Longtime Route 66 enthusiast Jim Conkle is scheduling a so-called "archaeological dig" at a barn in Rochester, Illinois, to find artifacts that belonged to late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. The barn belongs to Buz Waldmire, Bob's brother. Bob also spent time there off and on during his lifetime, and he died there in 2009 … Continue reading ‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts
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.
New Route 66 Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress
The U.S. Congress is going to try again to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail during the current session. According to a Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership news release, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) on Monday introduced HR8240 in the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano [D-Calif.] co-sponsored the bill Here's … Continue reading New Route 66 Historic Trail bill introduced in Congress
Latest RoadTripOK video concentrates on sites in and near Claremore
The latest RoadTripOK video this week features a restaurant and museum in Claremore and a unique park in nearby rural Foyil. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/MgNAkg_WBkw Here are the three places the video covers: Will Rogers Memorial MuseumHammett House restaurantEd Galloway's Totem Pole Park Oklahoma Tourism and Broken Arrow-based Retrospec Films announced last fall they … Continue reading Latest RoadTripOK video concentrates on sites in and near Claremore
Golf event by Oklahoma lieutenant governor to benefit Threatt Station
Some proceeds from Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell's annual Luau on the Green and golf tournament later this month will benefit the historic Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma. The family that owns the station made the announcement on Facebook a few days ago. They stated: We are honored, thankful and excited … Continue reading Golf event by Oklahoma lieutenant governor to benefit Threatt Station
National Trust partly takes up the mantle of Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program ended last year, but the National Trust for Historic Preservation partially has taken up the cause of doling out cost-share grants. The National Trust program has earned the endorsement of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and Kaisa Barthuli, the longtime executive director of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation … Continue reading National Trust partly takes up the mantle of Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program
Lights on for Route 66 Neon Sign Park in Tulsa
Local officials on Tuesday evening threw the switch on three replicas of Route 66 motel signs at a new neon sign park on the west side of the Arkansas River in Tulsa. The Tulsa Route 66 Commission broadcast a live video on Facebook. You can see the entire 26-minute ceremony below. The magic occurs about … Continue reading Lights on for Route 66 Neon Sign Park in Tulsa
J.M. Davis Arms Museum in Claremore expands its Cherokee Nation exhibit
The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, recently added an expanded Cherokee Nation exhibit. The museum documented the opening of the exhibit Friday: The Tulsa World had more details about the exhibit, via Cherokee Nation District 14 Councilman Keith Austin: Austin said the display tells the story of the Cooweescoowee District of … Continue reading J.M. Davis Arms Museum in Claremore expands its Cherokee Nation exhibit
House Building in Bristow added to National Register of Historic Places
The House Building, also known as the Root's Furniture Building, in downtown Bristow, Oklahoma, last week was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The listing was effective Sept. 9, according to a weekly email of National Register listings from the National Park Service. The building at 301-305 N. Main St. (aka Route 66) … Continue reading House Building in Bristow added to National Register of Historic Places
Dirt 66 cycling, pedestrian trail to be built north of Springfield, Missouri
Construction on a 6.65-mile Dirt 66 bicycle, trail running and walking trail will begin Monday at Fellows Lake just north of Springfield, Missouri. It's the first phase in a 33-mile, $1.8 million trail expansion in the area, reported the Springfield News-Leader. The "Dirt 66" mountain bike/walking trail project is being funded by Springfield-based TrailSpring, Inc., … Continue reading Dirt 66 cycling, pedestrian trail to be built north of Springfield, Missouri
$22M federal grant will reconstruct Pony Bridge near Bridgeport
The U.S. Department of Transportation has given Oklahoma a $22 million grant to help rehab and reconstruct the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, which includes keeping its distinctive yellow trusses. The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City reports: “The investment made by the U.S. Department of Transportation to help restore and upgrade Bridgeport Bridge is welcomed … Continue reading $22M federal grant will reconstruct Pony Bridge near Bridgeport