The 11th Street Bridge in Tulsa and the Rock Creek Bridge in Sapulpa were named to Preservation Oklahoma's Most Endangered Places list in 2023. The annual list by the nonprofit organization aims to promote jeopardized historic sites. "Although inclusion on the list does not guarantee protection or funding, recognition for these structures may increase restoration … Continue reading Two Route 66 sites named to Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places
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.
Fire destroys SK8 Liborius church skate park in St. Louis
A fire late Wednesday gutted the SK8 Liborius Social Club, formerly the historic St. Liborious Catholic Church, in north St. Louis. Drone footage on Thursday morning from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch showed the blaze destroyed everything inside, leaving only the walls standing. No injuries were reported, but the burning embers ignited fires on several other … Continue reading Fire destroys SK8 Liborius church skate park in St. Louis
Clinton authority approves demolition of the remaining structures of the Glancy Motel
The Clinton (Oklahoma) Economic Development Authority officially authorized city manager Robert Johnston to open bids to tear down the remaining structures of the closed Glancy Motel property during a special meeting last week, though the motel's distinctive sign will be preserved. According to the print edition of the Clinton Daily News, the property along Route … Continue reading Clinton authority approves demolition of the remaining structures of the Glancy Motel
Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview
Bestselling author Michael Wallis recently sat down with a Tulsa TV station to talk about his long writing career, the "Cars" movie and his personal and professional connection to Route 66. Wallis, 77, was plugging an appearance at the recently completed Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa. A lot of young people remember his small … Continue reading Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview
Arroyo Seco Parkway festival will open to pedestrians, cyclists for one day in October
Six miles of the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway in the Los Angeles region will open to pedestrians and cyclists -- with no cars or trucks -- as part of ArroyoFest on Oct. 29. The Los Angeles Times reports it will be the first time in 20 years that non-motorists will be able to explore one … Continue reading Arroyo Seco Parkway festival will open to pedestrians, cyclists for one day in October
Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque quietly opens; grand opening tentatively set for August
The Route 66 Visitor Center on Albuquerque's west side quietly opened to the public on June 21, the first day of summer, and it reportedly will hold a grand opening celebration sometime in August. The center at 12300 Central Ave. SW (aka Route 66) will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until … Continue reading Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque quietly opens; grand opening tentatively set for August
Video explains how part of Newberry Springs became buried under sand dunes
The Sidetrack Adventures channel on YouTube explored the Route 66 town of Newberry Springs, California, and why a good portion of it became buried under the sands of the Mojave Desert. The main reason was a neighborhood was inexplicably built on the dry riverbed of the Mojave River. What can go wrong? https://youtu.be/Ve2S2QgRPgQ Newberry Springs … Continue reading Video explains how part of Newberry Springs became buried under sand dunes
Four U.S. lawmakers reintroduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
Four U.S. representatives announced Monday they were reintroducing a bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) and Grace Napolitano (D-California) reintroduced the legislation, with U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner (R-Kansas) and Joe Neguse (D-Colorado) as original co-sponsors. According to the U.S. Congress website, the bill is H.R. 4338. … Continue reading Four U.S. lawmakers reintroduce bill to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail
Multi-use concept unveiled for Joplin Union Depot in hopes of enticing developers
Two consultants presented a multi-use concept, including railcars as hotel rooms, a microbrewery and a Route 66 room, for the long-abandoned Union Depot in Joplin, Missouri, in the hope of drawing developers that can resurrect the declining historical site. The consultants from Kansas State University and South Dakota State University gave the concept in front … Continue reading Multi-use concept unveiled for Joplin Union Depot in hopes of enticing developers
Aussie devours Big Texan’s 72-ounce steak dinner in the second-fastest time ever
At least he got it for free. An Australian competitive eater recently gobbled down the Big Texan Steak Ranch's 72-ounce steak dinner in a little less than 6 1/2 minutes, according to WFAA-TV. However, James Webb's effort wasn't a record. Nebraska competitive eater Molly Schuyler (who weighed only 120 pounds) inhaled the enormous platter in … Continue reading Aussie devours Big Texan’s 72-ounce steak dinner in the second-fastest time ever