Architect of Tulsa’s Rose Bowl dies at 93

Bill Ryan, a longtime Tulsa architect who designed the distinctive Rose Bowl bowling center and other landmarks in that city, died Saturday. He was 93. Ryan began his career in 1953 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. He also designed East Central High School in 1964 (another Route 66 landmark in Tulsa) and many … Continue reading Architect of Tulsa’s Rose Bowl dies at 93

Big Brutus named to National Register of Historic Places

Big Brutus, a gigantic electric coal shovel that's become a side trip for Route 66 travelers in Kansas, was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. According to an email from the National Park Service, the designation became effective Jan. 5. Big Brutus sits at 6509 NW 60th St. in West Mineral, Kansas, about … Continue reading Big Brutus named to National Register of Historic Places

1951 time capsule in Waynesville actually was from 1953

Contents from a 1951 time capsule in Waynesville, Missouri, opened Wednesday revealed it actually was buried at a now-demolished school building in 1953. Waynesville school superintendent Brian Henry used a pair of tin snips to open the 10-by-14-by-4-inch welded copper box in front of a crowd of 125 people that included members of the Class … Continue reading 1951 time capsule in Waynesville actually was from 1953

House panel unanimously advances bill for Route 66 National Historic Trail

A U.S. House of Representatives committee on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill that would federally designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. The National Resources Committee advanced H.R. 801 to the full House of Representatives. It can become law if the House and Senate pass it before the end of the year. The House … Continue reading House panel unanimously advances bill for Route 66 National Historic Trail

1951 time capsule in Waynesville to be opened Wednesday

What appears to be a 1951 time capsule recently found within a hollowed-out stone in a former school building in Waynesville, Missouri, being demolished will be opened at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Waynesville High School. The public is invited to the unveiling of the welded copper box's contents at the school's Lecture Hall, which is … Continue reading 1951 time capsule in Waynesville to be opened Wednesday

John T. Woodruff’s 150th birthday observed

People gathered in Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday night to mark the 150th birthday of John T. Woodruff -- one of the city's top early developers and a key figure in establishing U.S. Highway 66. The event occurred at the former Kentwood Arms Hotel, now a dormitory for Missouri State University, in downtown Springfield. More in … Continue reading John T. Woodruff’s 150th birthday observed

Black-owned business plans move into historic building in Bristow

An African-American-owned business based in Las Vegas plans to move into a historic building on Route 66 in Bristow, Oklahoma, later this year. Articulate Communication Publications SLLC describes itself as a Christian-based company that seeks to move into the Root's Furniture building along Route 66 in Bristow and foster the careers of other creatives and … Continue reading Black-owned business plans move into historic building in Bristow

Extreme cold closes Illinois Route 66 Museum in Pontiac until Jan. 8

Extremely cold weather and a broken heating unit prompted local officials Friday to close the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac until at least Monday, Jan. 8. Ellie Alexander, director of tourism for the city, wrote in an email Friday the heating unit lacks essential parts that won't be available until … Continue reading Extreme cold closes Illinois Route 66 Museum in Pontiac until Jan. 8

Pulitzer-winning photographer will publish Route 66 book in the fall

Photographer Edward Keating, who won the Pulitzer Prize for documenting the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism attacks in New York City, announced he soon will publish a book of his Route 66 photography he's compiled over the last 17 years. Keating wrote in a Facebook post last week the book, titled "MAIN STRƎƎT," will be published by … Continue reading Pulitzer-winning photographer will publish Route 66 book in the fall

Strafford building a Route 66-themed park, visitors center

  The city of Strafford, Missouri, is constructing a Route 66 Historical Park next to city hall along with a visitors center. KY3 in nearby Springfield got the details: When completed, it will feature reconstructed versions of local 66 icons -- the Bumgardner (sic) General Store and Delp Hotel. "We do not have a lot of … Continue reading Strafford building a Route 66-themed park, visitors center