The city of Strafford, Missouri, is constructing a Route 66 Historical Park next to city hall along with a visitors center. KY3 in nearby Springfield got the details: When completed, it will feature reconstructed versions of local 66 icons -- the Bumgardner (sic) General Store and Delp Hotel. "We do not have a lot of … Continue reading Strafford building a Route 66-themed park, visitors center
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.
Tucumcari’s Five Mile Park may be redeveloped
Officials from the National Park Service and city of Tucumcari, New Mexico, met recently to discuss ideas on how to redevelop Five Mile Park, located off old Route 66 west of town. Five Mile Park once was known for a large and elaborate swimming-pool complex, but the pool hasn't been used for 40 years, and … Continue reading Tucumcari’s Five Mile Park may be redeveloped
“Santa and My Semi”
Regrettably, I never have found any songs that mix the Christmas season with Route 66. Maybe someday it'll happen ... In the meantime, here's a truck-driving song about the Yuletide season by Texas country artist Dale Watson. It's a cut from Watson's enjoyable 2001 album, "Christmas Time in Texas." https://youtu.be/AdA46d_w6lo
A Christmas card from Arizona
Frank and Lynne Kocevar, the former owners of Historic Seligman Sundries of Seligman, Arizona, put together a Christmastime video each year. Here's the latest. Frank wrote in an email accompanying the video: I have taken singing lessons this past year. I think that I have improved my vocal/lip sync skills. Who said that you can't … Continue reading A Christmas card from Arizona
Fire destroys 100-year-old tavern in Carterville
A fire Thursday morning gutted Shirley's Tavern in Carterville, Missouri, a building which has quenched the thirsts and hunger of locals for more than 100 years. The Joplin Globe reported the fire first was reported about 6:30 a.m., after the tavern had closed. “It has been determined that the fire originated in a closet in … Continue reading Fire destroys 100-year-old tavern in Carterville
The little-known Mesa Trail near Cool Springs Camp
Roger Naylor, who's written a book about Route 66 in Arizona, hikes about 1,000 miles a year, and he wrote in an article for the Arizona Republic one of his favorite places to hike in the state is Mesa Trail near Cool Springs Camp between Kingman and Oatman. Part of the reason few people know … Continue reading The little-known Mesa Trail near Cool Springs Camp
City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center
The city council of Joliet, Illinois, this week entered into a five-year lease to take some responsibility for the historic but long-closed and deteriorating Joliet Correctional Center. The Herald News reported about the deal for the prison, which has been closed by the state of Illinois since 2002: The state retains ownership, while city officials … Continue reading City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center
Williams city council opposes Route 66 Trail proposal; trail advocate responds
The city council of Williams, Arizona, recently passed a resolution that opposed congressional legislation that would designate Route 66 as a national historic trail. It's not surprising a municipality eventually would oppose House Bill 801 months after it was introduced -- almost no congressional measure will earn unanimous support. But it's a bit surprising the … Continue reading Williams city council opposes Route 66 Trail proposal; trail advocate responds
Cynthia Troup’s role in “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”
The story behind the now-iconic song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" is Bobby Troup and his wife, Cynthia Troup, were traveling west on that highway to California in 1946 when she came up with the line "Get your kicks on Route 66." Bobby Troup finished the rest of the song, pitched it to Nat … Continue reading Cynthia Troup’s role in “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”
Route 66 art contest for children announced
Revive 66, an offshoot of the Iowa-based Workin’ Bridges that is trying to save the historic Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, has organized an art contest for children up to age 17, with the winner getting a new Slammer BMX bike. Workin' Bridges has launched in a nationwide campaign to save endangered historic bridges … Continue reading Route 66 art contest for children announced