American Road Trip Talk (Podcast) Jim Thole: Neon Heritage Part 1

Entry posted by Foster Braun · July 20, 2013

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The summer 2013 issue of our magazine features the theme: Neon Sights that Keep the Night Bright. In the Motoring the Mother Road column, I wrote an article about an ambitious Neon Heritage Preservation program led by Jim Thole, a member of the board of the Missouri Route 66 Association. Be sure to check out the magazine issue for great photos and more details.

In 2008, a terrible windstorm in St. Louis, MO nearly tore down a neon sign, which had been a local landmark. Jim and his three fellow committee members sprang into action and the Neon Heritage Preservation Committee began its crusade to turn historic neon lights back on Route 66.

In the fall of 2011, I met Jim while on a visit to St. Louis just after the re-lighting of the Crestwood Bowl sign in suburban St. Louis County. In this first of three podcasts Jim Thole focuses the conversation on the restoration of the Crestwood Bowl sign. In our next podcast Jim will outline the ambitious projects that he and the committee have accomplished during the last 5 years.

This podcast is brought to you by:

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Springfield, Illinois .

History comes alive everyday in Springfield, Illinois! It’s interactive time-travel fun for the entire family! For more about great getaway packages call 800-545-7300 …or, go to visit-springfieldillinois.com. Illinois. Mile After Magnificent Mile.

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Joplin, MO

The Mother Road is calling the world to Joplin, MO. Get the family calendar and make plans for the Route 66 International Festival this August in Downtown Joplin. The-3 day International Festival will be a celebration of the heritage of historical Route 66. The gathering will feature cultural performances, car show, Route 66 quilt exhibit, crafts and food vendors. Authors, artists and collectors of everything Route 66 will gather to share their passion for the history and preservation of the famed highway. The Route 66 International Festival will be held August 1-3, 2013. For more information visit www.route66internationalfestival.com

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