A closed VFW Post 382 near a World War II plane in El Reno, Oklahoma, is being renovated into Sonny's Kitchen and Bar and will pay tribute to local war hero Col. Charles Clark "Sonny" Kegelman. Kegelman was born in El Reno and graduated from the local high school in 1932. He enlisted in the … Continue reading New restaurant coming near World War II plane in El Reno will play tribute to local war hero
Category: History
Renovated Dobson Museum in Miami will reopen on April 9
After several years of renovations, the Dobson Museum and Home in Miami, Oklahoma, will reopen at 10 a.m. on April 9, the facility's 54th anniversary. On April 11, officials will host a reopening party, “Decades of Dobson,” featuring activities, food trucks, and booths from organizations and museums in the region, according to the Joplin Globe. More … Continue reading Renovated Dobson Museum in Miami will reopen on April 9
10 World War II-era buildings at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri slated for demolition
A total of 10 buildings dating to the start of World War II at Ford Leonard Wood in Missouri are scheduled to be demolished this month. The U.S. Army stated in a news release that the buildings, constructed in 1941 as temporary structures, must be razed as the military branch "continues to evolve and transform … Continue reading 10 World War II-era buildings at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri slated for demolition
Four accused of burglary, extensive vandalism in Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City
Four people have been arrested after being accused of breaking into and vandalizing the historic but closed Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City, Oklahoma, that is being renovated. According to a news release from the Elk City Police Department: During the course of this heinous act, numerous historical artifacts were taken and the property sustained … Continue reading Four accused of burglary, extensive vandalism in Casa Grande Hotel in Elk City
Carthage closes two North Garrison Avenue bridges
The Missouri Department of Transportation last week ordered the City of Carthage to permanently close two bridges on North Garrison Avenue that served as a longtime alternate alignment of Route 66. Josiah Bayless, Carthage Public Works director, told the Joplin Globe that they were positioning barricades on both sides of the bridges to keep motorists … Continue reading Carthage closes two North Garrison Avenue bridges
Crews begin demolishing historic St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler
Demolition crews have begun razing the century-old St. Cloud Hotel in downtown Chandler, Oklahoma, in recent weeks. The Lincoln County News in Chandler reported that Midwest Wrecking of Oklahoma City was working on demolishing the facade of the St. Cloud buildings at 1216 Manvel Ave. (aka Route 66). The newspaper stated it would take several … Continue reading Crews begin demolishing historic St. Cloud Hotel in Chandler
“Women’s Work on Route 66” set for March 10 as part of Centennial Speaker Series
Historian and author Cheryl Eichar Jett will talk about "Women's Work on Route 66" on March 10 as part of the ongoing Research Route 66's Centennial Speaker Series. The live webinar will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern time or 11 a.m. Pacific. The link to the free registration is here. Her sixth book, "Aprons Away: Women’s … Continue reading “Women’s Work on Route 66” set for March 10 as part of Centennial Speaker Series
National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis opens Route 66 exhibit in mid-March
Coinciding with Route 66's centennial, the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis will open a special Route 66-themed exhibit, “Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels,” on March 14. The exhibit will "explore the stories, memories, and modes of travel that shaped America’s most iconic highway and the communities connected to it." The museum is open … Continue reading National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis opens Route 66 exhibit in mid-March
Fire heavily damages historic Curve Inn tavern in Springfield
A fire broke out Friday morning at The Curve Inn, heavily damaging the 90-year-old tavern just off Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. The Springfield State-Journal Register, speaking with Assistant Fire Chief Julie Plunk, reported that crews "encountered heavy fire and smoke in the bar and restaurant beer garden, along with a partial roof collapse." A … Continue reading Fire heavily damages historic Curve Inn tavern in Springfield
“Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit opens on Feb. 27 in Claremore
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, will open its "Will Rogers Highway: Route 66" exhibit on Feb. 27. The exhibit opens at 5 p.m. Admission will be free. The Cherokee Phoenix reported: The exhibit launches with the 1880s, illustrating America’s push for better roads beyond rough wagon trails, which spurred the rapid Good … Continue reading “Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit opens on Feb. 27 in Claremore