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
Category: People
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
Oklahoma Route 66 Association president is keynote speaker for Miles of Possibility Conference
The annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference, scheduled for Oct. 9-11 in Joliet, Illinois, recently announced that Rhys Martin, author, photographer and president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, will be the event's keynote speaker. The conference's main activities will be at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. The conference stated in a news release … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association president is keynote speaker for Miles of Possibility Conference
New photo exhibit by David Schwartz to debut at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios in Tulsa
Longtime Route 66 photographer David J. Schwartz will debut his newest fine art exhibition, “Nurtured by the Mother Road,” at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 in Tulsa on May 24. The show opens with a meet-the-artist event on Saturday, May 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. and will feature a collection of Schwartz’s work … Continue reading New photo exhibit by David Schwartz to debut at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios in Tulsa
Here’s how to send a card for Angel Delgadillo’s 98th birthday
A reader noted that longtime Route 66 advocate Angel Delgadillo will be celebrating his birthday -- his 98th -- later this month and thought it would be nice if a bunch of roadies sent him birthday cards. After checking with employees at his gift shop in Seligman, Arizona, they provided a proper mailing address for … Continue reading Here’s how to send a card for Angel Delgadillo’s 98th birthday
Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy featured in “Today” show segment
Kyle Okura and the Roy's Motel & Cafe site in Amboy, California, recently were featured in a segment on NBC-TV's "Today" show. It delves into Kyle's father, Albert Okura, who purchased the entire Route 66 town 20 years ago. After Albert's death, Kyle has been trying to fulfill his father's vision. Kyle said in an … Continue reading Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy featured in “Today” show segment
“Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” goes on Route 66 from Tulsa through Texas
The latest episode of "Samantha Brown's Places to Love" aired on PBS, where she travels on Route 66 west from Tulsa through the Texas Panhandle to the New Mexico border. Over 25 minutes, she visits Threatt Filling Station in Luther, Oklahoma; First Americans Museum and a neon artist in Oklahoma City; Sid's Diner in El … Continue reading “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” goes on Route 66 from Tulsa through Texas
Longtime Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director resigns; grants suspended
Kaisa Barthuli, a director for the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program for more than two decades, stepped down last week, and its grant program has been suspended. Barthuli sent an email on March 8, stating that with "sadness and deep gratitude" she was "leaving federal service" that day. Barely a week before, … Continue reading Longtime Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director resigns; grants suspended