Historian and author Jim Ross, who's plugged into the goings-on with Oklahoma's Route 66 as well as anyone, posted this grim message Monday on Facebook. The gist of it is seven historic bridges on the Mother Road in Oklahoma are slated for replacement, but one -- the fabled Pony Bridge near Bridgeport -- likely will be saved and … Continue reading Seven historic Route 66 bridges in Oklahoma endangered
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.
Where to see the total eclipse on Route 66
If you're in eastern Missouri on Route 66 on Aug. 21, 2017, there's a good chance you'll experience a rare total eclipse of the sun that day. Most of the state will see at least a partial eclipse. But a narrow band of Route 66 in eastern Missouri will experience a total eclipse. Missouri towns that will … Continue reading Where to see the total eclipse on Route 66
University of New Mexico hosting Route 66 exhibit, lecture series
44 The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque is hosting an exhibit and lecture series this fall to commemorate the 90th birthday of Route 66. A news release from the university contains some details about the upcoming "Life and Times on New Mexico Route 66" exhibit at the university's Zimmerman Library: Route 66 was exciting for the … Continue reading University of New Mexico hosting Route 66 exhibit, lecture series
Circle Cinema in Tulsa to screen “Bagdad Cafe”
The historic Circle Cinema in Tulsa will screen the cult-classic based on Route 66, "Bagdad Cafe," on Thursday night as part of the Mother Road Revival festivities. The screening of "Bagdad Cafe" is slated for 7 p.m., but a reception will be held at the moviehouse at 5:30 p.m. featuring music from Bandelier and documentary films featuring … Continue reading Circle Cinema in Tulsa to screen “Bagdad Cafe”
Record quake rattles Oklahoma
A magnitude-5.6 earthquake Saturday morning that at least tied a state record shook Oklahoma and several neighboring states. The U.S. Geological Service reported the quake at 7:02 a.m. was centered about 10 miles northwest of Pawnee, Oklahoma, about 50 miles west-northwest of Tulsa and the Route 66 corridor. The earthquake would at least tie the state record … Continue reading Record quake rattles Oklahoma
Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
The oft-photographed Paul Bunyon fiberglass statue in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, received a touch-up last Saturday from the Illinois Route 66 Association’s Preservation Committee. According to The New Herald News, about 10 volunteers repainted the 19-foot-tall statue, also called Tall Paul. By 10:30 a.m. the scaffolding was in place and the preservation was underway. Everyone had a … Continue reading Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
Carthage bridge unexpectedly closes to traffic
A 1934 railroad overpass that brought Route 66 into Carthage, Missouri, unexpectedly closed Thursday after an inspection showed serious deterioration. Ron Hart at the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce reported the bridge already was scheduled to be demolished in April and will not reopen until late 2017. Hart also made a new map that aims … Continue reading Carthage bridge unexpectedly closes to traffic
Route 66 Commission wants more tourists in Tulsa
The newly formed Route 66 Commission in Tulsa met for the first time Tuesday and vowed first to beef up tourism numbers. According to a report about the meeting from Tulsa Public Radio, less than 2 percent of Route 66 brochures handed out by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism went to international travelers. Considering most … Continue reading Route 66 Commission wants more tourists in Tulsa
Summit Inn owners plan to rebuild in 8-12 months
The owners of the Summit Inn restaurant plan to rebuild the Route 66 landmark eight to 12 months after a wildfire destroyed it earlier this month. The Victorville Daily Press reported co-owner Otto Recinos began this week salvaging what was left of the burned-out property near Oak Hills, California, at the top of Southern California's legendary Cajon … Continue reading Summit Inn owners plan to rebuild in 8-12 months
Supertam on 66 proves popular with Chinese tourists
The Supertam on 66 ice-cream shop and Superman memorabilia museum in Carterville, Missouri, has developed a following from tourists who hail more than 7,000 miles away. Owner Larry Tamminen told the Joplin Globe newspaper his store is prominently listed in a Chinese-language Route 66 guide. That would explain why Tamminen suddenly has greeted more than 600 Chinese … Continue reading Supertam on 66 proves popular with Chinese tourists