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
Category: People
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
Doug Quarles, creator of dozens of murals in Tucumcari, dies of cancer at 72
Doug Quarles, creator of an estimated 50 murals -- many along Route 66 -- in Tucumcari, New Mexico, died of colon and rectal cancer last week. He was 72. Several muralists have followed in his footsteps in Tucumcari, but his efforts, starting in 2003, raised the city's tourism profile and led the chamber of commerce … Continue reading Doug Quarles, creator of dozens of murals in Tucumcari, dies of cancer at 72
Former mayor of Pontiac, Route 66 app creator to lead Lincoln Tourism Department
The former mayor of Pontiac, Illinois, has been tapped to lead the tourism department of Lincoln, Illinois. Scott McCoy, also known for his Route 66 Ultimate Guide app and helping with tourism initiatives in Atlanta, Illinois, told WICS-TV he was hired for $45,000 a year as an independent contractor to boost Lincoln's visitor numbers. His … Continue reading Former mayor of Pontiac, Route 66 app creator to lead Lincoln Tourism Department
Motel Safari in Tucumcari changes owners
Larry Smith, owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for the past eight years, announced the handing over of the keys to its new proprietor, Rich Havlik. The motel's Facebook page commemorated the change: Havlik, a longtime funeral director in Minnesota, also celebrated his new profession in a Facebook Reel: Havlik said … Continue reading Motel Safari in Tucumcari changes owners
Long-missing World War II soldier laid to rest just off Route 66
On this Memorial Day, I commend this recent story from the Chicago Tribune to your attention. It's about how DNA technology and a lot of diligence identified the remains of a previously unidentified World War II soldier -- Army Pvt. James C. Loyd of Alabama, who died in battle in Italy in 1944. Janice Dale, … Continue reading Long-missing World War II soldier laid to rest just off Route 66