A local artist recently completed a 722-square-foot, Route 66-themed mural on the side of the Tulsa Welding School along the East 11th Street alignment of Route 66. Sarah Thompson finished the mural earlier this month. It features Tulsa landmarks such as the Meadow Gold sign, Desert Hills Motel and the Oasis Motel. According to Yahoo! … Continue reading Big Route 66 mural completed at Tulsa Welding School
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.
Plainsman Coffee Shop neon sign in Holbrook is taken down
The neon sign for the long-closed Plainsman Coffee Shop & Dining Room along Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona, was taken down Tuesday. The news first was reported on the Holbrook AZ News & Events page on Facebook as it was happening. Photos were posted of an obviously professional sign company removing the sign. Observers on … Continue reading Plainsman Coffee Shop neon sign in Holbrook is taken down
Oklahoma Route 66 Commission becomes law after legislature overrides governor’s veto
The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission became law Friday after the state legislature overwhelmingly overrode the governor's veto on the measure. House Bill 4457, which promises millions in annual funding for the preservation and development of Route 66 through mid-2027 through the commission, initially had passed by a 72-6 vote in the state House and 39-6 … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Commission becomes law after legislature overrides governor’s veto
“Interactive metaverse exhibit” coming to Springfield involves Negro Motorist Green Book
In May, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Gov. JB Pritzker announced $4 million in grants for various projects along Route 66, including one to Springfield for an "interactive metaverse exhibit" that would focus on "the lived experiences of Black Americans traveling or living in communities along Route 66 throughout its history." Last week, … Continue reading “Interactive metaverse exhibit” coming to Springfield involves Negro Motorist Green Book
Filmmakers of a documentary on women of Route 66 to launch a summer tour on June 14
The creators of the "Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road" documentary film will launch a summer tour with a screening on June 14 in Springfield, Missouri. The 7 p.m. event at Duane Meyer Library, Room 101, in Missouri State University Libraries will include a panel discussion with filmmakers, the Chix … Continue reading Filmmakers of a documentary on women of Route 66 to launch a summer tour on June 14
Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently unveiled a new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 that will be installed along nearly 400 miles of the historic highway in the state. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation debuted the newly approved road sign for U.S. Bicycle Route 66 in Oklahoma. Pictured, from left, are ODOT Multimodal Division Manager Jared … Continue reading Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted
Two Route 66 motels in Needles are forced to close within a year
Apparently, Gallup isn't the only Route 66 town that is closing its historic motels. The River Valley Inn along Route 66 in Needles, California, was ordered shut down earlier this month by the city's Buildings Department due to unsafe conditions. That's less than a year after the Best Motel, also along Route 66 in the … Continue reading Two Route 66 motels in Needles are forced to close within a year
Home movie footage from 1977 shows Fort Courage and Flintstones Bedrock City in Arizona
Steve Palmer recently posted online some film footage taken during a family vacation in 1977. It shows Fort Courage in Houck, Arizona, and Bedrock City north of Williams, Arizona. https://youtu.be/KaYmXc7EmSU Fort Courage has been abandoned for years and is deteriorating to the elements and vandals. According to Atlas Obscura, Fort Courage was built in the … Continue reading Home movie footage from 1977 shows Fort Courage and Flintstones Bedrock City in Arizona
Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge put up for sale for $1.1 million
The Sunset Motel, known for its location on Route 66 in Villa Ridge, Missouri, and its vibrant neon sign, recently was put up for sale for $1.1 million. Coldwell Banker Realty is the broker for the property. Here's what it stated in the description: The Business of Success. Make it yours with this strategically located … Continue reading Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge put up for sale for $1.1 million
Hickory House Bar-B-Q in Sapulpa soon will close after 41 years
The Hickory House Bar-B-Q restaurant in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will close after serving residents and Route 66ers for 41 years. The restaurant at 626 N. Mission St. (aka Route 66) soon will be put up for sale after it serves its final meals Saturday. Co-owner Roberta Ortiz told the Sapulpa Times, which broke the story, that … Continue reading Hickory House Bar-B-Q in Sapulpa soon will close after 41 years