"Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis, Route 66 Alliance Executive Director and CEO Ken Busby and Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and National Preserve Route 66 manager with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will preside over this month's edition of the Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series. The livestream … Continue reading Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
Category: History
Elm Street in Lebanon renamed Route 66 as part of highway’s centennial
Elm Street in Lebanon, Missouri, officially was renamed Route 66 on April 1 -- and it's not an April Fool's Day joke. The city's Street Department on that day began installing the new Route 66 signs along that corridor. "This project honors Lebanon’s history while helping visitors and travelers better follow the historic Route 66 … Continue reading Elm Street in Lebanon renamed Route 66 as part of highway’s centennial
Lindy’s Diner building in Albuquerque up for sale for $1.275 million
The Bliss Building in downtown Albuquerque that houses the historic Lindy's Diner was put on the market in late March for $1.275 million. Owners Steve and Dawn Vatoseow told the Albuquerque Journal that though business is good at the landmark restaurant, they are ready to retire. The diner will remain open while it's for sale. … Continue reading Lindy’s Diner building in Albuquerque up for sale for $1.275 million
Route 66 traveling exhibit coming to Springfield, Missouri
A traveling exhibit commemorating the centennial of Route 66 will arrive in downtown Springfield, Missouri, on April 30. The “Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” will debut at the Gillioz Gallery, 325 Park Central East, in Springfield, reported the Springfield News-Leader. The exhibit features nearly two dozen large-scale interpretive panels, audiovisual mini-documentaries and educational components highlighting the diverse … Continue reading Route 66 traveling exhibit coming to Springfield, Missouri
Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari closes after its building comes under contract
The owners of the acclaimed Watson's BBQ in Tucumcari, New Mexico, housed in Tucumcari Ranch Supply, closed Saturday after the building they had for sale for several years came under contract last week. Jimmy and Stella Watson, who owned Tucumcari Ranch Supply since 1980 and opened Watson's BBQ there in 2008, are in their 70s … Continue reading Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari closes after its building comes under contract
Amarillo City Council advances plan for Route 66 interactive mural
The Amarillo City Council recently held a first reading for a resolution that would allow a large, Route 66-themed "story wall" near downtown. The Amarillo Globe-News reported the interactive mural -- titled "66 Stories from Route 66" -- will be on an underpass by Transformation Park to better connect downtown to Sixth Street (aka Route … Continue reading Amarillo City Council advances plan for Route 66 interactive mural
Texas Highways magazine features Circus Room bar in Amarillo
Texas Highways magazine recently published a feature story about the Circus Room tavern along Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas. The Amarillo Convention and Visitors Bureau claims it is the "oldest continuous bar on all of Route 66." More on that later. But first, the magazine describes what it's like to stroll through the establishment's doors: … Continue reading Texas Highways magazine features Circus Room bar in Amarillo
Weatherford oilman giving away a 1966 Chevelle to mark his 66th birthday
An oilman and entrepreneur based in Weatherford, Oklahoma, with substantial roots on Route 66 is giving away a vintage car to celebrate his forthcoming 66th birthday. Rick Koch is giving away the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle to also celebrate Route 66's centennial. The giveaway will be held on Aug. 6, Koch's birthday, at his Lucille's Roadhouse … Continue reading Weatherford oilman giving away a 1966 Chevelle to mark his 66th birthday
Admiral Twin Drive-In theater in Tulsa to open for its 75th season on April 3
The landmark Admiral Twin Drive-In theater in Tulsa will open its gates on April 3 for its 75th season. According to Fox 23 in Tulsa, the theater will screen "Super Mario Galaxy Movie" that night. But owner Blake Smith said the 75th anniversary celebration will be on May 29, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music … Continue reading Admiral Twin Drive-In theater in Tulsa to open for its 75th season on April 3
Route 66 section of Petrified Forest National Park designated to National Register of Historic Places
The long-abandoned Route 66 portion of the Petrified Forest National Park in eastern Arizona was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Petrified Forest National Park Route 66 Archaeological District was officially listed on Feb. 27, according to an email from the National Park Service. Bill Collins, National Register of Historic Places program … Continue reading Route 66 section of Petrified Forest National Park designated to National Register of Historic Places