A “Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza” is planned for downtown Springfield, Missouri, at the spot where local highway officials chose No. 66 for the Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. The spot at Jefferson Avenue at Park Central East is the former site of the long-gone Colonial Hotel. That's where transportation officials chose No. 66 for the highway and … Continue reading “Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza” planned for downtown Springfield
Category: History
California Roadhouse to replace Rusty’s Surf Ranch on Santa Monica Pier
California Roadhouse soon will replace the recently closed Rusty's Surf Ranch restaurant and music venue on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. The Santa Monica Daily Press reported: The venture is the brainchild of Sean Ahaus, a Santa Monica native and current co-owner of VITO, a neighborhood restaurant at 2807 Ocean Park Blvd. … Continue reading California Roadhouse to replace Rusty’s Surf Ranch on Santa Monica Pier
Groundbreaking set for Dec. 11 on Hub City Gateway in Clinton
A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held on Dec. 11 for the Hub City Gateway, a Route 66 landmark that will welcome travelers into Clinton, Oklahoma, and mark an original section of the historic highway. The project will feature a two-sided gateway that spells “Clinton” for travelers in one direction and “Route 66” in the other, … Continue reading Groundbreaking set for Dec. 11 on Hub City Gateway in Clinton
Rockwood Motor Court inducted into Historic Hotels of America
The Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, announced it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America,, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States. Rockwood Motor Court is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country recognized by … Continue reading Rockwood Motor Court inducted into Historic Hotels of America
Short documentary released about the creation of Buck Atom Muffler Man in Tulsa
The American Giants channel on Thanksgiving released a 34-minute documentary about the creation of the Buck Atom Muffler Man that stands at Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 in Tulsa. The film describes how store owner Mary Beth Babcock came up with the idea of a Buck Atom fibreglass giant in 2018 and how Joel … Continue reading Short documentary released about the creation of Buck Atom Muffler Man in Tulsa
Owner of S&H Green Stamps hopes to revive brand with the help of Route 66
The owner of S&H Green Stamps -- popular from the 1950s through the 1970s -- wants to help revive the storied brand via partnerships with Route 66. "While we are just getting started, we have our eye on Route 66 as a community," Carl Norloff, owner and CEO of the company, stated in an email … Continue reading Owner of S&H Green Stamps hopes to revive brand with the help of Route 66
Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society lands grant to restore Campbell 66 Express trailer
The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society announced last week it received a $2,100 grant to help restore a trailer once used by the long-defunct Campbell 66 Express trucking firm. The grant was provided by the Route 66 Preservation and Economic Development Program through the Route 66 Road Ahead initiative, according to the society in a … Continue reading Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society lands grant to restore Campbell 66 Express trailer
La Fonda president wins Hotelier of the Year award
Rik Blyth, president of La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was recently given the Hotelier of the Year honor from Historic Hotels of America, a program for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The 27th annual honor is awarded to those who demonstrate "the highest contribution to furthering the celebration of … Continue reading La Fonda president wins Hotelier of the Year award
Illinois State Museum unveils 100 oral histories about Route 66
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield announced the launch of the online Route 66 Oral History Project, which gathered 100 stories about the history of the Mother Road before its centennial in 2026. The database includes video-recorded interviews, as well as world-searchable written transcriptions. Contributors include people who lived, worked and traveled along Route 66 … Continue reading Illinois State Museum unveils 100 oral histories about Route 66
Historic La Posada de Santa Fe hotel listed for sale
The more than century-old La Posada de Santa Fe hotel in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been listed for sale. The property, which dates to the 1880s, is being listed by Hunter Hotel Advisors. Albuquerque Business First got the scoop on the story. The online listing didn't publicly list an asking price. But the … Continue reading Historic La Posada de Santa Fe hotel listed for sale