Northern Arizona University last week received a federal grant of $189,860 for its "Racialized Spaces on Route 66" for educators. According to a National Endowment for the Humanities news release, the grant will be used for "a combined virtual and residential program for 72 K–12 educators on the significance of race, place, and movement to … Continue reading NAU receives nearly $190,000 grant for “Racialized Spaces on Route 66” program
Category: History
Oklahoma Route 66 Association replacing “Roadside Attraction” signs in state
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association a few days ago announced it is replacing about a dozen "Roadside Attraction" signs erected by Hampton Inn at Route 66 sites across the state nearly 20 years ago. The association stated in a news release it was identifying the location, the sign's status and whether descriptive text needs to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association replacing “Roadside Attraction” signs in state
J.D. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum in Atlanta remains an attraction 40 years after it closed
If you've never received a tour inside the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, a recent article by an area newspaper will give you the next best thing. The Bloomington Pantagraph posted a bunch of photographs and a video of the historic landmark just off Route 66 as part of its "Off Limits" … Continue reading J.D. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum in Atlanta remains an attraction 40 years after it closed
City officials consider plan to draw more visitors to Joplin History and Mineral Museum
City officials in Joplin, Missouri, gave initial approval to PGAV Destinations of St. Louis to examine the Joplin History and Mineral Museum and find ways to make it more attractive to potential visitors. I wouldn't necessarily say the Joplin Globe newspaper buried the lede, but the very last paragraph of its story stuck out: Because … Continue reading City officials consider plan to draw more visitors to Joplin History and Mineral Museum
Heartland of America Museum unveils exhibit of Cold War civil defense items
The Heartland of America Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma, recently opened an exhibit about the state's civil defense preparations amid the U.S.-Soviet Union Cold War. According to KCEO radio, Southwest Oklahoma State University history professor and museum board member Landry Brewer acquired those items for the “Preparing to Survive Nuclear Attack: Western Oklahoma Cold War Civil … Continue reading Heartland of America Museum unveils exhibit of Cold War civil defense items
Yeakley Chapel west of Springfield predates Route 66 by about 40 years
West of Springfield, Missouri, down a rural section of Route 66, Yeakley Chapel boasts a congregation that predates the Mother Road by 60 years and a chapel itself that predates the highway by four decades. KSMU radio, a PBS station in the area, posted a story about the Methodist congregation there, which dates to the … Continue reading Yeakley Chapel west of Springfield predates Route 66 by about 40 years
Wayside Inn near Hazelgreen was a bar but never was a motel
The long-closed Wayside Inn bar near Hazelgreen, Missouri, reputedly once was said to be a motel, but recently uncovered evidence has refuted that claim. It goes to show that even as Route 66 approaches its centennial, new or obscure information can be unearthed about the highway and its businesses. Gary Sosniecki, a longtime journalist, posted … Continue reading Wayside Inn near Hazelgreen was a bar but never was a motel
Tail O’ the Pup hot dog stand reopens along Route 66 in West Hollywood
The iconic Tail O' of the Pup hot dog stand that was in storage for 17 years recently reopened -- along Route 66, appropriately -- in West Hollywood, California. The hot dog-shaped stand at 8512 Santa Monica Blvd. (aka Route 66) was purchased late last year by the 1933 Group, which also holds the Formosa … Continue reading Tail O’ the Pup hot dog stand reopens along Route 66 in West Hollywood
Landmark Springfield hotel may still have life; zoning panel to hear a new variance request
The sale of the troubled 30-story Wyndham City Centre in downtown Springfield, Illinois, may still have life after the zoning commission found out this week it is scheduled to hear a new variance request for the property next month. The Springfield State Journal-Register reported planning and zoning will hear the request on Sept. 21, with … Continue reading Landmark Springfield hotel may still have life; zoning panel to hear a new variance request
Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, just a few days ago launched an exhibit called "Order Up: The Restaurants of Route 66." The exhibit was made public shortly before this weekend's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield. According to the Springfield News-Leader, it features a variety of eateries -- past … Continue reading Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants