Tulsa Route 66 organization aims to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District

The Tulsa Route 66 Main Street organization wants to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District in southwest Tulsa before Route 66's centennial in 2026. The Red Fork neighborhood runs south of the Arkansas River and ends at 33rd West Avenue, with Route 66 right in the middle. News on 6 in Tulsa reports: … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 organization aims to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District

Organization seeks to reopen Saratoga Motor Hotel in Tulsa as sober-living facility by Christmas

The Wings of Freedom organization, which acquired the Saratoga Motor Hotel in Tulsa in 2020, hopes it will be partially open as a sober-living facility by Christmas. Pastor Dixie Pebworth, director of Wings of Freedom, told KJRH-TV in Tulsa he hopes to have 29 rooms on the west side of the Route 66 motel transformed … Continue reading Organization seeks to reopen Saratoga Motor Hotel in Tulsa as sober-living facility by Christmas

City of Tulsa now offering facade matching grants for historic buildings along Route 66

The City of Tulsa announced it is offering matching grants of up to $40,000 to help restore the facades of historic buildings along its Route 66 alignments. The grant program was established with the help of the Tulsa Route 66 Commission. The announcement was made at the historic Circle Cinema, which undoubtedly would be eligible … Continue reading City of Tulsa now offering facade matching grants for historic buildings along Route 66

University of Tulsa to host photographer Edward Keating’s “Lost Dream of Route 66” exhibit

The University of Tulsa next month is hosting Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Edward Keating's "Main Street: The Lost Dream of Route 66" exhibit that was published as a book a few years ago. The exhibit by the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities at 101 E. Archer St. will run from Oct. 6 through Nov. 18. Here's … Continue reading University of Tulsa to host photographer Edward Keating’s “Lost Dream of Route 66” exhibit

Ike’s Chili in Tulsa to mark its 115th anniversary on Sept. 9

Ike's Chili in Tulsa will celebrate its 115th anniversary on Sept. 9 with a car cruise, coney-eating contest, live music and giveaways. The restaurant at 1503 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66) will hold the event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. Ike's will include a mini-chili cheese coney and a soda, both … Continue reading Ike’s Chili in Tulsa to mark its 115th anniversary on Sept. 9

Albuquerque sets aside $432,000 to restore or renovate historic Route 66 signs

The City of Albuquerque this week announced it is providing a total of $432,000 in grants to restore or renovate historic signs along its Central Avenue (aka Route 66). The city's Department of Arts and Culture and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency have developed a Sign Improvement Program for owners of historic signs who can restore … Continue reading Albuquerque sets aside $432,000 to restore or renovate historic Route 66 signs

Owner of Tally’s Good Food Cafe in Tulsa arrested on felony theft charges

The owner of the landmark Tally's Good Food Cafe along Route 66 in Tulsa was arrested on multiple counts of felony larceny after being accused of shoplifting a total of 31 times. KRMG Radio in Tulsa reported that Talal "Tally" Jamil Alame was arrested at his restaurant on Friday. He was freed on bond hours … Continue reading Owner of Tally’s Good Food Cafe in Tulsa arrested on felony theft charges

918 Coffee in Tulsa closes due to owners’ retirement

918 Coffee, known for repurposing a vintage gas station along Route 66 in Tulsa, closed in late June after a decade because the owners were retiring. Morad El-Raheb and his wife Annie, who opened the coffeehouse at 2446 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66) in 2013, made the announcement on Facebook its last day would … Continue reading 918 Coffee in Tulsa closes due to owners’ retirement

Two Route 66 sites named to Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places

The 11th Street Bridge in Tulsa and the Rock Creek Bridge in Sapulpa were named to Preservation Oklahoma's Most Endangered Places list in 2023. The annual list by the nonprofit organization aims to promote jeopardized historic sites. "Although inclusion on the list does not guarantee protection or funding, recognition for these structures may increase restoration … Continue reading Two Route 66 sites named to Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places

Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview

Bestselling author Michael Wallis recently sat down with a Tulsa TV station to talk about his long writing career, the "Cars" movie and his personal and professional connection to Route 66. Wallis, 77, was plugging an appearance at the recently completed Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa. A lot of young people remember his small … Continue reading Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview