Those familiar with the history of Route 66 know of the late Lucille Hamons and her Lucille's gas station near Hydro, Okla., that she ran for nearly 60 years. But you may not be familiar with one of Lucille's daughters, Delpha Dene Martin, who soon will enter her 50th year of running a business on … Continue reading Longevity on Route 66 runs in her family
Category: History
Will Rogers Memorial Museum marks 75th anniversary
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Okla., is marking its 75th year this week. Rogers remains probably the most famous Oklahoman, despite nearly eight decades passing after his death in an Alaska plane crash. The "Diamond Jubilee" event is set from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the museum with performances by the Tulsa … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum marks 75th anniversary
Springfield museum extending Route 66 exhibit
If you missed the Route 66 exhibit at the History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Mo., you're in luck. This week, the museum announced, because of popular demand, "Woodruff's Dream: The Mother Road through Springfield" will be extended to Feb. 2. According to KOLR-TV: The Museum's special Route 66 has been on display since … Continue reading Springfield museum extending Route 66 exhibit
Michael Wallis to speak about segregated road travel
This could be interesting. Michael Wallis, author of "Route 66: The Mother Road," will give a lecture tomorrow at the Tulsa Historical Society titled "No 'Good Old Days' for Everyone" -- using the "Negro Motorist Green Book." As automobile use became more prolific in the 1930s, many Americans enjoyed traveling the U.S. for leisure. While … Continue reading Michael Wallis to speak about segregated road travel
Interesting observation from a Chinese tourist
We've reported about the growing numbers of Chinese tourists traveling Route 66. A few days ago, Chinese winners of a General Motors contest to travel the Mother Road drove through Kingman, Ariz. Naturally, when you're behind the wheel for long stretches in an unfamiliar land, you start to think about the contrasts of your homeland. … Continue reading Interesting observation from a Chinese tourist
“Shadows on 66” trailer
A few days ago, the folks who produced the upcoming "Shadows on 66" paranormal series posted this trailer for the first episode, which features Galena's Murder Bordello. https://youtu.be/DGDmIOEMYxg The episode will be available Sept. 13 via download or DVD from iTunes or the "Shadows on 66" website. Other Route 66-related episodes reportedly are coming in … Continue reading “Shadows on 66” trailer
Route 66 is subject of “America: Fact vs. Fiction” episode
An episode Wednesday of the "America: Fact vs. Fiction" program on the Military Channel will include Route 66 as its subject matter, according to an email from one of the show's creators. Joel Sturdivant interviewed "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis as part of the episode. The 30-minute show, subtitled "Roadside Stories," will … Continue reading Route 66 is subject of “America: Fact vs. Fiction” episode
Springfield museum relights its neon sign Thursday
The History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Mo., is hosting a "Moon Over the Mother Road" ceremony Thursday night to mark the relighting of Barth's Department Store neon sign on the roof of the museum. It's a private fundraiser, but enough side streets will be open during the ceremony that most people will see … Continue reading Springfield museum relights its neon sign Thursday
Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant on Route 66 in Needles, Calif., marked its 35th anniversary on Aug. 1, according to the Needles Desert Star, although a restaurant has been on that site for longer than that. The restaurant used the day for various special meals and drinks to commemorate 35 years. Customers also could get added … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year
Big Texan restaurant will be subject of documentary
The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and its colorful history will be the subject of a documentary by a Tennessee-based filmmaker, reported the Amarillo Globe-News. Audrey Kalivoda of Mesquite 90 Productions has been gathering footage at the 53-year-old restaurant the past several weeks. Co-owner Bobby Lee hired Kalivoda to make the film, which promises … Continue reading Big Texan restaurant will be subject of documentary