A recent podcast by the Atlas Obscura travel website featured Mary Beth Babcock, owner and creator of the Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 shop in Tulsa, and the landmark Buck Atom fiberglass statue that anchors the site. It's an entertaining 11-minute podcast, and Babcock's irrepressible personality comes through: Babcock commissioned the Buck Atom statue … Continue reading Atlas Obscura podcast features Mary Beth Babcock and her Buck Atom statue in Tulsa
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.
Albuquerque dedicates new bronze statues dedicated to “Breaking Bad” lead actors
Statues of the main characters of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman from the "Breaking Bad" drug kingpin drama were dedicated Friday at the Albuquerque Convention Center, with co-stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul present at the unveiling. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and "Breaking Bad" creator and director Vince Gilligan also attended the ceremony to dedicate … Continue reading Albuquerque dedicates new bronze statues dedicated to “Breaking Bad” lead actors
Never-before-seen diamond crystal structure found in a meteorite from Meteor Crater
Scientists recently found a unique structure of diamond and graphite in a meteorite that created Meteor Crater near Route 66 in northern Arizona that could hold big implications for the electronics industry. The Meteor Crater meteorite is known as the Canyon Diablo meteorite, which typically are named after nearby landmarks. Diablo Canyon is well known … Continue reading Never-before-seen diamond crystal structure found in a meteorite from Meteor Crater
Jerry Ueckert, champion of Route 66 in New Mexico, dies at age 71
Jerry Ueckert, a strong advocate for Route 66, especially in New Mexico, died in Edgewood earlier this month. He was 71. In a lengthy obituary in the Edgewood Independent newspaper, it reported he co-founded the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce with Bob Audette, Keith Matson and Bill Gilmore. He also was managing editor of New … Continue reading Jerry Ueckert, champion of Route 66 in New Mexico, dies at age 71
Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona hands out four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently awarded four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each to properties. The grant awards were announced in the association's newsletter, which was emailed this week. 1955 Texaco gas station, Winslow ($10,000): Plans include removing exterior paint to expose original white and green porcelain, replacing the garage door with a … Continue reading Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona hands out four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each
New murals help brighten Route 66 corridors in Collinsville, Edwardsville, Yukon
New murals that recently were painted in Collinsville and Edwardsville, Illinois, and Yukon, Oklahoma, are brightening the drive on Route 66 in those towns. The one that was finished this week in Edwardsville is part of the Route 66 Mural Art Trail, where 12 murals are planned along Route 66 in Illinois. The Edwardsville mural … Continue reading New murals help brighten Route 66 corridors in Collinsville, Edwardsville, Yukon
Boots Court motel in Carthage now is taking reservations
The Boots Court motel in Carthage, Missouri, began taking reservations for overnight stays last week after the historic Route 66 property underwent months of renovations under new ownership. The motel's Facebook page stated on July 21 it had five rooms ready for overnight guests and welcomed its first customers. The next day, it made the … Continue reading Boots Court motel in Carthage now is taking reservations
Rescue Celebration held at Painted Desert Trading Post site
About 60 people attended Saturday what was termed a Rescue Celebration for the once-moribund Painted Desert Trading Post building on a remote stretch of Route 66 in eastern Arizona. The Route 66 Co-op four years ago bought the long-abandoned property, which was in imminent danger of collapse, and shored up the building so it would … Continue reading Rescue Celebration held at Painted Desert Trading Post site
Will new exits off the Turner Turnpike improve the fortunes of Route 66 towns in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma initiative plans to add 14 new exits from its toll-road system, including several near Route 66 towns between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The Oklahoman examined that stretch of Route 66, especially the small town of Davenport, which hopes the new access from Interstate 44 will bring them new businesses … Continue reading Will new exits off the Turner Turnpike improve the fortunes of Route 66 towns in Oklahoma?
California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow National Scenic Byway earns national award
The National Scenic Byway Foundation recently gave a Hospitality Award to the California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow Scenic Byway. The byway was one of eight that received an award during the national dinner and ceremony in Leavenworth, Kansas, in May. The Victorville Daily Press reported: The Needles to Barstow National Scenic Byway was … Continue reading California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow National Scenic Byway earns national award