Jamil's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, located on Route 66 just north of the Oklahoma Capitol, is marking its 60th year this year. Jamil's is one of the last few surviving Lebanese steakhouses in Oklahoma. Many Lebanese immigrated to the Sooner State during its oil boom days of the 1920s and brought their cuisine with them. … Continue reading Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year
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.
Boots Court Foundation receives award from Carthage Historic Preservation
The Boots Court Foundation received the Golden Hammer award from Carthage (Mo.) Historic Preservation for its work in preserving the Route 66 motel. The organization also honored the Phelps Country House -- the first time it gave out two awards in one year. Steve Wagner, co-chairman of the preservation group, talked to the Joplin Globe … Continue reading Boots Court Foundation receives award from Carthage Historic Preservation
Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct
A drive-through Route 66 shield is being constructed on Old Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, between the historic Front Street Bridge and the downtown area. The Joplin Globe in nearby Joplin, Missouri, had the details: Dale Oglesby, owner of B&B Discount and a former mayor of Galena, provided a large forklift to move the frame … Continue reading Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct
Gemini Giant sells at auction for $275,000, will stay in Wilmington
The landmark Gemini Giant fiberglass statue at the closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, was sold at auction Wednesday for $275,000, and the mayor announced it will remain in town at a different location. Grafe Auctions didn't reveal the buyer, citing its privacy policy. However, the City of Wilmington hours later revealed in … Continue reading Gemini Giant sells at auction for $275,000, will stay in Wilmington
Astronaut Tom Stafford dies at 93; air and space museum in Weatherford is named after him
Thomas P. Stafford, an Oklahoma-born astronaut who was on several space missions, including to the moon, died Monday in Florida at age 93. Stafford also has an excellent air and space museum named after him along Route 66 in his hometown of Weatherford. Stafford, who began his career as a test pilot, was aboard Gemini … Continue reading Astronaut Tom Stafford dies at 93; air and space museum in Weatherford is named after him
Professional eaters to compete in fudge-eating competition at Uranus Missouri
Uranus Missouri, no stranger to novel ways to promote the complex, has a new one in store this month -- the inaugural Eating Uranus Fudge Galactic Championship at 1 p.m. March 30 featuring a host of competitors from the Major League Eating circuit. The contest will take place at Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store … Continue reading Professional eaters to compete in fudge-eating competition at Uranus Missouri
Oklahoma Route 66 Association wants plans altered for rehabbing Ribbon Road
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is asking fans of Route 66 and Oklahoma history to lend their voice to an effort to preserve the Ribbon Road, a unique stretch of the famous highway in Ottawa County. “We agree that the road needs to be rehabilitated,” said Rhys Martin, president of the association. “With the centennial … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association wants plans altered for rehabbing Ribbon Road
Obscure 1961 movie offers glimpses of Cedar Hill Grocery east of Tucumcari
An obscure drama from 1961 offers a rare glimpse of the Cedar Hill Grocery and gas station that operated along Route 66 east of Tucumcari, New Mexico. That includes the long-gone neon sign that was on the canopy (seen above). The movie also shows the interior of the business. According to a Wikipedia summary of … Continue reading Obscure 1961 movie offers glimpses of Cedar Hill Grocery east of Tucumcari
Relighting of Park Plaza Courts neon set for the evening of April 13
The Route 66 Association of Missouri recently announced it will hold a ceremonial relighting of the Park Plaza Courts neon sign at 8 p.m. April 13. The relighting will occur at the Holiday Inn Southwest at 10709 Watson Road (aka Route 66) in St. Louis. The association has reserved a block of rooms at the … Continue reading Relighting of Park Plaza Courts neon set for the evening of April 13
Speakeasy coming to Big Chief Roadhouse in Wildwood
The historic Big Chief Roadhouse along the original alignment of Route 66 in Wildwood, Missouri, will open a speakeasy later this month. West Newsmagazine had the details: It’s set to open on March 28 at Big Chief on the second floor. Although no password will be required to get in, visitors will have to enter … Continue reading Speakeasy coming to Big Chief Roadhouse in Wildwood