New research solidifies Springfield as birthplace of Route 66

   For several years, the town of Springfield, Missouri, has proclaimed itself as the "Birthplace of Route 66" and in recent years launched a fast-growing festival of the same name. Now it appears new historical research has deepened the link between Route 66, Springfield and its birth date of April 30, 1926. From a news release … Continue reading New research solidifies Springfield as birthplace of Route 66

“Route 66 for Kids” now out in print form

Due to popular demand, an updated version of "Route 66 for Kids" guidebook for parents with children is available in print form for the first time in more than a decade. A Kindle version of "Route 66 for Kids" long has been available, after author Emily Priddy printed a few dozen copies of the first … Continue reading “Route 66 for Kids” now out in print form

Murals in Chelsea pedestrian tunnel to be revealed Saturday

Project Chelsea of Chelsea, Oklahoma, is inviting Mother Road fans to the town's historic pedestrian tunnel under Route 66 to see the new murals in it that will be revealed Saturday. The Route 66 Pedestrian Underpass Mural will be unveiled at 4 p.m. Saturday at the tunnel at Sixth and Walnut streets. After the ceremony, the tunnel … Continue reading Murals in Chelsea pedestrian tunnel to be revealed Saturday

New Route 66-inspired sculpture dedicated in Albuquerque

"Reels and Wheels," a new public art sculpture in front of the historic Hiland Theatre, recently was dedicated in Albuquerque. According to KRQE-TV: The art piece serves a dual purpose as art and as the ABQ Ride bus shelter for the bus stop that sits directly in front of the Hiland Theater on Central. Riders … Continue reading New Route 66-inspired sculpture dedicated in Albuquerque

Route 66 hostel opens in Joplin

Joplin 66 Hostel, which is catering to travelers along the Mother Road, opened a few weeks ago in Duenweg, Missouri, an eastern suburb of Joplin. The hostel is located at 6863 Newman Road (map here), a short distance north of Business 44. It opened April 1. It's the first hostel in the Joplin area. Rates … Continue reading Route 66 hostel opens in Joplin

Use of shipping containers causes controversy in Kingman

One man's use of a shipping container as a colorful billboard to welcome tourists into Kingman, Arizona, before the 2014 International Route 66 Festival has blown up into a fight with city hall amid accusations of hypocrisy and selective enforcement. Pat McBrayer, a former city councilor, painted a Route 66-themed mural on a yellow container (pictured above) and … Continue reading Use of shipping containers causes controversy in Kingman

Grocery may move into Gold Dome in Oklahoma City

A Natural Grocers store likely will move into the historic Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. The deal with the building's owner, Jonathan Russell, negotiated with the grocery chain and its developer to have it oversee the building's renovation, yet preserve its historical integrity. The deal must be approved by the … Continue reading Grocery may move into Gold Dome in Oklahoma City

Interview with a former Harvey Girl from La Posada

This new, well-produced interview features JoAn Fuller, who worked as a Harvey Girl at La Posada at Winslow, Arizona, during the mid-1940s. Fuller also lived near Route 66 in Prewitt, New Mexico, when her husband worked for the railroad. JoAn Fuller Interview from Katrina Parks on Vimeo. It turns out the Fuller interview was produced by … Continue reading Interview with a former Harvey Girl from La Posada

Filmmaker needs music for Route 66 documentary

A New York-based filmmaker who's making a documentary, "The Revival," about the renaissance of Route 66 after it was decertified as a U.S. highway needs some music from Oklahomans to help her finish the film. Kaila Keller, who hails from Tulsa, centers much of the film around her hometown and Oklahoma, although footage on Route 66 … Continue reading Filmmaker needs music for Route 66 documentary

Hundreds show up for Gasconade River Bridge rally

Hundreds of historic preservationists and Route 66ers showed up Saturday afternoon for Gasconade River Bridge rally near Hazelgreen, Missouri, to persuade the Missouri Department of Transportation to preserve the Route 66 bridge. KY3 in Springfield, Missouri, posted this good report from the rally: Based on the station's reporting, it seems MoDOT will not reopen the … Continue reading Hundreds show up for Gasconade River Bridge rally