The new owners of the Pink Elephant Antique Mall along Route 66 in Livingston, Illinois, plan a number of changes, including converting the Future UFO into an overnight Airbnb site. Roy Wayne Pickerell announced on Facebook he and Tonia recently closed on their deal with previous owners Dave and Bernice Hammond to purchase the mall. … Continue reading Pink Elephant Antique Mall plans changes, including converting Futuro UFO to Airbnb
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.
Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita sets March 25 for relighting ceremony for restored neon sign
The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, announced it would hold a relighting ceremony on March 25 for its soon-to-be-restored neon sign. The Route 66 restaurant posted photos Friday of the sign being removed "so it can be completely refurbished back to its historical glory." The restaurant added it would be the first time in more … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita sets March 25 for relighting ceremony for restored neon sign
Arizona Route 66 Association announces four more grants
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently announced its latest round of grant awards, including to two historic motels. Roger Naylor provided some of the details in the association's quarterly newsletter in January: -- $11,500 to the Route 66 Motel in Kingman to restore its neon sign, including its wiring. The Valmonte family has … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association announces four more grants
Jungle Jim’s Cafe on north side of Springfield closes permanently
The auto racing-themed Jungle Jim's Cafe on the north side of Springfield, Illinois, closed its doors shortly after New Year's Day. The Facebook account for the restaurant on Jan. 3 announced the closing, citing labor shortages, higher costs and the advancing age of the operators: Jungle Jim's Cafe at 1923 N. Peoria Road (aka Route … Continue reading Jungle Jim’s Cafe on north side of Springfield closes permanently
Toy enthusiasts fuel the McLean Depot Train Shop in the town’s former depot
It's a business, but the McLean Depot Train Shop, housed in the former rail depot in McLean, Illinois, also serves as a passion for model train enthusiasts. The Pantagraph newspaper in nearby Bloomington recently published a feature about the train shop and the people who keep it going. Tom Ludlam owns the shop along Route … Continue reading Toy enthusiasts fuel the McLean Depot Train Shop in the town’s former depot
City of Clinton approves authority’s purchase of Trade Winds Inn and its future demolition
The City of Clinton, Oklahoma, recently approved the Clinton Economic Development Authority's purchase and future razing of the now-closed Trade Winds Inn motel, known for preserving a room where Elvis Presley stayed four times on cross-country trips. According to the Clinton Daily News (subscription required): “The Tradewinds has closed and we are in the process … Continue reading City of Clinton approves authority’s purchase of Trade Winds Inn and its future demolition
Ike’s Chili in Tulsa marking its 115th year in business this year
There's old Route 66 restaurants, then there's Ike's Chili in Tulsa, which is marking its 115th year in business in that city in 2023. Ike's opened in downtown Tulsa in 1908, one year after Oklahoma's statehood. That also is almost 20 years before U.S. 66 was federally commissioned. According to Tulsa People magazine: Owner Len Wade says … Continue reading Ike’s Chili in Tulsa marking its 115th year in business this year
Owners of Shout & Sack convenience store in Vinita to retire at the end of the month
Chris and Jody Carter, owners of their Shout & Sack convenience store along Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma, since 1978, said they're going to retire at the end of January. Chris Carter, 72, told the Cherokee Phoenix they recently sold the property at 305 S. Wilson St. (aka Route 66) “We’ve seen a lot of … Continue reading Owners of Shout & Sack convenience store in Vinita to retire at the end of the month
Landmark hardware store in downtown Joplin to close later this month
The Pearl Brothers Hardware Store in downtown Joplin, Missouri, will close for good on Jan. 28 after 117 years. However, the new owner says he'll keep the Pearl Brothers name as part of the building and nominate it to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Joplin Globe. Harold Berger, who's been part … Continue reading Landmark hardware store in downtown Joplin to close later this month
Teenager makes emergency landing of his plane on Route 66 in Cajon Pass
An 18-year-old pilot was forced to make an emergency landing Monday on an old alignment of Route 66 in the Cajon Pass area of southern California. KTLA reports: Brock Peters, 18, says he was shuttling family from Apple Valley to Riverside Municipal airport for breakfast when he heard a pop from the engine while flying … Continue reading Teenager makes emergency landing of his plane on Route 66 in Cajon Pass