Connie Echols, the recent former owner of the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, died Saturday, just weeks after she sold the Route 66 landmark. The motel's new owner, Rich Dinkela, announced her death on Sunday. If you’ve ever traveled Route 66, you know the Wagon Wheel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place … Continue reading Connie Echols, recent former owner of the Wagon Wheel Motel, dies
Category: People
Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
"Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis, Route 66 Alliance Executive Director and CEO Ken Busby and Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and National Preserve Route 66 manager with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will preside over this month's edition of the Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series. The livestream … Continue reading Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
Rich Dinkela purchases the historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba
Today, Rich Dinkela and his wife, Christina, closed on the purchase of the landmark Wagon Wheel Motel along Route 66 in Cuba, Missouri. Dinkela said they bought the property for $1 million. He said there would be a "lull" of one to two weeks in the motel's operation while staff are being trained there and … Continue reading Rich Dinkela purchases the historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba
Michael Wallis to be keynote speaker at Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference
Organizers for the annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announced that "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis will be the keynote speaker for the Oct. 8-11 event in Springfield, Illinois, during the highway's centennial year. Wallis, also the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in Disney‑Pixar’s popular and influential "Cars" films, … Continue reading Michael Wallis to be keynote speaker at Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference
Weatherford oilman giving away a 1966 Chevelle to mark his 66th birthday
An oilman and entrepreneur based in Weatherford, Oklahoma, with substantial roots on Route 66 is giving away a vintage car to celebrate his forthcoming 66th birthday. Rick Koch is giving away the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle to also celebrate Route 66's centennial. The giveaway will be held on Aug. 6, Koch's birthday, at his Lucille's Roadhouse … Continue reading Weatherford oilman giving away a 1966 Chevelle to mark his 66th birthday
New restaurant coming near World War II plane in El Reno will play tribute to local war hero
A closed VFW Post 382 near a World War II plane in El Reno, Oklahoma, is being renovated into Sonny's Kitchen and Bar and will pay tribute to local war hero Col. Charles Clark "Sonny" Kegelman. Kegelman was born in El Reno and graduated from the local high school in 1932. He enlisted in the … Continue reading New restaurant coming near World War II plane in El Reno will play tribute to local war hero
Running for ALS trek designated as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project
The Running for ALS initiative, where a Spaniard will run the length of Route 66, was recently designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the Route 66 Centennial Commission. Enric Casacuberta, of Catalonia, Spain, who lost a friend to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, will run the length of Route 66 over … Continue reading Running for ALS trek designated as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project
Michael Wallis among the grand marshals in Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise
Michael Wallis, the author of the bestselling book "Route 66: The Mother Road" and the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the movie "Cars," was named one of four grand marshals for the massive Route 66 Capital Cruise parade set for May 30 in Tulsa. The other grand marshals will be Oklahoma Lt. … Continue reading Michael Wallis among the grand marshals in Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise
“Women’s Work on Route 66” set for March 10 as part of Centennial Speaker Series
Historian and author Cheryl Eichar Jett will talk about "Women's Work on Route 66" on March 10 as part of the ongoing Research Route 66's Centennial Speaker Series. The live webinar will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern time or 11 a.m. Pacific. The link to the free registration is here. Her sixth book, "Aprons Away: Women’s … Continue reading “Women’s Work on Route 66” set for March 10 as part of Centennial Speaker Series
Bagdad Cafe to host celebration of life on Feb. 28 for its longtime owner
The landmark Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, will host a celebration of life on Feb. 28 for the restaurant's longtime owner, Andrea Pruett. The California Historic Route 66 Association reported the event will be from noon to 4 p.m. that day. The public is invited, and the family invites attendees to share their memories … Continue reading Bagdad Cafe to host celebration of life on Feb. 28 for its longtime owner