Filmmaker and historian Katrina Parks will present "The Atomic Age of Route 66" as part of this month's Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series. The free, online presentation will be held live at 2 p.m. Eastern time, or 11 a.m. Pacific. on Aug. 11. Registration is here. More about the event: "The Atomic Age on Route … Continue reading “The Atomic Age of Route 66” is this month’s entry of the Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
Category: People
New owners of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton pledge to reopen it this fall
Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, will reopen sometime this fall after it acquired new, locally based owners who want to largely preserve the Route 66 landmark. The future of the destination looked dim after the unexpected death in August 2024 of its longtime owner, Rich Henry, at the age of 77. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch … Continue reading New owners of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton pledge to reopen it this fall
John Paget’s “Route 66: The Main Street of America” full-length documentary to begin screenings on Sept. 1
"Route 66: The Main Street of America," a documentary by award-winning filmmaker John Paget, begins its roadshow on Sept. 1 in Chicago, the starting point of Route 66. This rolling premiere will travel more than 2,400 miles through all eight of Route 66's states, concluding in Los Angeles on Nov. 7. The Main Street of … Continue reading John Paget’s “Route 66: The Main Street of America” full-length documentary to begin screenings on Sept. 1
Rhys Martin, Matt Pinnell inducted into Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame
Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin and Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell were inducted Saturday into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Frisco Center in Clinton. The third inductee was the late Charles Tompkins of El Reno, the third director for the U.S. 66 Highway Association and a … Continue reading Rhys Martin, Matt Pinnell inducted into Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame
Four more books to read during Route 66’s centennial
I reckoned that a bunch of books would be released during Route 66's centennial, and I wasn't wrong. Here are four titles that I was made aware of in recent weeks. First is Cheryl Eichar Jett's "Aprons Away: Women's Work on Route 66" (Amazon affiliate link). A description of the book: We’ve all heard of … Continue reading Four more books to read during Route 66’s centennial
Jersey girls traveling Route 66 in a souped-up ambulance to help spur blood donations
Longtime friends and Jersey girls Lori Talbot and Marie Forrestal are driving a retired, souped-up ambulance named Rosie the Rescuer more than 2,500 miles along Route 66 for the documentary "Miles of Kindness." They wish to ignite a movement to end the blood shortage in America. Their mission: inspire 2,500 blood donations (one for every mile traveled) and raise awareness … Continue reading Jersey girls traveling Route 66 in a souped-up ambulance to help spur blood donations
Ultrarunner to retrace much of the Bunion Derby from Chicago to Santa Monica
Ultrarunner Zach Fiske will undertake a big task next month -- completing the 2,400-mile Route 66 Centennial Bunion Derby Commemorative Run that begins in Chicago. The event has been designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project as honoring the history, culture and enduring legacy of the “Main Street of America” during the 100th anniversary of Route … Continue reading Ultrarunner to retrace much of the Bunion Derby from Chicago to Santa Monica
Students mostly finish repairing Bob Waldmire’s Route 66-themed U-Haul truck
Students from Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City recently finished most of its work on a long-inoperable U-Haul truck that had been painted by late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. According to KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, it took about three months to make the 1989 Toyota truck roadworthy again. "It wouldn't even run when … Continue reading Students mostly finish repairing Bob Waldmire’s Route 66-themed U-Haul truck
Gearhead Curios owner participating in Proud to be IN America Ride
Aaron Perry, owner of Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas, is participating in the Proud to be IN America Ride from June 28 through July 12 along Route 66. Perry, an Army veteran, wrote in an email: I want to invite you to join us for a ride to honor Veterans past, present and future, not … Continue reading Gearhead Curios owner participating in Proud to be IN America Ride
Grand opening of McClanahan Park in Chandler set for July 4, will include 66 Man superhero statue
The City of Chandler, Oklahoma, announced it will hold a grand opening on July 4 for McClanahan Park -- including a 30-foot-tall statue of the 66 Man comic book superhero created by resident and Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan. The city stated on Facebook: The grand opening will take place from 7–9 p.m. and will … Continue reading Grand opening of McClanahan Park in Chandler set for July 4, will include 66 Man superhero statue