Renovations of Old Courthouse in St. Louis get an additional $17 million

Renovations of the iconic Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis received another boost last week when the federal government announced another $17 million in funding. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the additional funds will pay for work on the courthouse’s upper floors and exterior, including the dome. The repairs … Continue reading Renovations of Old Courthouse in St. Louis get an additional $17 million

Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year

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

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

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

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

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

O’Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City is celebrating its 118th year this Friday

O'Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City, Illinois, will be serving complimentary food and drinks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 15 to mark its 118th year in business. That's not a typo. Yes, the shop at O'Brien Tire at 3924 Nameoki Road (aka Route 66) has been around for nearly 120 years. … Continue reading O’Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City is celebrating its 118th year this Friday

American Giants Museum announces hours, will hold grand opening Memorial Day weekend

The American Giants Museum in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, recently announced its regular hours, with a grand opening set for Memorial Day weekend in late May. This month, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Starting April 2, the hours will be: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through … Continue reading American Giants Museum announces hours, will hold grand opening Memorial Day weekend

Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage

The neon sign for the closed Uranium Cafe in Grants, New Mexico, was taken down several weeks ago and placed in storage, with the hopes it eventually will be restored and placed in a neon park in the city. Blue Miller initially reported on the Historic Route 66 group about the sign's disappearance. A few … Continue reading Uranium Cafe sign in Grants taken down, placed into storage