Hotel Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Sunday unveiled a new replica of a sign that graced the historic hotel's main tower for decades. The 1898 hotel hasn't reopened yet, but the big moment Sunday serves as a major sign of the imminent revival of the former Harvey House. Hotel Castaneda probably will reopen … Continue reading Replica of Hotel Castaneda sign unveiled
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.
Mother Road Market in Tulsa opens to the public
The Mother Road Market in Tulsa, a food hall and a business incubator for fledgling restaurateurs, held its grand opening over the weekend. The complex, developed by the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, in the historic 1939 Scrivner-Stevens Co. grocery building at Lewis Avenue and 11th Street (aka Route 66) contains about 20 businesses under its 27,000 square … Continue reading Mother Road Market in Tulsa opens to the public
Mayor grounds Albuquerque Rapid Transit buses
Albuquerque's mayor this week ordered the grounding of the city's troubled rapid-transit buses until the vehicles are inspected and safety concerns are allayed. Mayor Tim Keller told KOAT-TV the city uncovered problems during driver training: Officials say bolts were falling off the doors and the buses' back doors would open on their own while being driven. … Continue reading Mayor grounds Albuquerque Rapid Transit buses
Claremore adds first of many murals over six-year period
The city of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Claremore MainStreet recently finished the first of several murals that will be painted in downtown alleys. The first mural, painted by John Hammer, portrays Route 66, Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers and astronaut Stuart Roosa. Both grew up in Claremore. The city stated this about the mural program several weeks … Continue reading Claremore adds first of many murals over six-year period
Louie the Lumberjack statue in Flagstaff beheaded
The Louie the Lumberjack statue inside Northern Arizona University's Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff was beheaded -- probably as a prank -- after it was taken down in September during stadium renovations. NAZ Today, which is run by the university's students, has the story: https://youtu.be/LROIs4wFqls The university's newspaper, Jack Central, said the headless statue was reported … Continue reading Louie the Lumberjack statue in Flagstaff beheaded
Butcher shop moves into former Grand Canyon Cafe building
A butcher shop and sandwich place has moved into space once occupied by the Grand Canyon Cafe in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. Proper Meats + Provisions, known for using locally raised and pastured animals, moved into the Route 66 landmark a few weeks ago, reported Flagstaff Business News. “It is a much better location for us … Continue reading Butcher shop moves into former Grand Canyon Cafe building
Cactus RV Park sign in Tucumcari removed; property may be sold
A collector purchased and removed the 1950s-era neon sign at the Cactus RV Park in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and the RV park and former motel there soon may be bought out by a national auto-parts chain. Workers and a truck from SignArt in Albuquerque dismantled and removed the sign Thursday from the property. Johnnie Meier, … Continue reading Cactus RV Park sign in Tucumcari removed; property may be sold
Woman worked for two Route 66 icons in Arizona
Here's an obituary you don't read every day -- an Arizona woman who died earlier this month worked not for one, but two bona fide Route 66 icons during her lifetime. Dorthy “Dottie” Ann Hatch Hansen, 83, of St. Johns, Arizona, died Oct. 19. She was born in Pinedale, Arizona, but spent most of her … Continue reading Woman worked for two Route 66 icons in Arizona
Gasconade River Bridge makes Missouri Places in Peril list
The closed Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, on Friday was named to the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation's historic Places in Peril list for 2018. The bridge also was placed on the list in 2015, when the state in late 2014 closed the bridge due to structural deterioration. The alliance issues a Places in Peril … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge makes Missouri Places in Peril list
Old Irv’s Burgers site repurposed into Conservatory cafe
The old Irv's Burgers stand in West Hollywood, California, reopened this week as the cafe part of the Conservatory restaurant. The Conservatory complex at 8289 Santa Monica Blvd. (aka Route 66) also contains a full sit-down restaurant and a Society Room bar. The cafe part takes the Irv's Burgers streetside stand, puts on a new … Continue reading Old Irv’s Burgers site repurposed into Conservatory cafe