Scott Piotrowski recently uploaded a 20-minute documentary from 1998, "158 Miles to Yesterday," that he directed and produced. The film, shot in 16 mm film and uploaded from the VHS tape, examines the longest unbroken stretch of original Route 66 from in Arizona, from about Crookton Road to Topock. Now over 20 years old, the … Continue reading Scott Piotrowski’s “158 Miles to Yesterday” now on YouTube
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.
Original Route 66 alignment verified near Newkirk
Several respected Route 66 researchers announced last week they had verified a section of dirt road near Newkirk, New Mexico, was original Route 66 during the 1920s. The old alignment runs south and west of Newkirk -- part of it on private land. The bonus is the alignment runs right by old Newkirk Cemetery southwest … Continue reading Original Route 66 alignment verified near Newkirk
Manager chosen for future Albuquerque Route 66 Visitors Center
Bernalillo County recently chose a manager to run its eventual $5.5 million Route 66 Visitors Center on Albuquerque's west side. According to an article by the Associated Press, the county chose West Central Community Development Group to operate and manage the center on Nine Mile Hill. A perusal of the county's agenda packet reveals these … Continue reading Manager chosen for future Albuquerque Route 66 Visitors Center
Sky View Drive-In in Litchfield sponsors special Route 66 scavenger hunt
The Sky-View Drive-In in Litchfield, Illinois, during a scavenger hunt will be giving away special magnets along varying locations on Route 66 that are good for a special gift and free tickets at the theater. According to a news release from the theater and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway: The Sky View Scavenger Hunt … Continue reading Sky View Drive-In in Litchfield sponsors special Route 66 scavenger hunt
Lawmaker hails Ariston Cafe’s 95th anniversary on House floor
A congressman recently spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the Ariston Cafe's 95th anniversary. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) spoke Tuesday about the Route 66 restaurant in Litchfield, Illinois. Below are his remarks: Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize one of the most well-known landmarks along Route 66 in … Continue reading Lawmaker hails Ariston Cafe’s 95th anniversary on House floor
Joplin Hall of Fame athlete, restaurateur Gary “Cat” Johnson dies
Gary "Cat" Johnson, a former pro basketball player who returned to his hometown of Joplin, Missouri, to briefly open a Southern-cooking restaurant on Route 66, died Tuesday. He was 59. A friend of Cat Johnson's Taste of the South page on Facebook posted this message late Tuesday: According to the Joplin Globe, Johnson led Memorial … Continue reading Joplin Hall of Fame athlete, restaurateur Gary “Cat” Johnson dies
Neon sign installed at Kum & Go at old 66 section in Springfield
The owners of the soon-to-open Kum & Go convenience store at a corner in Springfield, Missouri, that contained an original stretch of Route 66 pledged it would pay tribute to the Mother Road. It appears to have kept that promise. Jonathan Sharp posted these pictures on Facebook of an elaborate neon sign on the side … Continue reading Neon sign installed at Kum & Go at old 66 section in Springfield
Birthplace of Route 66 Food Truck Park & Diner coming by summer
An automotive dealer is creating a Birthplace of Route 66 Food Truck Park & Diner along, as you may have anticipated, Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri. Kirk Wheeler, owner of the Wheeler Automotive lot, will convert the property at 1530 E. St. Louis St. (aka Route 66), into the food-truck park and restaurant two doors … Continue reading Birthplace of Route 66 Food Truck Park & Diner coming by summer
Uranus Missouri begins launch of nationwide campaign with video
Last week, the folks at Uranus Missouri launched a video in a campaign about its fudge factory and gift shop that eventually will make its way to major online platforms and network television. Here's the two-minute video, starring Louie Keen, the self-proclaimed mayor of Uranus, and more of his sophomoric and scatological humor: https://youtu.be/CxyqHkOA00s Keen … Continue reading Uranus Missouri begins launch of nationwide campaign with video
There’s a new Sheriff in Galena
A new attraction has been placed along old Route 66 in Galena, Kansas -- and the folks there are putting the Sheriff of Radiator Springs on a pedestal. A facsimile of the 1949 Mercury police car that served as the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the 2006 animated film "Cars" now sits on lift above … Continue reading There’s a new Sheriff in Galena