The closed Wishing Well Motor Inn in Springfield, Missouri, is slated to be demolished because it's no longer habitable and has become a nuisance. But the president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri hopes the motel's sign can be salvaged and restored. The motel at 3550 W. Chestnut Expressway (aka Route 66) was owned … Continue reading Will the Wishing Well Motor Inn’s sign be saved?
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.
Mel’s Drive-In earns Santa Monica preservation award
The Mel's Drive-In restaurant that opened a year ago at the true western ending of Route 66 earned a historic preservation award from the Santa Monica Conservancy. The conservancy stated in a news release Sunday: The 1959 Armet and Davis-designed Penguin Coffee Shop was restored to its original use by Mel’s Drive-In owner Steven Weiss, … Continue reading Mel’s Drive-In earns Santa Monica preservation award
Meltdown Diner in Tulsa to close doors Saturday
The Meltdown Diner along Route 66 in southwest Tulsa will close its doors for good Saturday less than two years after opening. Owner Jim Hardcastle made the announcement Monday on the restaurant's Facebook page: Hardcastle sold a food truck he operated and used the proceeds to renovate a 1949 building at Southwest Boulevard (aka Route … Continue reading Meltdown Diner in Tulsa to close doors Saturday
Report: $10M needed to stabilize portions of old Joliet prison
The historic Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, will need at least $10 million worth of repairs in the next five years to stabilize six key structures within the long-closed complex. The Klein & Hoffman architectural and structural engineering firm gave the estimates to shore up the prison's administration building, east and west cell blocks, … Continue reading Report: $10M needed to stabilize portions of old Joliet prison
Classical Gas Museum owner makes new pitch for Route 66 museum in Santa Rosa
Johnnie Meier, owner of the Classical Gas Museum and a longtime Route 66 advocate, presented a new set of ideas for establishing a Route 66 museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. According to the May 16 print edition of The Communicator newspaper in Santa Rosa, the city recently took control of the refurbished and century-old … Continue reading Classical Gas Museum owner makes new pitch for Route 66 museum in Santa Rosa
Chubby’s Bar and Grill in Atlanta is up for sale
The historic Chubby's Bar and Grill in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, is up for sale because its owners wish to retire. The bar at 111 Southeast Vine St., also described as being on 111 Southwest Arch St. (aka Route 66), lists for $79,900. The price has been reduced several times, and acquiring a working restaurant and … Continue reading Chubby’s Bar and Grill in Atlanta is up for sale
Outlook appears grim for Steak ‘n Shake restaurant chain
If you enjoy Steak 'n Shake or never have been to the restaurant chain founded 85 years ago along Route 66, you may ought to visit one soon. It may not be around in the next few years. Indiana-based Steak 'n Shake, founded in 1934 by Gus Belt along U.S. 66 in Normal, Illinois, contains … Continue reading Outlook appears grim for Steak ‘n Shake restaurant chain
You could win 918 Bistro & Sports Bar in Stroud with essay and $100
The owners of the 918 Bistro & Sports Bar along Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma, are offering to give away their business, plus $5,000 in startup money, to whoever submits a winning essay and $100. Melanie and Michael Williams have owned the bar for four years but want to step away to concentrate on their … Continue reading You could win 918 Bistro & Sports Bar in Stroud with essay and $100
Dedication of Camp Cajon monument planned for July 4
Several area historical societies plan to dedicate a new monument dedicated to Camp Cajon on July 4, which happens to be the centennial of the opening of the pre-Route 66 auto camp north of San Bernardino, California. The San Bernardino County Sun reports: Commuters in the Cajon Pass on the 15 Freeway may have recently … Continue reading Dedication of Camp Cajon monument planned for July 4
Lowell Davis’ FoxFire Farm put up for sale, but not Red Oak II
Missouri artist Lowell Davis has put up his FoxFire Farm near Carthage, Missouri, on the real-estate market. However, neighboring Red Oak II, a frequent side trip for Route 66 travelers, isn't for sale. KOAM-TV produced a report, along with a short interview with Davis and his daughter: The Facebook page for Red Oak II had … Continue reading Lowell Davis’ FoxFire Farm put up for sale, but not Red Oak II