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.

Bringing back the Illinois prairie

I didn't know this existed, but the Montgomery County Natural Area Guardians have been diligently trying to restore an 8-acre tract off of Route 66 north of Litchfield, Ill., into its original prairie state. According to the Journal-News in nearby Hillsboro, Ill., the group will hold an annual free education day at 4 p.m. Thursday … Continue reading Bringing back the Illinois prairie

Sneak peak of Czech documentary

Here's a trailer of a documentary from the Czech Route 66 Association about the group's Route 66 trip. If you're a roadie, you're going to see a lot of people you'll recognize. The film is set to be released in October.

Fire destroys Admiral Twin Drive-In screens

A fast-burning fire on Friday afternoon destroyed the double screen of the historic Admiral Twin Drive-In theater in Tulsa. Whether the Admiral Twin, beloved by Tulsans for nearly 60 years, will reopen remained in doubt. Blake Smith, whose family has operated the drive-in near the Admiral Place alignment of Route 66 since 1987, told the … Continue reading Fire destroys Admiral Twin Drive-In screens

Saviors of the Wigwam Motel

Gary Warner of the Orange County (Calif.) Register takes a closer look at the three remaining Wigwam Motels in the United States, two of which are on Route 66. The third is in Cave City, Ky. All of the motels are praiseworthy. But the one that receives the most accolades is the Wigwam in San … Continue reading Saviors of the Wigwam Motel

Booklet on Tulsa’s neon signs to be published

The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture and Leadership Tulsa are publishing a booklet about the city's historic neon signs, including many on Route 66. The booklet, "Tulsa Vintage Neon Signs," will be distributed during a release party at one of the sites of a historic sign, El Rancho Grande restaurant on Route 66, at 5-6:45 p.m. … Continue reading Booklet on Tulsa’s neon signs to be published

Joplin marathon attracts runners from far and wide

The inaugural Mother Road Marathon that's set to run from Commerce, Okla., to Joplin, Mo., on Oct. 10 has already attracted 1,000 entrants from 34 states, according to the Joplin Globe. The event includes the full 26.2-mile marathon, a half-marathon, and a fun run. To attract that many runners with weeks to go before a … Continue reading Joplin marathon attracts runners from far and wide

Gallop to Gallup

Because The Huffington Post is primarily serves as a political site, I ordinarily don't surf there. But this decidedly nonpartisan post by travel writer Karen Tina Harrison serves as good overview of the Route 66 town of Gallup, N.M. It contains plenty of photos, and shout-outs to El Rancho Hotel and Richardson's trading post. Harrison … Continue reading Gallop to Gallup

Chili that’s older than the road

Central Illinois has long been praised as a haven for chili. And here's more proof with Taylor's Mexican Chili Parlor, 0n the old Illinois 4 alignment of Route 66 in Carlinville, Ill. Here's a fan of Taylor's: A little Internet surfing revealed that Taylor's Mexican Chili was established in 1904 in Carlinville. That's more than … Continue reading Chili that’s older than the road

Tire store on Route 66 marks 75th year

This is pretty amazing. Bay's Tire Service, at 112 E. Osage St. in Pacific, Mo., recently marked its 75th year at the same location and the same family ownership, reported the Washington Missourian. According to the story: Lee and Hazel Miles Bay purchased a farmhouse at present-day 112 E. Osage St. on the new Route … Continue reading Tire store on Route 66 marks 75th year