The Oklahoma Route 66 Association last weekend marked the 90th anniversary of the transcontinental Bunion Derby footrace, with several descendants of winner Andy Payne at the commemoration. The association marked the 1928 footrace that traversed Los Angeles to New York City, including a fledgling U.S. 66, by carrying a commemorative plaque during a motorized relay … Continue reading Oklahoma marks 90th anniversary of Bunion Derby
Category: History
Olde Keg building in Joliet to become Mexican restaurant
The long-closed and historic Olde Keg building in downtown Joliet, Illinois, will reopen as a Mexican restaurant in a few weeks. The Herald-News reports Amy Montiel of nearby Lockport, Illinois, plans to rechristen the building at 20 W. Jackson St. as Catrina’s Mex in May. Montiel told the newspaper she wanted to open a restaurant that … Continue reading Olde Keg building in Joliet to become Mexican restaurant
Expanded Pulaski County brochure includes obscure Route 66 alignment
The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau in Missouri announced this week it expanded its Route 66 Driving Tour brochure for the first time since 2001, including adding an obscure Route 66 alignment of which few people are aware. The bureau stated the brochure offers more than 66 points of interest, 10 detour-worthy side trips and seven roadie-inspired … Continue reading Expanded Pulaski County brochure includes obscure Route 66 alignment
Negro Motorist Green Book inspires photography book
The Negro Motorist Green Book played a key role in a fashion photographer's book, "Reclaiming the Mother Road," that portrays two stylish African-American women traveling Route 66 in Southern California. Photographer Ashley E. Osborne's eye, along with the charisma of models Tsola Akuya and Monia Hicks and their striking clothing, created dozens of images that … Continue reading Negro Motorist Green Book inspires photography book
Mitla Cafe featured in Netflix’s “Ugly Delicious” episode
The historic Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, California, plays a vital role in the "Tacos" episode of the Netflix-produced "Ugly Delicious" documentary food series. The show stars chef David Chang and co-host Peter Meehan "on a mouth-watering, cross-cultural hunt for the world's most satisfying grub." The "Tacos" episode embarks on usual destinations such as Mexico … Continue reading Mitla Cafe featured in Netflix’s “Ugly Delicious” episode
Research Route 66 plans online directory, retrospective
Organizers for the Research Route 66 project plan to develop an online research directory and form a retrospective of the group's accomplishments. The group also plans to continue to its social-media outreach through its Facebook page and collaborate with Route 66: The Road Ahead Partnership, according to a news release. The group's annual meeting was … Continue reading Research Route 66 plans online directory, retrospective
Co-founder of The Tropics in Lincoln dies
Helen Frances Schwenoha, co-founder of now-defunct but fondly remembered The Tropics restaurant in Lincoln, Illinois, died Feb. 28 at age 95 in Los Osos, California. The San Luis Obispo Tribune published an obituary on Schwenoha on March 18. Schwenoha was born in Augusta, Illinois, to John Bradford and Mary Grace Compton. She married Vincent John Schwenoha in … Continue reading Co-founder of The Tropics in Lincoln dies
Historic Shamrock Court motel near Sullivan for sale
Route 66 News learns of properties for sale along the Mother Road from time to time. But the latest one is especially notable for its historic nature, distinctive architecture and relatively good condition. The Weiland family, which has owned the Shamrock Court for more than 60 years, has decided to put it up for sale. … Continue reading Historic Shamrock Court motel near Sullivan for sale
Hill Top Motel in Kingman foreclosed; fate remains uncertain
The now-closed Hill Top Motel in Kingman, Arizona, went into foreclosure several months ago, and the future of the historic property appears uncertain. Pete Hill, chief credit officer at Mohave State Bank in nearby Lake Havasu City, confirmed during a phone interview Tuesday the bank foreclosed the property at 1901 E. Andy Devine Ave. in … Continue reading Hill Top Motel in Kingman foreclosed; fate remains uncertain
Giant cashew among the proposals for downtown Springfield
A developer proposed building of a giant cashew near downtown Springfield, Missouri. It's not a joke. The Springfield News-Leader reported Mat Burton of the Vecino Group recently made the pitch for the art installation at Idea Commons, an area between downtown, which carried an early alignment of 66, and Chestnut Expressway. Missouri State University, the … Continue reading Giant cashew among the proposals for downtown Springfield