City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem

The City of Amarillo recently began repainting a water tower that will include a special Route 66 emblem, probably by early spring. KFDA-TV reported about the project last week: “You really don’t know if you’re on Route 66, unless you’re seeing those brown Route 66 signs that are pretty spread out. Having these markers will … Continue reading City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem

About $15 million in improvements slated for Old State Capitol in Springfield

The Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, is due for $15.1 million in improvements under the state's Rebuild Illinois capital plan. According to the State Journal-Register in Springfield: The money will go towards a variety of improvements according to an announcement from the governor's office Friday including replacement of the roof and wooden flooring, … Continue reading About $15 million in improvements slated for Old State Capitol in Springfield

Roubidoux Bridge in Waynesville to celebrate its centennial on April 1

The landmark Roubidoux Bridge in Waynesville, Missouri, will mark its 100th year with a celebration on April 1 at nearby Roy Laughlin Memorial Park. The party will be from 1 to 3 p.m. that day, a Saturday. The park is easily accessed via Spring Road on the east side of Roubidoux Creek. According to the … Continue reading Roubidoux Bridge in Waynesville to celebrate its centennial on April 1

Albert Okura, a restaurateur who owned the town of Amboy, dies

Albert Okura, longtime owner and founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain who purchased the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, in 2005, died last week. Okura also owned the first original McDonald's -- also a popular Route 66 stop in San Bernardino, California. He purchased that location in 1998, stocked it with McDonald's memorabilia … Continue reading Albert Okura, a restaurateur who owned the town of Amboy, dies

Sunflower Station’s reopening will be delayed due to co-owner’s health issues

The reopening of Sunflower Station in Adrian, Texas, once scheduled for this spring, will be delayed while its co-owner recovers from serious health issues. Kelly Snyder said on a social media post that her husband Jason underwent major surgery on Jan. 1 and encountered some complications, including the need for a colostomy. Snyder said they … Continue reading Sunflower Station’s reopening will be delayed due to co-owner’s health issues

City of Albuquerque seeks millions in state funding for Route 66 improvements

The City of Albuquerque has requested millions of dollars in state funding for improvements to its Route 66 corridor, including its soon-to-open Route 66 Visitor Center. A report by KRQE-TV in Albuquerque and the city's own priorities list to the New Mexico Legislature provide the details on the requests:  -- $15 million to move Unser … Continue reading City of Albuquerque seeks millions in state funding for Route 66 improvements

Illinois State Museum director dies shortly after appointment to Route 66 Centennial Commission

Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, director of the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, died Saturday less than a month after her appointment to the Route 66 Centennial Commission. Her death was reported by the Springfield State Journal-Register after the Illinois Association of Museums announced it Sunday. She was 50. No cause of death was reported by either the … Continue reading Illinois State Museum director dies shortly after appointment to Route 66 Centennial Commission

Closed Firestone shop in downtown Albuquerque to become a microbrewery site

A closed Firestone service station in downtown Albuquerque that dated to the early 1930s will become the future site of an Ex Novo Brewing Co. taproom this fall. Albuquerque-based Geltmore LLC, Ex Novo and a group of local investors on Thursday completed the purchase of the Firestone on Seventh Street and Central Avenue (aka Route … Continue reading Closed Firestone shop in downtown Albuquerque to become a microbrewery site

Missouri Route 66 association could own historic Gasconade River Bridge by spring

The Route 66 Association of Missouri could take over ownership of the historic Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen by May or June. Gary Sosniecki wrote a report about the association's winter meeting at Route 66 State Park in Eureka for the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society. Association President Rich Dinkela and Vice President … Continue reading Missouri Route 66 association could own historic Gasconade River Bridge by spring

Giant guitar added to the side of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet

Gigantar, a 24-foot-long guitar that was fashioned for the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, was installed and later dedicated during a lighting ceremony attended by hundreds of people on Friday evening despite near-freezing temperatures. Cheap Trick guitarist and co-founder Rick Nielsen, a member of both the Illinois Rock & … Continue reading Giant guitar added to the side of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet