It seems unthinkable now, but the Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, was in such sorry shape that a building inspector recommended tearing it down in 1975. That and other fascinating facts about the Route 66 landmark were contained in a recent article in the Arizona Daily Sun. Brothers Henry and Lloyd Taylor bought the hotel … Continue reading Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff nearly faced demolition 50 years ago
Category: History
$25,000 grant awarded to support Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit
The Missouri Humanities Council awarded a $25,000 grant to the Route 66 Association of Missouri in support of a project titled “The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” and an $8,000 grant to support programs associated with the project. “The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit” celebrates the legacy of the Mother Road and its role in … Continue reading $25,000 grant awarded to support Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit
Book review: “Route 66: The First 100 Years”
As Route 66's centennial next year approaches, the first book that takes a retrospective look at the highway and looks ahead at its next century has entered the market. That book is the sumptuously illustrated "Route 66: The First 100 Years" (Amazon affiliate link) by the husband-and-wife team of Jim Ross and Shellee Graham, both … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66: The First 100 Years”
Long-missing World War II soldier laid to rest just off Route 66
On this Memorial Day, I commend this recent story from the Chicago Tribune to your attention. It's about how DNA technology and a lot of diligence identified the remains of a previously unidentified World War II soldier -- Army Pvt. James C. Loyd of Alabama, who died in battle in Italy in 1944. Janice Dale, … Continue reading Long-missing World War II soldier laid to rest just off Route 66
City of Albuquerque acquires historic Unser racing family property
The City of Albuquerque recently purchased the historic Unser auto-racing family's property along Route 66, intending to preserve at least part of it for future generations. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reported that the purchase price was $2.2 million for the four-acre tract. The Unser family had offered the property to the city after the death in … Continue reading City of Albuquerque acquires historic Unser racing family property
Red’s Giant Hamburg sold for $575,000 at auction
Red's Giant Hamburg, a re-creation of the original that once stood along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, sold a few days ago at auction for $575,000. The identity of the restaurant's new owner remains unknown, though KLOR-TV in Springfield reported it is a local investor. No one knows what he or she intends to do … Continue reading Red’s Giant Hamburg sold for $575,000 at auction
Route 66 Association of Arizona plans kickoff event for highway’s centennial on Nov. 15
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona announced an event to kick off the highway's centennial just a few days after its 99th birthday. "A Night at the Route 66 Museum," a one-time, special event, will be from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Arizona Route 66 Museum (aka Powerhouse) in Kingman, Arizona. … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Arizona plans kickoff event for highway’s centennial on Nov. 15
Union Station in Chicago marking its 100th year
The landmark Union Station in downtown Chicago is marking its 100th birthday this month. According to a veteran reporter at the Chicago Tribune, the massive train station opened to the public in May 1925. Union Station is sandwiched between Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard, which are eastbound and westbound Route 66, respectively. The newspaper explained … Continue reading Union Station in Chicago marking its 100th year
La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe named to New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame
The landmark La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will be inducted this month into the 2025 New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame. The New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame Dinner will start at 6 p.m. on May 21 as part of the Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism, presented by New Mexico True. This … Continue reading La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe named to New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame
Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, one of Twin Bridges near Catoosa torn down
Historic Route 66 lost two landmarks in the past few days -- the Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Missouri, and the remaining Twin Bridge near Catoosa, Oklahoma. Josh Thompson posted on Facebook's Historic Route 66 group images of the Totem Pole being torn down on May 7. One of his images: The Totem Pole … Continue reading Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, one of Twin Bridges near Catoosa torn down