Restoration of Phelps schoolhouse nearly finished

The restoration of the one-room schoolhouse in the Route 66 hamlet of Phelps, Missouri, marked a milestone Friday by reinstalling the bell tower and bell on the century-old building, reported the Joplin Globe. The nonprofit Phelps School Community Center started its efforts about a year ago to restore the dilapidated but cherished building, which sits … Continue reading Restoration of Phelps schoolhouse nearly finished

Ariston Cafe still on market, still for sale

In October 2014, the news got out that longtime owners Nick and Demi Adam had put the historic Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois, up for sale with a $1.2 million price tag. In a follow-up story this week, Adam told the Springfield State Journal-Register the Route 66 restaurant remains for sale, although he said he … Continue reading Ariston Cafe still on market, still for sale

Amarillo’s Route 66 district honors police officers

The Sixth Street Merchants Association in Amarillo, Texas, last week has added blue ribbons along its Route 66 signs to show support to the city's police department, according to several media reports. According to KFDA-TV: Along with the sign decor, the association also presented Chief of Police Robert Taylor with a plaque of appreciation. "We've … Continue reading Amarillo’s Route 66 district honors police officers

Andy Warhol’s visit to Clanton’s Cafe

Pop artist Andy Warhol's pivotal 1963 highway journey from New York City to Los Angeles -- including much of Route 66 -- was chronicled in Deborah Davis' new book, "The Trip." But a recent interview with Davis by the Tulsa World newspaper reveals a tidbit from Warhol's journey not included in the book -- Warhol dined in the famed Clanton's Cafe … Continue reading Andy Warhol’s visit to Clanton’s Cafe

Arizona fee increase may jeopardize Winslow projects

A twentyfold increase in administration fees by the Arizona Department of Transportation may threaten Renaissance on Route 66 projects planned by the city of Winslow, according to the Arizona Journal. Winslow city councilors discussed the problem this week. Renaissance projects include beautifying and improving safety on Route 66 through town and a performance plaza at the Standin' on a Corner … Continue reading Arizona fee increase may jeopardize Winslow projects

Grocery finally opens Crystal City Shopping Center

The opening of a grocery store may not seem like a big deal. But it is a very big deal if the area's previous grocery stored more than 20 years ago. That was the situation this week when a Save-A-Lot opened in the Crystal City Shopping Center along Route 66 in Tulsa's Red Fork neighborhood, according … Continue reading Grocery finally opens Crystal City Shopping Center

Pony Soldier Motel sign in Tucumcari removed

The big Pony Soldier Motel sign, the last vestige of a Route 66 motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, demolished years ago, was dismantled this week for a new business project on the site. A photo of the sign's dismantling was posted Thursday on the Tucumcari and Quay County Then and Now page on Facebook. Several readers on … Continue reading Pony Soldier Motel sign in Tucumcari removed

A closer look at the Lebanon Route 66 museum

Reporter David Oliver of KOLR-TV takes a detailed look at the Route 66 Museum and Research Center tucked into Lebanon-Laclede County Library in Lebanon, Missouri. Curator Mark Spangler said he gets new items for the museum almost daily. He explained what the museum is trying to do: "We try to represent the large roadside accommodations … Continue reading A closer look at the Lebanon Route 66 museum

Bloomington ponies up big dough for Route 66 museum

The McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, this week received $250,000 donation spread over five years for a capital campaign for the museum, which includes a new and prominent Cruisin' with Lincoln on Route 66 visitors center, reported WJBC radio. “It’ll go to some very significant upgrades using digital technology, as well … Continue reading Bloomington ponies up big dough for Route 66 museum

Double-homicide in Tucumcari finally gets resolution

A double-homicide in a motel room along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, in 2011 finally reached a sort of conclusion when the suspect pleaded no-contest to second-degree murder Tuesday. According to the Quay County Sun newspaper, Muziwokuthula Madonda, a native of South Africa, shot to death Tucumcari residents Gabriel Baca, 37, and Bobby Gonzales, … Continue reading Double-homicide in Tucumcari finally gets resolution