The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports an upswing in developer interest in Seventh Street, a prominent alignment of historic Route 66. In the past three years, the city has issued 38 commercial building permits for work on Seventh Street — for a total of more than $6 million in new construction and renovation of existing structures. … Continue reading Joplin’s Seventh Street may see a rebirth
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.
We’re back
We were gone all weekend to visit family, and there was no real Internet connection available. However, my parents finally have cable TV for the first time in their lives. So they're finally entering the latter portion of the 20th century. 😉 But there's plenty of news going on with Route 66, and you'll see … Continue reading We’re back
State police building named to National Historic Register
The now-closed Illinois State Police District 6 building at 15551 Old Route 66 in Pontiac was named to the National Register of Historic Places, announced the National Park Service today. The gun-shaped building was built in 1941, and was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Association's Hall of Fame in 2000. Regrettably, I've not been … Continue reading State police building named to National Historic Register
Wearing of the green
St. Patrick's Day is coming up. That means it's time for the annual 61st St. Patrick's Day Celebration in the Route 66 town of Shamrock, Texas, this weekend. The Amarillo Globe-News has a preview story. For a festival schedule of events, go here.
Susan Wageman story touches hearts of readers
The San Jose Mercury-News' recent story about Susan Wageman, who was trying to learn to drive her husband's manual-transmission Corvette after he died unexpectedly, gained quite a response from readers. The newspaper printed several letters to the Roadshow column about it. Columnist Gary Richards also provided a few more details about Wageman since the story … Continue reading Susan Wageman story touches hearts of readers
Al Wilson’s master recordings lost in a fire
R&B singer Al Wilson, 67, who had a No. 1 hit in 1974 with "Show and Tell," lost the master tapes to his hit songs to a fire in his San Bernardino, Calif., home studio on Monday, reported the Inland Press-Enterprise. "I can't even begin to tell you how much he lost," Alder said. "It's … Continue reading Al Wilson’s master recordings lost in a fire
Goodies from the Roadside America newsletter
In the regular e-mail newsletter from the excellent Roadside America site, there are two new Route 66-related field reports: Wigwam Village Motel #6 in Holbrook, Ariz. The Route 66 Monument in Tucumcari, N.M.
Moriarty takes a shot at beautification
Here's another Route 66 town in addition to the previously mentioned Victorville, Calif., that's trying to spruce itself up -- Moriarty, N.M., east of Albuquerque. A firm presented a master plan to the Moriarty City Council, reported the Mountain View Telegraph. "The big idea behind it is looking at ways to use landscaping and public … Continue reading Moriarty takes a shot at beautification
Victorville’s Old Town tries to lure artists
This is rather bold. Tired of vacant storefronts in the Old Town area, the City of Victorville, Calif., recently purchased a laundry business so it can tear it down and erect a complex of 10 artist-friendly lofts in an effort to spark residential and retail development, the Victorville Daily Press reports. Developers already are showing … Continue reading Victorville’s Old Town tries to lure artists
Hamel launches Web site
The Route 66 town of Hamel, Ill., recently launched an Internet site. It's not only touting the town to potential future residents, but also is playing up its Route 66 heritage, reports the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat. Hamel also is holding a biannual festival. This year's Hamel Heritage Days is June 10, with much of the … Continue reading Hamel launches Web site