Mohave Museum in Kingman marks 50th year

The Mohave Museum of History and Arts in Kingman, Arizona, is marking its 50th year this week -- one of the few museums near Route 66 that predate its decline as a U.S. highway. The Kingman Daily Miner published a story about the history of the museum at 400 W. Beale St., which was formally … Continue reading Mohave Museum in Kingman marks 50th year

Rebranding of Joplin’s East Town includes more Route 66 signs

The city of Joplin, Missouri, has embarked on a multi-pronged project to rebrand its historic East Town neighborhood, including adding new Route 66 signs along an original alignment there. The Joplin Globe reports new "Dreams - East Town" banners have gone up on light poles along the Langston Hughes-Broadway corridor (aka Route 66), which is … Continue reading Rebranding of Joplin’s East Town includes more Route 66 signs

Trail of Tears Memorial in Missouri reopens

The Trail of Tears Memorial and Herbal Gardens near Jerome, Missouri, reopened Earth Day to the public after months of extensive restoration work by new owner Marie Ryberg, nearby artist Chris Richardson and other volunteers. About 75 people braved rainy weather to attend the ribbon-cutting with Waynesville Chamber of Commerce officials at the entrance. Jax … Continue reading Trail of Tears Memorial in Missouri reopens

Oklahoma marks 90th anniversary of Bunion Derby

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

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