Cyrus Avery of Tulsa is known worldwide as the "Father of Route 66." Springfield, Missouri, is known as the "Birthplace of Route 66." John Woodruff never earned a tagline with his name. But a new book leaves little doubt he played a crucial role in developing Route 66 and Springfield. Thomas A. Peters' book is titled "John T. Woodruff" … Continue reading Book review: “John T. Woodruff”
Category: History
A concise history of Ash Fork
Marshall Trimble, who's been designated Arizona's official state historian, appears in this 2 1/2-minute video about the Route 66 town of Ash Fork, Arizona, for the Ash Fork Historical Society and Museum. And because Trimble grew up in Ash Fork, who better to tell the town's story? Ash Fork, Arizona with Marshall Trimble from Route … Continue reading A concise history of Ash Fork
University of New Mexico hosting Route 66 exhibit, lecture series
44 The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque is hosting an exhibit and lecture series this fall to commemorate the 90th birthday of Route 66. A news release from the university contains some details about the upcoming "Life and Times on New Mexico Route 66" exhibit at the university's Zimmerman Library: Route 66 was exciting for the … Continue reading University of New Mexico hosting Route 66 exhibit, lecture series
Owners of Milagro gas station soon will retire
The longtime owners of the Milagro gas station west of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, will retire by the end of August. The future of the Route 66 landmark remains unknown. Last week's print edition of the Guadalupe County Communicator reported Rudy and Doris Marquez will turn in the keys to the station after 24 years because … Continue reading Owners of Milagro gas station soon will retire
When much of Route 66 was segregated
If you've got an hour, watch this recent video about author and photographer Candacy Taylor, who attended the Bay Area Book Festival to talk about her research into Route 66 and the Negro Motorist Green Book. If you're not familiar with the Green Book, it was an annual guide published from 1936 to 1966 by Harlem postal … Continue reading When much of Route 66 was segregated
Springfield’s half-hidden historical gem
I've been on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, at least 10 times, probably more. But while surfing for Route 66 videos and looking over the city's website for the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, I stumbled onto a landmark that I don't recall seeing. And it may be the oldest on that stretch of the … Continue reading Springfield’s half-hidden historical gem
Springfield, Missouri, releases “story maps” website
Ahead of the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival this weekend, the city of Springfield, Missouri, launched an interactive "story map" website detailing about 80 Route 66 businesses that once stood or still exist in the city and its outskirts. According to KSMU radio, the city's Geographic Information Systems division used mapping software Esri to create the … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, releases “story maps” website
Townsfolk seek to restore Virden History Mural
A group of concerned residents seeks to restore the Virden History Mural in Virden, Illinois, on Route 66 that depicts the town's transportation history. City officials dedicated the 52-by-19-foot mural by Greenville College professor John Hubbell in 2004. But it's encountered hard times recently, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. Illinois weather has been hard on the mural, said Suzanne Gray, … Continue reading Townsfolk seek to restore Virden History Mural
Melvena Heisch, Laurel Kane inducted into Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame
Melvena Heish and the late Laurel Kane were inducted Saturday into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma. The ceremony also celebrated the 90th anniversary of Route 66 and marked two new exhibits at the museum -- one about folk art and another of … Continue reading Melvena Heisch, Laurel Kane inducted into Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame
St. Louis Mart and Terminal Warehouse named to National Register
The St. Louis Mart and Terminal Warehouse on a corner of Route 66 near downtown was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register listing became effective July 28, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. The structure also is known as the Robert A. Young Federal Building, or RAY … Continue reading St. Louis Mart and Terminal Warehouse named to National Register