Several weeks ago, it appeared the historic Western Motel in Bethany, Okla., was in jeopardy. The manager was busted during a prostitution sting, and the city filed a notice to abate the nuisance -- usually a first step that leads to a motel's demolition. But things have changed. The motel's owner, Ken Patel, has taken … Continue reading Western Motel in Bethany gets a reprieve
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.
Big Lincoln on big wagon may move to Lincoln
In Divernon, Ill., there's a big Abraham Lincoln figure that sits on a gigantic covered wagon, right off Route 66. The wagon is 40 feet long, 20 feet tall, and the wheels alone are 10 feet tall. It weighs five tons. You can see and read about the Giant Lincoln on a Covered Wagon at … Continue reading Big Lincoln on big wagon may move to Lincoln
Two Route 66 towns to enroll in Main Street program
The Tulsa World reports today that the City Council is expected to allow part of southwest Tulsa, known as Red Fork, to participate in the Oklahoma Main Street revitalization and preservation program. It would last for three years and cost $150,000. It would recognize what is being called Red Fork Main Street, which encompasses two … Continue reading Two Route 66 towns to enroll in Main Street program
Attention, western roadies
Jim Conkle of the California Route 66 Preservation Foundation is going to start filming pilots for a television series about Route 66 that will be similar in format to Charles Kuralt's "On the Road." The series is being pitched to Fox, HGTV and local stations. He wants to interview as many Route 66 aficionados as … Continue reading Attention, western roadies
Grant will finish Coleman Theatre restoration
Those who've traveled the Mother Road know that the restoration of the historic Coleman Theatre Beautiful in Miami, Okla., has been ongoing for years. That restoration is one big step closer to being complete because of a $250,000 grant, theater director Barbara Smith told the Joplin (Mo.) Globe. "The grant will complete the balcony project, … Continue reading Grant will finish Coleman Theatre restoration
Who will buy Metro memories?
The Metro Diner closed a few weeks ago to make way for a new entrance at the University of Tulsa. On Tuesday, the landmark Route 66 restaurant's cooking equipment and memorabilia were auctioned. KOTV in Tulsa has the story.
A brief history of Camp Cajon
Freelance writer Mark Landis writes a fascinating historical piece in the San Bernardino County (Calif.) Sun about William H. Bristol, who was a key member of the community and a major promoter of the area in the late 1800s and much of the first half of the 20th century. His contribution to Route 66 is … Continue reading A brief history of Camp Cajon
Raising the Pops bottle
Jim Ross sent us some photos he shot Monday of the raising of the 66-foot-tall giant pop bottle and drinking straw that will stand near the Pops convenience store and diner along Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla. Pops is the brainchild of Chesapeake Energy CEO Aubrey McClendon. Ross wrote: Here are some shots of the … Continue reading Raising the Pops bottle
Saying goodbye to a friend
Dot Leavitt, owner of Dot's Mini Museum in Vega, Texas, passed away this morning, reports Linda Drake, manager of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce. Linda describes Dot as "a dear, sweet lady that loved Route 66 and all the people that traveled the road." Dot -- pictured above with Jim Conkle during a visit … Continue reading Saying goodbye to a friend
Sheriff on patrol
Randy Chevrier, owner of Paintmaster Collision and a prominent member of the Route 66 Business League of Tulsa, sent me this photo of Michael Wallis driving riding along in what looks like an old patrol cruiser in this past weekend's PSO Christmas Parade of Lights in downtown Tulsa. Wallis portrays the Sheriff of Radiator Springs … Continue reading Sheriff on patrol