Theatre Screen Demolished

Azusa, CA - Not too many years ago, the Azusa Foothill Drive-in Theatre along Route 66 appeared to be have full crowds during the nice summer nights. Then suddenly, the theatre closed, a victim of neighboring Azusa Pacific University's desire to expand over the site in order to create parking lots. Soon, the neon was out on the historic marquee, and the last open drive-in on Route 66 west of the Mississippi was no more.

(Left) Azusa Drive-in with Screen

(Right) Azusa Drive-in (no screen)

Until recently, the marquee and screen were the survivors of the drive-in; the snack bar and speaker poles have been gone for some time. Well, the screen tower was torn down on October 28. Word is that the marquee will be saved, but there are never any guarantees.

Arizona's Java Junction and Globe Theatre Sustain Damage

Globe, AZ - The historic Globe Theatre of Globe, AZ sustained serious damage during a fire back in July. The July 16, 2005 fire also destroyed the building that housed the Java Junction coffee shop next door. The Globe Theatre's front facade was evidently spared but the rear building sustained severe damage.

Word is that $2,800 in State funds came into support restoration of the Globe. For more information, see the Arizona Silver Belt.

(Original news posting was on November 7)

Former Route 66 Bowling Alley Hit By Fire Again

Tulsa, OK - The Rose Bowl in Tulsa, OK was set on fire again today. This fire makes it 3 in the last 18 months.

The fire crews were sent to the Rose Bowl and contained the fire to the interior of the now vacant bowling alley.

More information can be found on the KOTV - The News on 6 website.

Many thanks to Chris for update