Jimmy Carter twice visited the Route 66 town of Elk City, Oklahoma, during the 1970s, including once when he was U.S. president. Carter, who served one term as U.S. commander-in-chief before embarking on an impactful and dignified post-presidential career, died on Dec. 29 at age 100. News9 in Oklahoma City recently published a story about … Continue reading Jimmy Carter visited Elk City twice
Category: History
A 1959 Christmas card from Snortin’ Norton
If you want a Route 66-themed Christmas card, you could do much worse than this one issued in 1959 for Campbell 66 Express trucking company based out of Springfield, Missouri. Richard Crabtree posted the image on the Springfield, Missouri History, Landmarks & Vintage photography page on Facebook. The camel called Snortin' Norton (with the motto … Continue reading A 1959 Christmas card from Snortin’ Norton
Route 66 in Williams was bypassed 40 years ago
The town of Williams, Arizona, was the last Route 66 town to be bypassed by the interstate 40 years ago. The actual date was on Oct. 13, 1984, when 500 people gathered at Interstate 40's new Grand Canyon Boulevard exit to mark the assumed end of the highway. Bobby Troup, who wrote the immortal song … Continue reading Route 66 in Williams was bypassed 40 years ago
Promoter wants to buy Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, turn it into a music venue
A Tulsa-based music promoter wants to buy the closed Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City and transform it into a live music venue. Mike Brown, president of Kismet Koncerts, has requested $3 million in public assistance for the project, reported The Oklahoman (subscription required). The money would come from tax-increment financing. Kismet owns and operates … Continue reading Promoter wants to buy Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, turn it into a music venue
Claremore to host Andy Payne Route 66 Race in April
The Route 66 town of Claremore, Oklahoma, will host the Andy Payne Route 66 Race 5K and fun run on the morning of April 12 as part of the highway's centennial celebrations. The Claremore Daily Progress reports that proceeds from the race will benefit the Claremore Museum of History. Those who sign up by March … Continue reading Claremore to host Andy Payne Route 66 Race in April
Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66
Trader Vic's, a famed Polynesian restaurant chain that dates back at least 70 years, is returning to Southern California next year with a location on Route 66. The famed Trader Vic's at the Beverly Hilton closed in 2007, but a new one is slated to open in West Hollywood, reported Los Angeles Magazine. Rhett Rosen, … Continue reading Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66
Rose Bowl’s marquee sign part of $80 million renovation effort
The century-old Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, soon will undergo an $80 million renovation before the 2028 Olympics, including its iconic sign. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune gave the details of the forthcoming work: Phase 1 is estimated to cost $30-35 million and aims to be completed in 2026. Planned projects include a full refurbishment of … Continue reading Rose Bowl’s marquee sign part of $80 million renovation effort
Munger Moss Motel founders among those going into Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame
A husband and wife team who moved the Munger Moss restaurant to Lebanon, Missouri, and built a famous motel of the same name were among those who will be inducted into the 2025 Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame. Pete and Jessie Hudson moved the Munger Moss Sandwich Shop from Devils Elbow, Missouri, to … Continue reading Munger Moss Motel founders among those going into Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame
New historical marker recognizes El Reno’s fried onion burger heritage
A new “Hungry for History” historic marker recently was planted in El Reno, Oklahoma, that recognizes the city's heritage as the birthplace of the fried onion burger. The marker, facilitated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, was placed at the northeast corner of Wade Street and Choctaw Avenue, which also is Route 66, in El … Continue reading New historical marker recognizes El Reno’s fried onion burger heritage
Ground broken for The Table restaurant at long-closed flour mill in Springfield
Two sisters recently held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a restaurant that will be built at a century-old flour mill in Springfield, Missouri, that's been closed for more than 50 years. Sheri Perkins and Renee Textor moved shovels of dirt to begin construction for The Table at 610 N. Prospect Ave., near the intersection of Chestnut … Continue reading Ground broken for The Table restaurant at long-closed flour mill in Springfield