Missouri State uploads “Trucking on Route 66” interviews

Missouri State University Libraries over the years has interviewed a number of Route 66 figures (including yours truly) as part of an oral-history project. It received a Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program cost-share grant to amass a "Trucking on Route 66" oral-history collection. MSU Libraries, in a collaboration with Ozarks Alive, has been uploading interviews … Continue reading Missouri State uploads “Trucking on Route 66” interviews

Book review: “Jensen Point: Stop and Reminisce”

When Wayne Winchester bought Jensen's Point near Pacific, Missouri, as part of a package deal for his WINTEC Pharmaceutical business in 1991, he didn't have to preserve the historic property. But he did, because he fell in love with it. “Once I bought that property, I knew that Jensen’s Point had to be saved for … Continue reading Book review: “Jensen Point: Stop and Reminisce”

Route 66 Navigation offering prepaid cards, new rates

The Route 66 Navigation app has introduced new subscription rates and prepaid cards that can be purchased at more than 40 businesses along Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. According to a news release from Route 66 Navigation: Each card with exclusive design has its own unique QR code, which activates navigation for Android … Continue reading Route 66 Navigation offering prepaid cards, new rates

Hotel project in Amarillo would connect with Big Texan Steak Ranch

The Amarillo City Council on Tuesday night approved a Tax lncrement Reinvestment Zone No. 2 development agreement that would connect a proposed four-story hotel with a walkway to the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch. According a story in the Amarillo Globe-News, developers are building a 123-unit Home2 Suites by Hilton along Interstate 40 on the city's east … Continue reading Hotel project in Amarillo would connect with Big Texan Steak Ranch

Man vows to restore 1939 Texaco station in Galena

A veteran recently purchased the 1939 Texaco gas station in downtown Galena, Kansas, and plans to restore it in the coming years. Aaron Perry, a veteran from Wakarusa, Kansas, closed on the deal in the fall for the property at Sixth and Main streets (aka Route 66) in Galena. Wakarusa is about three hours' drive … Continue reading Man vows to restore 1939 Texaco station in Galena

Cyclists finish long trek two years after accident in Kingman

Two tandem cyclists on Saturday finally finished their trek of nearly 9,500 miles after an accident more than two years ago in Kingman, Arizona. Kathy Behrens and Roger Hardy of Redlands, California, were hit from behind by an SUV in October 2016 after traveling through 27 states and a part of Canada. According to the … Continue reading Cyclists finish long trek two years after accident in Kingman

Route 66-themed convenience store coming to Helendale

A Route 66-themed gas station and convenience store is expected to break ground in March along National Trails Highway (aka Route 66) in Helendale, California. The Desert Dispatch in nearby Victorville had the scoop: Thomas Steeno, owner of Steeno Design Studio Inc., told the Daily Press on Friday construction plans will be sent to San … Continue reading Route 66-themed convenience store coming to Helendale

Group pulls plug on Illinois basketball museum in Pontiac

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association announced it is ending its pursuit of a Basketball Museum of Illinois in Pontiac because it fell short on fundraising. The museum was supposed to be in a vacant Kmart building in Vermillion Square in Pontiac, next to old Route 66 on the city's southwest edge. The museum also was planned … Continue reading Group pulls plug on Illinois basketball museum in Pontiac

Rockwood Court in Springfield reopens restaurant, to become motel and apartments

The historic Rockwood Court and Cafe complex along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, recently reopened its restaurant, and the rest of the motel complex eventually will become apartments and units for overnight guests. Joe Roberds of SGF Neighborhood News recently posted the scoop. Roberds noted activity around the property and reported: The sign outside the … Continue reading Rockwood Court in Springfield reopens restaurant, to become motel and apartments

“Cars” director John Lasseter hired by Skydance Animation

Former Pixar Animation chief John Lasseter, director of the Route 66-inspired "Cars" film in 2006, recently was hired as chief of Skydance Animation. Lasseter -- along with the film's vision of the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs -- is the figure most responsible for the Mother Road’s continued renaissance except perhaps Michael Wallis … Continue reading “Cars” director John Lasseter hired by Skydance Animation