A new collection of Nat King Cole hits, including "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," along with previously unreleased material, will arrive in stores June 3, according to a news release from Universal Music. The collection, titled "The Extraordinary Nat King Cole," includes the big hits "Mona Lisa," "Unforgettable," and "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66." "Route … Continue reading New Nat King Cole collection coming June 3
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.
Bloomington plans a Route 66, Lincoln visitors center
Amid an announcement this week that the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau and the McLean County Museum of History is joining in a partnership was this little item, courtesy of WJBC radio: The Bureau and Museum are working together on a new Abraham Lincoln and Route 66 Visitors Center. "Cruisin' with Lincoln on Route 66" … Continue reading Bloomington plans a Route 66, Lincoln visitors center
Gallup bucked the system during World War II
The Autry Museum in Los Angeles posted a few videos in recent days for its upcoming "Route 66: The Road and the Romance" exhibit. I encourage you to watch this one that features an interview with Hiroshi Miyamura, who says Gallup was the only town in New Mexico to not detain its Japanese-American residents during … Continue reading Gallup bucked the system during World War II
Bel-Aire Motel slapped with more code violations
The city of Springfield, Illinois, reported more than 700 building-code violations for the troubled Bel-Aire Motel along Route 66, reported the State Journal-Register. That's on top of the $114,000 in fines levied last year against the Florida-based landlord for nearly 400 code violations. Owner Gopal Motwani is challenging those fines in court. The violations range … Continue reading Bel-Aire Motel slapped with more code violations
Museum wants to organize tours of Joliet Prison
The City of Joliet, Illinois, hopes to strike an agreement with the Illinois Department of Corrections so the long-closed Joliet Prison can be reopened for tours, reported the Northwest Herald. The Joliet Area Historical Museum is clamoring for access of the old prison because tourists -- many of them traveling on Route 66 -- want to … Continue reading Museum wants to organize tours of Joliet Prison
Wanted: A restorer of signs for Soulsby Station
The owner of the historic Soulsby Station along old Route 66 in Mount Olive, Illinois, is looking for a sign contractor who can do some restoration work on the main Shell sign in front of the station. We happened to be driving a few dozen miles of old 66 in Illinois on Sunday evening when … Continue reading Wanted: A restorer of signs for Soulsby Station
A chat with Kumar Patel at the Wigwam Motel
The Genuine Route 66 Life series points the camera at Kumar Patel, whose family bought the historic Wigwam Motel of San Bernardino, California. https://youtu.be/agYR4mqizh4 The Patels have owned the Wigwam for about 10 years, and have received several awards for the restoration of the property. Before then, the Wigwam had declined into a seedy place … Continue reading A chat with Kumar Patel at the Wigwam Motel
French tourist dies in motorcycle crash
An apparent Route 66 tourist from France died in a motorcycle crash Saturday on Interstate 40 west of Albuquerque, reported the Albuquerque Journal. Erick Hamel, 53, of France died in the crash. The newspaper said he was part of a group of 15 who had landed in Albuquerque and were beginning a tour of America. … Continue reading French tourist dies in motorcycle crash
Bees removed from De Anza Motel
Several colonies of honeybees were removed from the long-closed De Anza Motel on Route 66 in Albuquerque, reported KRQE-TV. The bees took up residence inside the walls and roof of the motel, a fairly common occurrence in abandoned properties. Beekeepers were able to remove the bees from De Anza, where they were given new homes … Continue reading Bees removed from De Anza Motel
The oddest site on the National Register of Historic Places
Each week, I receive an email from the National Park Service that provides the latest additions to the National Register of Historic Places. A few sites are relevant to Route 66, as you might imagine. On Friday, this item led the listings: ARIZONA, COCONINO COUNTY, 1956 Grand Canyon TWA--United Airlines Aviation Accident Site Address Restricted, … Continue reading The oddest site on the National Register of Historic Places