The Tulsa Route 66 Commission generally does good things for the Mother Road in northeast Oklahoma, but this story from KTUL caught my eye for a less-positive reason: If you drive the four-mile stretch of 11th Street, you’ll pass 59 used car dealerships."It's car lot after car lot, which is really not engaging people in … Continue reading Should Tulsa Route 66 Commission lobby against auto shops?
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.
Cost to revamp 11th Street Bridge in Tulsa estimated at $26.6 million
The Tulsa Route 66 Commission wanted an updated estimate on repurposing the historic but long-closed 11th Street Bridge, and it got it -- it would be at least $26.6 million. The commission wants to reuse the bridge as a venue for events and tourism. The new cost estimate is an update from a similar plan … Continue reading Cost to revamp 11th Street Bridge in Tulsa estimated at $26.6 million
Peter Fonda, known for his iconic role in “Easy Rider,” dies at 79
Peter Fonda, the son of acting legend Henry Fonda who found fame in 1969's "Easy Rider" that was shot on Route 66, has died. He was 79. Peter Fonda on a Captain America motorcycle in 2009 According to the Los Angeles Times and other media outlets, Fonda died after a bout with lung cancer. Fonda … Continue reading Peter Fonda, known for his iconic role in “Easy Rider,” dies at 79
Was “Sleepy Joe’s Cafe” by Bruce Springsteen based on a Route 66 restaurant?
In the last few weeks, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin columnist David Allen has tried to track down the inspiration to the Bruce Springsteen song "Sleepy Joe's Cafe," off the new, fascinating "Western Stars" album. It's easy to see why the opening lines of the song intrigued Allen: There's a place out on the highway 'cross … Continue reading Was “Sleepy Joe’s Cafe” by Bruce Springsteen based on a Route 66 restaurant?
Hit-and-run damages gas pump at Soulsby Station
An apparent hit-and-run accident damaged one of the Shell gas pumps at the historic Soulsby Station in Mount Olive, Illinois, last week. The accident occurred Saturday morning amid a group of four touring motorcyclists visiting the station. Mike Dragovich, who's owned the station since 1997, said surveillance video revealed one of the motorcyclists accidentally "dumped" … Continue reading Hit-and-run damages gas pump at Soulsby Station
The Outsiders House Museum opens in Tulsa
A key actor in the film, the novel's author and the savior of the home cut the ribbon last week to symbolize the opening of The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa. "The Outsiders" author S.E. Hinton; C. Thomas Howell, who portrayed Ponyboy Curtis in the 1983 film adaptation; and rapper Danny O'Connor, who renovated the … Continue reading The Outsiders House Museum opens in Tulsa
De Anza Motor Lodge likely will be booking overnight guests in early October
The soon-to-reopen De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque likely will begin booking overnight guests in the hotel part of the business by early October. An article in the Albuquerque Journal this week about De Anza and other developments in the Nob Hill neighborhood stated those who had reserved apartments at De Anza likely will be … Continue reading De Anza Motor Lodge likely will be booking overnight guests in early October
Grand Canyon Deer Farm near Williams marks 50th year this week
The Grand Canyon Deer Farm animal sanctuary off old Route 66 near Williams, Arizona, celebrates its 50th year this week -- on Thursday, to be exact. Russell Hamilton founded the Deer Farm on Aug. 15, 1969, but Randy and Pat George are the longest-tenured owners, having run it since 1987, according to an article in … Continue reading Grand Canyon Deer Farm near Williams marks 50th year this week
Clinton city council unanimously votes to condemn Glancy Motel
Members of the city council of Clinton, Oklahoma, voted unanimously last week to condemn the historic Glancy Motel along Route 66. According to the print edition Saturday of the Weatherford Daily News, Mayor David Berrong said code enforcement officer Toby Anders had been dealing with the property for more than three years regarding violations there. … Continue reading Clinton city council unanimously votes to condemn Glancy Motel
Video uploaded about the history and restoration of Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa
Jack Frank, a fellow who specializes in historic-minded films and videos in Tulsa, recently uploaded a clip about the history and restoration of the Meadow Gold neon sign. https://youtu.be/g_MoqXzKwEY The video was created a few years before replicas of the clocks that hung atop the two-sided sign were returned to their rightful spots. As a … Continue reading Video uploaded about the history and restoration of Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa