In the wake of actor and director Robert Redford's death this week at age 89, a story emerged about how he helped save the decaying Santa Monica Pier from being torn down in the early 1970s. It's hard to believe now, but the pier was so dilapidated, the Santa Monica City Council voted to demolish … Continue reading Robert Redford helped save Santa Monica Pier from demolition during the 1970s
Category: People
Kevin Hansel, former California Historic Route 66 Association president, dies at 64
Kevin Hansel, a former California Historic Route 66 Association president and a longtime proponent of the Mother Road, died Monday after a lengthy illness. He was 64. Hansel's death was announced by his niece, Ashley Caceras, on the California Historic Route 66 Association's page on Facebook. "Kevin was a vital part of my life and … Continue reading Kevin Hansel, former California Historic Route 66 Association president, dies at 64
“Bozo” Cordova, founder of the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, dies
James "Bozo" Cordova, founder of the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and a longtime mechanic in that city, died on Saturday. He was 77. According to his obituary, Cordova, as a youth, began working at various gas stations along Route 66 in Santa Rosa. After graduating from high school, he attended … Continue reading “Bozo” Cordova, founder of the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, dies
“Flat Will” lets travelers take Will Rogers with them on their next road trip
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently announced its launch of Flat Will, an interactive way for people to honor the Sooner State's favorite son, Will Rogers, and take him on new adventures, just in time for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. Take selfies with Flat Will -- a cutout likeness of Rogers about 11 … Continue reading “Flat Will” lets travelers take Will Rogers with them on their next road trip
Fran Houser, longtime owner of the MidPoint Cafe, dies at 81
Fran Houser, a former owner of the MidPoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, for over two decades who elevated the Route 66 restaurant to prominence, died on July 31 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was 81. Joann Harwell, who baked the famous "ugly crust pies" for the restaurant for well over 15 … Continue reading Fran Houser, longtime owner of the MidPoint Cafe, dies at 81
New Muffler Man named Cowboy Bob added to Buck’s Vintage on 66 in Tulsa
Tulsa's Route 66 corridor boasts yet another Muffler Man -- this time, it's Cowboy Bob, erected on Wednesday in front of Buck's Vintage on 66. A celebration of the arrival of the 21-foot-tall fiberglass giant was set for Thursday, but owner Mary Beth Babcock touted its installation the day before. Babcock’s first Muffler Man, named Buck … Continue reading New Muffler Man named Cowboy Bob added to Buck’s Vintage on 66 in Tulsa
Route 66 Movie Theatre in Webb City hosting Bonnie and Clyde research, film
The Route 66 Movie Theatre in downtown Webb City, Missouri, will host a screening of researchers' work on Bonnie and Clyde on Tuesday, featuring a film about the 1930s outlaws. Local historians Jason and Aiden Chambers, a father-and-son team, will give a presentation and discuss an artifact found during a recent dig at the Bonnie … Continue reading Route 66 Movie Theatre in Webb City hosting Bonnie and Clyde research, film
Cars of the Mother Road features 13-foot-tall likeness of Williams mayor
Cars of the Mother Road in Williams, Arizona, recently paid tribute to former mayor John C. Moore by fashioning a 13-foot-tall, cowboy-hat-wearing likeness of him. The Williams Independent reported that Marshall Noriega wanted to spruce up his business with eye-catching elements before Route 66's centennial next year. He initially envisioned a tall cowboy, a saguaro … Continue reading Cars of the Mother Road features 13-foot-tall likeness of Williams mayor
Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire featured in exhibit at Springfield gallery
The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space in Springfield, Illinois, is featuring the work of the late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire in an exhibit through mid-December 2026. The gallery at 623 E. Adams St. is open from noon to 6 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. The exhibition will … Continue reading Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire featured in exhibit at Springfield gallery
Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announces remaining slate of speakers, activities
The 10th annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference recently announced the remaining schedule of speakers and activities for its event on Oct. 9-11 in Joliet, Illinois. It was previously announced that Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association along with being an author and writer, would be the keynote speaker. The rest … Continue reading Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announces remaining slate of speakers, activities