The New Mexico Department of Transportation received the 2025 Perpetual Pavement Award from the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, recognizing exceptional long-term performance and preservation of a historic section of New Mexico Route 6, part of the original Route 66 alignment. The recognized segment is a nine-mile portion of Route 6 west of Los Lunas, originally opened … Continue reading NMDOT receives national award for preservation of original Route 66 near Los Lunas
Category: History
Founders of Frontier Restaurant to be honored by New Mexico Restaurant Association
The founders of the iconic Frontier Restaurant along Route 66 in Albuquerque will be given the lifetime achievement award at the New Mexico Restaurant Association’s Hospitality Industry Awards. Larry and Dorothy Rainosek founded the Frontier near the University of New Mexico campus in 1971. They also later founded the small Golden Pride restaurant chain in … Continue reading Founders of Frontier Restaurant to be honored by New Mexico Restaurant Association
Richard Nixon’s stance at Route 66 hotel helped usher in desegregation in Springfield, Missouri
The Springfield News-Leader recently published a story about how future U.S. President Richard Nixon's stand at a Route 66 hotel in Springfield, Missouri, in 1960 helped pave the way for racial desegregation in the region. Nixon was vice president at the time and was campaigning as a Republican candidate for president. It was September. The … Continue reading Richard Nixon’s stance at Route 66 hotel helped usher in desegregation in Springfield, Missouri
Mel-O-Cream Donuts unveils new sign near its Route 66 store in Springfield
Mel-O-Cream Donuts recently unveiled a new sign at its store along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. The sign is shaped like a Route 66 shield doughnut (naturally). The store also announced during the event that it will have extended hours (until 6 p.m.) and new menu items, including ice cream. This particular Mel-O-Cream is at … Continue reading Mel-O-Cream Donuts unveils new sign near its Route 66 store in Springfield
Hudson Service Station in Miami designated to National Register of Historic Places
The 90-year-old Hudson Service Station in Miami, Oklahoma, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The station at 218 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) landed the designation on Aug. 18, according to an email from the National Park Service. The Oklahoma Historical Society also announced it. According to Sooner State News: Built … Continue reading Hudson Service Station in Miami designated to National Register of Historic Places
New Route 66 Memorial dedicated at Buehler Park in Rolla
The Rolla Chamber of Commerce presided last week over the ribbon-cutting and dedication of a new Route 66 Memorial at Buehler Park in Rolla, Missouri. According to the chamber, the memorial was paid for with a grant from the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission. Aimee Campbell, the city's tourism director, shepherded the project. According to … Continue reading New Route 66 Memorial dedicated at Buehler Park in Rolla
Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
The historic Rod's Steak House in Williams, Arizona, reopened Saturday under new ownership after it shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic several years ago. Kennelly Concepts spent months remodeling and restoring the Route 66 landmark, which dates to 1946. Williams Mayor Don Dent, former Rod's owner Lawrence Sanchez and Tom Kennelly celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony … Continue reading Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants
Several eateries along Route 66 will receive $50,000 each from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program. The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 50 recipients on Monday. Among the Route 66 restaurants are: Rock Cafe, Stroud, Oklahoma (since 1939) Ike's Chili, Tulsa (since 1908) The Barn - Route 66, Newberry Springs, California (since … Continue reading Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants
El Pueblo Motor Inn in Flagstaff goes up for sale for $2.7 million
El Pueblo Motor Inn, a classic Route 66 motel in Flagstaff, Arizona, best known as where Navajo Code Talkers were recruited during World War II, has been put on the market. The asking price is $2.7 million. Jacquie Kellogg, who was brought in to help try to sell the property at 3120 E. Route 66 … Continue reading El Pueblo Motor Inn in Flagstaff goes up for sale for $2.7 million
Historic Castaneda Hotel sold to local developers
The historic Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, has been sold to entrepreneurs who hail from the city. Allan Affeldt, known as the savior of La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, purchased the rundown hotel in 2014 and spent five years renovating it to its former glory. Affeldt and the hotel announced the sale … Continue reading Historic Castaneda Hotel sold to local developers