Category: History

Notes from the road

I've tried to glean a deeper look at the crisis in Needles, Calif., over the possible loss of its only grocery store, Bashas'. The grocer chain filed bankruptcy a few months ago, and it is set to close 10 stores in response, including Needles'. This recent story in the Mohave Daily News provides additional information … Continue reading Notes from the road

All-American pitch

This Webster Weekly Report from Webster University tells about the last of a series of public meetings in an effort to make Route 66 a National Scenic Byway or an All-American Road. The last meeting occurred in St. Louis County. (Hat tip: Tommy and Glenda Pike of the Route 66 Association of Missouri)

Rail Haven Motel nominated to National Register

The Rail Haven Motel along Route 66 in Springfield, Mo., has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, reports KBIA radio. Randy Nottle is the motel's manager. "We cater to a lot of European travelers coming down Route 66 everything in the hotel is original the furniture recently, though, has been updated and … Continue reading Rail Haven Motel nominated to National Register

Marker near Route 66 coming for Civil War site

Blackburn Park in Pacific, Mo., soon will install a marker to commemorate a Civil War battle that occurred along the bluffs that are now next to old Route 66, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I'd never heard of this battle, and the details show why: Civil War historians say the battle of Oct. 1, … Continue reading Marker near Route 66 coming for Civil War site

Here’s your sign

A few months ago, we tracked down who had painted hundreds, perhaps thousands of distinctive signs along the Route 66 corridor from the western Texas Panhandle to eastern New Mexico. It was Rudolph Gonzales, who has crafted his work along the Mother Road since the mid-1950s and is one of the last to do so … Continue reading Here’s your sign

Notes from the road

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Route 66 city of St. Louis as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, it was announced this week. Such destinations "offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment … Continue reading Notes from the road

Book about U.S. 89 published

We at Route 66 News concentrate on news concerning the Mother Road, but occasionally pay attention to developments about other historic two-lane highways. So it is with interest that we take note of a new photo-and-essay book by Ann Torrence titled "U.S. Highway 89: The Scenic Route to Seven Western National Parks" (Sagebrush Press, 160 … Continue reading Book about U.S. 89 published

Grants property nominated as historic site

Charlie's Radiator Service, a business that was established in the 1940s on Route 66 in Grants, N.M., was nominated as a state historic site, reported the Cibola County Beacon. The designation would make it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. On the west end of Grants, Charles Diaz opened Charley's Automotive Service in … Continue reading Grants property nominated as historic site

Opposition to museum tax proposal goes to Facebook

Less than a week ago, the city council of Joplin, Mo., voted to put a tax referendum on the April ballot to fund a move and expansion of the Joplin Museum Complex to Memorial Hall. Already, the opposition to the one-sixth-cent sales tax has organized on the Internet, with a "Save Memorial Hall" group on … Continue reading Opposition to museum tax proposal goes to Facebook