It's not out of the woods yet, but the long-moribund Route 66 town of Galena, Kan., is looking more prosperous these days. The Joplin Globe newspaper, based in nearby Joplin, Mo., published a long story about the town's comeback. The whole thing is worth reading, but I'll highlight what has happened in Galena in recent … Continue reading Galena’s remarkable comeback story
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.
Documentary about Volkswagens finally is finished
It was six years ago when we last checked with Dave Torstenson and his fascination with vintage Volkwagen minibuses, the VW community, and a fitful attempt to drive a 1972 minibus from Tulsa to Los Angeles on Route 66 while being filmed by a documentary crew. The film by Ryan Steven Green, "Circle the Wagen," finally will premiere … Continue reading Documentary about Volkswagens finally is finished
On the trail of Ed Ruscha
Students from the University of Oklahoma traveled Route 66 to find the remnants of gas stations portrayed in photographer Ed Ruscha's influential 1963 art book, "Twentysix Gasoline Stations," according to the Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner. The effort is part of Road to Ruscha, a two-week course that offers three college credits and a road trip … Continue reading On the trail of Ed Ruscha
Litchfield museum opens
The Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center in Litchfield, Ill., opened to the public over the weekend. The Springfield State Journal-Register filed a story about the wide-ranging displays there. An excerpt: The museum includes American Indian artifacts found on Shoal Creek in Montgomery County, old farm tools, a gas pump, story of Sky View Drive-In, … Continue reading Litchfield museum opens
Bono’s restaurant plans to reopen after moving building
In a story by the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin about Joe Bono greeting Route 66 tourists at his long-closed Bono's Italian restaurant in Fontana, Calif., was this little nugget: Looking over architect's drawings, Bono said the restaurant, whose front windows are just a few feet shy of the now-four-lane Foothill Boulevard, will be moved south … Continue reading Bono’s restaurant plans to reopen after moving building
Fire destroys downtown building in Carthage
A massive fire gutted the popular Sassy Spoon restaurant in downtown Carthage, Mo., on Saturday and extensively damaged a business next door. Firefighters were called to the scene earlier in the day and seemed to have the blaze under control. However, the fire flared up again. The upper floor, which contained apartments, collapsed, as did … Continue reading Fire destroys downtown building in Carthage
Park near Standin’ On a Corner awaits grant
The Route 66 Plaza park, behind the Standin' on a Corner Park in Winslow, Ariz., is awaiting $488,000 from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s National Scenic Grant Fund to finish the project, reported the Arizona Journal. When the funds are available, a performance stage, lighting, street furniture, including benches. and signage will complete that city park. … Continue reading Park near Standin’ On a Corner awaits grant
Storms pound much of Route 66’s Midwest section
A series of tornadoes and powerful storms from a massive weather system struck on or near the Route 66 corridor in Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois on Friday, including a swarm of twisters in the Oklahoma City region that killed five people and injured more than 85. I'll try to summarize what happened during that eventful … Continue reading Storms pound much of Route 66’s Midwest section
Route 66 Radio Tour begins Thursday
Chicago-area-based WRLR-FM 98.3 and UK-based Forest FM 92.3 will begin a long-planned joint broadcast of their Route 66 Radio Tour on Thursday. The stations will do daily broadcasts through June 12 with significant figures and landmarks along Illinois Route 66. Visits will include Lou Mitchell's restaurant in Chicago, Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta, Joliet Area … Continue reading Route 66 Radio Tour begins Thursday
Pontiac will dedicate trees to two late roadies
Downtown Pontiac, Ill., will dedicate trees tomorrow to two deceased Route 66 fans, Betty Estes and Lenore Weiss, at 11 a.m. during a car-cruise event, according to a news release from Pontiac Tourism. The "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" cruise will be in their honor. At 11, the Rev. David Sabel of St. Mary’s Parish … Continue reading Pontiac will dedicate trees to two late roadies