For a first-time event, the Tulsa World Route 66 Marathon on Sunday in Tulsa, Okla., seemed pretty polished. More than 3,000 people participated in the 26.2-mile run and half-marathon footraces, which is an unusually high number for a first-year marathon event. And you know next year's Route 66 Marathon will be even better, because organizers … Continue reading More than 3,000 run in Route 66 Marathon
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.
Spraker Service Station demolished
Laurel Kane passed on bad news today about the historic Spraker Service Station along Route 66 in Vinita, Okla.: The Spraker Service Station in Vinita, OK, which just a few weeks ago was the subject of an email writing campaign advocating its preservation, is no more. As I drove through Vinita on my way to … Continue reading Spraker Service Station demolished
Mini road trip
For those who think regular motorcycles are too darned big, there are mini motorsports rallies. This one was on Route 66 in Arizona from Seligman to Grand Canyon Caverns. I love AC/DC, but "Shoot to Thrill" seems a tad macho for someone who rides a motor scooter.
This is a church?
The Creek County (Okla.) Board of Adjustment rejected Charles Elliott's request for zoning exceptions so he can host a motorcycle rally on his property off Route 66 near Depew, according to the Sapulpa Daily Herald. Elliott hosted one rally last year, but a second was halted by a court injunction because it violated zoning rules. … Continue reading This is a church?
Media picks up on El Vado story
The Albuquerque Journal has picked up the story about owner Richard Gonzales filing an application to demolish the historic El Vado Motel. Much of the backstory has already been covered on this site. But there's this excerpt: To get the demolition permit, Gonzales will have to show the city Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission that … Continue reading Media picks up on El Vado story
Metro Diner’s last day is Nov. 26
Laurel Kane tells me that the sign on the Metro Diner at 3001 E. 11th St. in Tulsa now says its final day of business will be Sunday, Nov. 26. The Metro is going to be demolished to make way for an expansion of the University of Tulsa's entrance. The restaurant, which was built in … Continue reading Metro Diner’s last day is Nov. 26
Mater’s inspiration on TV
Rod Harsh at Route 66 TV Online compiled these two televised news reports of the gala in Galena, Kan., that displayed the 1951 International boom truck that inspired the creation of Mater in the movie "Cars." The gas station also is going to be restored into become a gift shop and tourism center by the … Continue reading Mater’s inspiration on TV
Scenes from the Mother Road 100
Somebody had a video camera at several vantage points during last weekend's Mother Road 100. For more about the ultramarathon, read these reports here and here.
Loosen up those filters, OK?
Last week, I learned that access to Route 66 News on federal and state computers in New Mexico was being blocked. Naturally, this got my paranoia up a bit. Did my support of Asian-American motel owners raise the ire of an overzealous employee of the Department of Homeland Security? Was someone in the government offended … Continue reading Loosen up those filters, OK?
New Joplin business opens in historic building
Route 66 TV Online reports that a new business, Columbia Traders, has opened in the 114-year-old Columbia Building at 420 S. Main St. in downtown Joplin, Mo. The Deli and grocery serves local residents and Route 66 visitors breakfast and lunch from 6:30 am to 7 pm weekdays, 9 to 5 on Sat. and is … Continue reading New Joplin business opens in historic building