The historic Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, Missouri, sustained water damage in its lobby and rotunda after a recent rainstorm, and officials are trying to assess the extent of the problem. Geoff Steele, executive director of the nearly century-old theatre, talked to KY3 in Springfield: ... According to Steele, the Gillioz had never faced Mother … Continue reading Heavy rain causes water damage in lobby, rotunda of Gillioz Theatre in Springfield
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
High Country Motor Lodge opens in a former Howard Johnson in Flagstaff
A few weeks ago, the High Country Motor Lodge boutique hotel in a former Howard Johnson and a Days Inn along Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, held its grand opening. The hotel was described in a lengthy story (plus lots of photos) by The Points Guy and MSN.com. The rustic aesthetic was elevated by luxurious … Continue reading High Country Motor Lodge opens in a former Howard Johnson in Flagstaff
Landmark Springfield hotel may still have life; zoning panel to hear a new variance request
The sale of the troubled 30-story Wyndham City Centre in downtown Springfield, Illinois, may still have life after the zoning commission found out this week it is scheduled to hear a new variance request for the property next month. The Springfield State Journal-Register reported planning and zoning will hear the request on Sept. 21, with … Continue reading Landmark Springfield hotel may still have life; zoning panel to hear a new variance request
Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, just a few days ago launched an exhibit called "Order Up: The Restaurants of Route 66." The exhibit was made public shortly before this weekend's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield. According to the Springfield News-Leader, it features a variety of eateries -- past … Continue reading Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa plans big expansion
The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is planning an expansion project that will add to its size by 60% within the next few years. According to a new release: Executive Director Lina Holmes hopes to complete this 7,400-square-foot addition in time for the historic highway’s 2026 centennial. “That is our goal,” said … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa plans big expansion
Demolition notice filed on century-old gas station in Eagle Rock area of Los Angeles
A demolition permit has been filed on a 1919 service station along an early alignment of Route 66 in the Eagle Rock section of Los Angeles. Esotouric, which leads bus tours of assorted Los Angeles spots and has been diligent about historic preservation issues in the region, recently flagged the news in an Instagram post: … Continue reading Demolition notice filed on century-old gas station in Eagle Rock area of Los Angeles
Updated list of speakers announced for Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference
An updated list of speakers recently was announced by organizers of the seventh annual Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference set for Oct. 20-23 at the Pontiac Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center in Pontiac, Illinois. This year's theme for the conference is "America's Main Street Welcomes the World." (Disclosure: The Route 66 Miles of … Continue reading Updated list of speakers announced for Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference
Alderman says Ted Drewes Frozen Custard site to get crosswalk, barriers after 2 pedestrian deaths
A St. Louis city alderman said Chippewa Street in front of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard will undergo safety changes after two pedestrians died in accidents in three months this summer. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch had some of the details: Alderman Tom Oldenburg said police are increasing traffic enforcement to try and slow cars down in … Continue reading Alderman says Ted Drewes Frozen Custard site to get crosswalk, barriers after 2 pedestrian deaths
Big Route 66 neon sign installed at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield
A 40-foot neon sign was installed a few days ago at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The sign is near the fairgrounds' Gate 2, which is at the corner of Peoria Road (aka Route 66) and Sangamon Avenue. It's the first of five signs at the gate. The Route 66 Experience also is located … Continue reading Big Route 66 neon sign installed at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield
GM claims its updated Super Cruise will allow users to cruise Route 66 hands-free
General Motors recently announced it has expanded the number of miles where users can employ its Super Cruise program and drive hands-free, including on Route 66. Forbes had some of the details: The latest upgrade will mark the first time the system can be activated on local roads — typically non-divided state and federal highways … Continue reading GM claims its updated Super Cruise will allow users to cruise Route 66 hands-free