Hemmings Motor News published a valuable story with the headline "What's behind the push to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail?" that provides a lot of background behind the initiative. It appears the story was prompted by Mobil 1's current "Keep Route 66 Kickin'" tour, which includes an online petition to support a national-trail … Continue reading What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?
Category: History
Nelson gardens to be re-created at Camp Joy cabin in Lebanon
Master gardeners will re-create Col A.T. Nelson's flower gardens at the restored Camp Joy cabin at Boswell Park in Lebanon, Missouri. When he operated the Top o’ the Ozarks Inn and, later, the Nelson Tavern (aka Nelson Hotel) and Nelson’s Dream Village in Lebanon, Nelson lined flowers along the paths near Route 66. Gary Sosniecki … Continue reading Nelson gardens to be re-created at Camp Joy cabin in Lebanon
Owners of historic Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City preparing to put it on market
The owners of the landmark Skirvin HIlton hotel in downtown Oklahoma City are preparing to put it up for sale, with half of the proceeds likely going back to the city. Marcus Hotels and Resorts joined forces with the city to renovate and reopen the closed, century-old hotel about 15 years ago. Steve Lackmeyer at … Continue reading Owners of historic Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City preparing to put it on market
Contents of Vernelle’s Motel near Arlington to be auctioned on Saturday
The contents of the closed Vernelle's Motel near Arlington, Missouri, will be auctioned Saturday afternoon, Sept. 24. The sale by Grovers Auction Service will include plenty of antiques, including a wringer washer, a Pepsi vending machine, metal chairs, and -- get this -- an honest-to-goodness telephone booth. The auction also will include the contents of … Continue reading Contents of Vernelle’s Motel near Arlington to be auctioned on Saturday
Photographer uses Kickstarter campaign to help publish new Route 66 book
Documentary photographer Jeff Sonnabend of Arkansas recently completed a book, "The Route 66 Primer: An Uncropped View of the Mother Road," and he's launched an online fundraising campaign to help publish it. Sonnabend shot his photos in 2020, and the book aims to be a sort of time capsule of Route 66 near the current … Continue reading Photographer uses Kickstarter campaign to help publish new Route 66 book
Historic McLain Rogers Park in Clinton to undergo improvements
The City of Clinton, Oklahoma, and its Beautification Committee are in the early stages of making historic McLain Rogers Park "more accessible and user friendly," according to a newspaper's report. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) talked to city manager Robert Johnston about the possible changes: “There is an obvious lack of handicap and ADA … Continue reading Historic McLain Rogers Park in Clinton to undergo improvements
Blue Whale in Catoosa plans to celebrate 50th anniversary later this month
The iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, will mark its 50th anniversary on the afternoon of Sept. 24. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, the city-owned Route 66 landmark will host fun, live music, burgers, vendors and games from 3 to 7 p.m. that day. Michael Wallis, author of the seminal bestselling book "Route … Continue reading Blue Whale in Catoosa plans to celebrate 50th anniversary later this month
Blueberry Hill in St. Louis marks its 50th anniversary today
The landmark Blueberry Hill restaurant, bar and music venue in suburban St. Louis is marking its 50th year in business today. Blueberry Hill isn't on Route 66, but it's such a touchstone, quite a few Route 66 travelers make a side trip to it. It's only a mile from the admittedly more obscure Forest Park … Continue reading Blueberry Hill in St. Louis marks its 50th anniversary today
Yelp voters name Carl’s Drive-In as having the best cheeseburger in Missouri
Voters on the Yelp! review app recently named Carl's Drive-In restaurant in Brentwood, Missouri, as serving the best cheeseburger in the state. Carl's, which has stood along the original Manchester Road alignment of Route 66 for more than 60 years, was the only such restaurant on that historic highway to be bestowed the honor this … Continue reading Yelp voters name Carl’s Drive-In as having the best cheeseburger in Missouri
Longtime owner of Munger Moss Motel to receive Lebanon Community Achievement Award
Ramona Lehman, the longtime co-owner of the Route 66 landmark Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, will receive a Community Achievement Award from that city's chamber of commerce in November. According to the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society, Lehman will be honored on Nov. 3 at the chamber's annual Wall of Honor Banquet. She was … Continue reading Longtime owner of Munger Moss Motel to receive Lebanon Community Achievement Award