Supporters of the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Okla., announced on the landmark's Facebook page they want to decorate the grounds' giant mushrooms with Christmas lights in a few weeks. And you can help. The supporters, also called Fins of the Blue Whale, already decorate the whale and the nearby Ark each year for the holidays. But … Continue reading Blue Whale supporters want to light up giant mushrooms
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.
Vic Suhling / Gas For Less sign glows again after 40-plus years
The restoration of the historic Vic Suhling / Gas For Less neon sign was unveiled Saturday evening next to the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center in Litchfield, Ill. According to a news release, up to 200 people attended the event, including two of Suhling's daughters Bonnie and Bernice, one who traveled from Portland, … Continue reading Vic Suhling / Gas For Less sign glows again after 40-plus years
Repairs being made on historic Route 66 near Springfield
A 1.3-mile stretch of old Route 66 near Springfield, Ill., that is on the National Register of Historic Places is being carefully repaired this week by county road crews, according to the Springfield State Journal-Register. The 1920s section, called Olde Carriage Way, is south of East Lake Shore Drive south of Lake Springfield. Much of … Continue reading Repairs being made on historic Route 66 near Springfield
Groundbreaking held for Devil’s Elbow Bridge repairs
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Thursday for long-awaited repairs that will begin for the historic Devil's Elbow Bridge in Devil's Elbow, Mo., according to a blog entry in the Waynesville Daily Guide. The truss bridge was built in 1923, making it predate the commissioning of Route 66 by at least three years. Because a curved … Continue reading Groundbreaking held for Devil’s Elbow Bridge repairs
Tulsa announces plans to build Route 66 museum
The City of Tulsa is requesting proposals from developers to build a long-awaited Route 66 museum and visitors center on the banks of the Arkansas River, reported the Tulsa World today. The interpretive center and entertainment complex is to be built on city land across the street from the East Meets West bronze sculpture at … Continue reading Tulsa announces plans to build Route 66 museum
“Route 66” episode of “Criminal Minds”
Last night, I saw a lot of Twitter chatter about a new episode of CBS' crime drama, "Criminal Minds." The episode was titled "Route 66." I viewed it online. A couple of references to Route 66 are there, but they're subtle enough that you might miss them. You can view the full episode here, with … Continue reading “Route 66” episode of “Criminal Minds”
“The Mayor of Route 66”
This charming video shows a lot of footage from Seligman, Ariz., but most of it concentrates on one of the town's native sons, Angel Delgadillo. https://youtu.be/0Kl6IiUFUpY Delgadillo sometimes is called "The Mayor of Route 66." Who am I to argue?
An explainer of the Luna Lodge’s national award
A few weeks ago, Luna Lodge in Albuquerque won a national award for converting the historic Route 66 motel into low-income housing despite numerous obstacles. The Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits Historic Rehabilitation Awards Luncheon produced this video about the Luna's honor. It explains quite well all the things NewLife Homes, which repurposed Luna Lodge, had to … Continue reading An explainer of the Luna Lodge’s national award
A word from our sponsor
Here's a blast from the past -- a Levi's commercial, reputedly from 1976, with "Route 66" as the theme: https://youtu.be/6FGK7OObZZw Several observations and some background: Because this commercial is nearly three minutes long, I wonder when this commercial would have aired. In Europe, perhaps? Maybe in theaters? The ad exuded a "Thelma and Louise" vibe … Continue reading A word from our sponsor
McCook’s curiously familiar welcome sign
The village of McCook, Ill., recently erected a new welcome sign along its stretch of Route 66, next to the '50s-themed Steak N Egger restaurant that once was Snuffy's 24-Hour Grill. The sign does feature a Route 66 shield prominently, but the rest of its design strongly reminds one of the iconic "Welcome to Las … Continue reading McCook’s curiously familiar welcome sign