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
Category: History
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
“Major” Route 66 sculpture planned near Rail Haven hotel in Springfield
City leaders in Springfield, Missouri, recently announced "a major sculpture" honoring Route 66 would be installed near the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven hotel. According to KSPR-TV in Springfield, the $1 million project will commemorate the city being the so-called "birthplace of Route 66" in 1926. Cora Scott of the city said it would … Continue reading “Major” Route 66 sculpture planned near Rail Haven hotel in Springfield
New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned
The resurrected version of Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, will be auctioned on May 15 after opening about six years ago. OzarksFirst.com first reported that the property on the south side of Springfield (not on Route 66), along with its fixtures and equipment, will be auctioned starting at 1 p.m. on May 15. The … Continue reading New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned
Tewa Lodge motel in Albuquerque goes on the market for $1.28 million
The historic Tewa Lodge motel along Route 66 in Albuquerque has been put up for sale for $1.288 million. The property at 5715 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) is listed by EXP Realty. "Tewa Lodge is one of the oldest continuously operating motels on Route 66," the description states. "This historic property is the perfect … Continue reading Tewa Lodge motel in Albuquerque goes on the market for $1.28 million