A national committee of Route 66 advocates is exploring the possibility of lobbying the federal government to permanently designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail under the auspices of the National Park Service, according to a news release Monday from the group. The group, which now calls itself Route 66: The Road Ahead Initiative, … Continue reading Panel may advocate designating Route 66 a National Historic Trail
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.
A listing of Route 66 sites used in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue
The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue -- which includes a prominent section about Route 66 -- hit the magazine's website Monday and was scheduled to be on newsstands this week. Here's a behind-the-scenes video from the magazine's Route 66 photo shoot: So far I've seen these landmarks in the shoot and other photos Sports Illustrated posted … Continue reading A listing of Route 66 sites used in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue
Couple marks 60th anniversary at Wigwam Motel
On Feb. 12, 1955, DeRoy and Rosemary Avila spent their first night as husband and wife at the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California. On Sunday, the Avilas celebrated their upcoming 60th anniversary at the place where it started -- the Route 66 landmark that's changed little over the decades, reported the Inland Valley Daily … Continue reading Couple marks 60th anniversary at Wigwam Motel
A visit to Vega
This three-minute segment about the Route 66 town of Vega, Texas, was produced by Larry Lemmons for KVII-TV's "Panhandle Spirit" series. https://youtu.be/uE0-tyAMKLQ Featured are Deborah Sue McDonald of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce, Dot's Mini Museum, Sheriff David Medlin, Miles Bell of Bell Leather Shop, Karen and Greg Conn of the Milburn-Price Culture Museum. … Continue reading A visit to Vega
“Painted Desert Trading Post” documentary is online
KC Keefer's 18-minute documentary, "Painted Desert Trading Post," about the long-closed Route 66 landmark of the same name in eastern Arizona, went live on YouTube at midday Sunday. The film, hosted by Route 66 researcher Nick Gerlich, is part history lesson and part contemplative atmosphere. And be sure to see the final few minutes of … Continue reading “Painted Desert Trading Post” documentary is online
Roy’s in Amboy hosting art installation
The landmark Roy's gas station and convenience store in Amboy, California, is hosting an art installation by a Swiss artist through at least the summer. The installation is called "Golden Smile Salty Tears" in six bungalows in the Roy's Motel part of the complex, using found objects. The artist, Severin Guelpa, explained on the installation's … Continue reading Roy’s in Amboy hosting art installation
Santa Monica Pier laying claim to Popeye’s inspiration
Compelling evidence exists that the inspiration to the Popeye the Sailor Man cartoon was inspired by a real-life sailor who hung around the Santa Monica Pier in California, reported the Santa Monica Daily Press newspaper. Trouble is, a small town on the Mississippi River in Illinois that is the creator's hometown also makes a strong … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier laying claim to Popeye’s inspiration
Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue includes a Route 66 section
Sports Illustrated's much-ballyhooed swimsuit edition this year includes a section that was shot on Route 66. That was confirmed by taking a gander at the magazine's cover that was revealed this week: If you can't see it, here's the relevant excerpt: The Route 66 section claims to cover seven of the Mother Road's eight states … Continue reading Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue includes a Route 66 section
Restoration planned for Tulsa’s Blue Dome
The owners of the Blue Dome gas station in downtown Tulsa want to restore it to its original look and open it as a special-events center, according to KOKI-TV in Tulsa. Chris and JoAnn Armstrong bought for former gas station about 18 months ago. Built in 1912 as a Gulf station (with an apartment in … Continue reading Restoration planned for Tulsa’s Blue Dome
Joliet church will be redeveloped into a restaurant, apartments
A developer is seeking to redevelop the historic but long-closed St. Mary Carmelite Church in Joliet, Illinois, into a large restaurant and apartments, according to the Joliet Bugle. “A loan has been secured, and they are going to close in April,” Mayor Tom Giarrante said on Friday. “I am very happy. It is a beautiful … Continue reading Joliet church will be redeveloped into a restaurant, apartments