A local radio station recently received a sneak preview of renovations at the History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, that will give visitors a more interactive and immersive experience later this summer, including of Route 66. KSMU radio reported on the elaborate $12 million project that was paid for with grants, donations … Continue reading Radio station gets preview of History Museum on the Square renovations
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.
Sign at Fender’s River Road Resort shines again
The historic neon sign at Fender's River Road Resort in Needles, California, shined again Saturday evening during a relighting ceremony. Here's a short video posted on Facebook by the good folks from Route 66 Navigation: Jim Hinckley also hosted an hour-long Facebook Live session before the sign was fired up. Colorado photographer and videographer KC … Continue reading Sign at Fender’s River Road Resort shines again
Office of La Fonda Hotel architect added to National Register
The office of John Gaw Meem, architect of the expansion and remodeling of the famed La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a key figure in the popularization of the Pueblo Revival style, was designated on the National Register of Historic Places. The John Gaw Meem Architects Office at 1101 Camino De Cruz … Continue reading Office of La Fonda Hotel architect added to National Register
“Chuggin on Down 66” an early example of a Route 66 song
Here's a Route 66 song that escaped my notice for many years -- until recently. Country music artist Smiley Burnette in 1954 recorded and released "Chuggin on Down 66" on the Abbott label. Some attribute it also being on the London label, probably for the European market. https://youtu.be/k7UD3SgAvhw Near the end of the song, Burnette … Continue reading “Chuggin on Down 66” an early example of a Route 66 song
Restoration of Gemini Giant completed
The restoration of the Gemini Giant, the famous fiberglass mascot of the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, was finished a few days ago. Here is a before-and-after photo the restaurant posted on Facebook: Tully Garrett and Holly Barker stated Sunday on the restaurant's Facebook page: Success! The Gemini Giant’s paint is finally complete! His … Continue reading Restoration of Gemini Giant completed
State awards $2 million for Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque
The New Mexico Legislature's capital-outlays package includes $2 million for Albuquerque's proposed Route 66 Visitors Center and another $50,000 for Route 66 signage in the city. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque listed more than 100 projects approved by the Legislature and governor, including the two Route 66 items. The Route 66 Visitors Center on Nine Mile Hill … Continue reading State awards $2 million for Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque
Jackrabbit at Jack Rabbit Trading Post being restored
No, that is not a ghost rabbit at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post near Joseph City, Arizona. It's the famed fiberglass statue undergoing a makeover with a new undercoat before it's repaired and repainted. The big, saddled jackrabbit is "out of commission" to visitors until the end of this week while its owners restore it. … Continue reading Jackrabbit at Jack Rabbit Trading Post being restored
Monterey Motel in Albuquerque to be restored
It was speculated this would happen, and now it's confirmed: The same development group that revamped El Vado Motel in Albuquerque will restore the nearby Monterey Motel, once known as the Monterey Non-Smokers Motel. KOB-TV got the scoop. Chad Rennaker of Palindrome Communities told the station the Monterey restoration project would begin late this year. … Continue reading Monterey Motel in Albuquerque to be restored
Sorrento’s Pizzeria in Lincoln to mark 50th year this weekend
Sam Sorrento's Pizzeria in downtown Lincoln, Illinois, is marking its 50th year this weekend with a ribbon-cutting at its new location just three doors down from the old site. The ribbon-cutting at 614 Broadway (aka Route 66) will take place at 4 p.m. Friday, June 7. It's part of Route 66 Weekend activities in conjunction … Continue reading Sorrento’s Pizzeria in Lincoln to mark 50th year this weekend
Decades of Wheels Museum in Baxter Springs holds grand opening
The museum of the Decades of Wheels complex in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas, held its grand opening Saturday that included a parade and tours of the complex's Little Brick Inn bed-and-breakfast. According to a story in the Pittsburg Morning Sun, that morning was scheduled to include a car parade and a ribbon-cutting by city officials … Continue reading Decades of Wheels Museum in Baxter Springs holds grand opening