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.

Most Endangered Historic Places nominations

From the National Trust for Historic Preservation: Washington, D.C. (October 18, 2005) – The National Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting nominations for the 2006 America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list until January 18, 2006. Each year, the National Trust issues this list to identify and raise awareness of historic sites at risk from … Continue reading Most Endangered Historic Places nominations

Should we tighten preservation laws?

During this fight to El Vado Motel standing in the past few days, I was thinking about our nation's rather anemic preservation laws. A listing onto the National Register of Historic Places brings prestige and eligibility for loans and grants. But it offers little actual protection for historic properties. Even if an owner places a … Continue reading Should we tighten preservation laws?

Rezoning El Vado may run afoul of law

A friend of mine told me about this New Mexico appeals court decision that sets a precedent against rezoning El Vado Motel in Albuquerque: Spot zoning (¶ 5). Spot zoning “is an attempt to wrench a single lot from its environment and give it a new rating that disturbs the tenor of the neighborhood, and … Continue reading Rezoning El Vado may run afoul of law

Albuquerque mayor opposes El Vado rezoning

This is from this morning's Albuquerque Journal about the El Vado Motel. I ordinarily would post the URL, but the newspaper has subscription-only content. Here is an excerpt: Mayor Martin Chávez said Monday he will oppose a zoning change that could lead to demolition of El Vado Motel, which he said is historic and should … Continue reading Albuquerque mayor opposes El Vado rezoning

A look at Tulsa’s Vision 2025 Route 66 project (Part 2)

This is what Vision 2025 Route 66 master plan recommends for Tulsa County. Remember, this to-do list is not set in concrete: -- Route 66 sign and information center at 11th and 193rd. -- Informational sign for historic KVOO radio towers -- East Route 66 Gateway on 11th Street (Route 66) near Interstate 44 and … Continue reading A look at Tulsa’s Vision 2025 Route 66 project (Part 2)

Foreign travelers love Route 66

Here's an illustration of that. In an article in a Tacoma, Wash., newspaper about Japanese engineers being hired to help build the Tacoma Narrow bridge, there's this little tidbit: On their days off, team members and their families have been taking in the local sights – the Olympics, Mount Rainier, the Ballard Locks, the Yakima … Continue reading Foreign travelers love Route 66

For serious runners only

Someone is organizing a 100-mile footrace (that's not a typo, folks) from Arcadia, Okla., to Sapulpa, Okla., in November 2006 to mark the 80th anniversary of Route 66. If you feel like you can trudge nearly four marathons in one shot, here's where you can sign up for the Mother Road 100. It starts at … Continue reading For serious runners only

It seemed like a good idea at the time

Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan has an art exhibit at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla. The college installed a "gallery cam" you can access from the Internet. The idea, I suppose, is so folks can view Jerry's artwork if they're unable to travel to central Oklahoma.Unfortunately, the camera doesn't work well. First of … Continue reading It seemed like a good idea at the time

Upcoming Route 66 events

I took this off the Oklahoma Route 66 Association site and added info and links where applicable:The Roger Miller Festival will be Oct. 22 in Erick, Okla. While you're there, go see the Roger Miller Museum to honor the "King of the Road" and visit the Sandhills Curiosity Shop for music and goofy comedy. The … Continue reading Upcoming Route 66 events