Bill Ryan, a longtime Tulsa architect who designed the distinctive Rose Bowl bowling center and other landmarks in that city, died Saturday. He was 93. Ryan began his career in 1953 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. He also designed East Central High School in 1964 (another Route 66 landmark in Tulsa) and many … Continue reading Architect of Tulsa’s Rose Bowl dies at 93
Category: People
Rocket launch near Amboy now set for Feb. 3
"Mad" Mike Hughes, whose quest in November to launch a self-made, steam-powered rocket over Amboy, California, was halted because he lacked a permit, set a new date for blastoff -- 3 p.m. Feb. 3, the day before the Super Bowl. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, upon learning of Hughes' bid less than a week … Continue reading Rocket launch near Amboy now set for Feb. 3
Owners put Del’s Restaurant, Kix on 66 up for sale
Sisters Yvette Peacock and Yvonne Braziel, who own Del's Restaurant and Kix on 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Tuesday they are ready to retire and have put the Route 66 restaurants up for sale. Del's has been one of Tucumcari's most popular lunch-and-dinner spots for decades, and Kix also has become a popular breakfast-and-lunch … Continue reading Owners put Del’s Restaurant, Kix on 66 up for sale
John T. Woodruff’s 150th birthday observed
People gathered in Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday night to mark the 150th birthday of John T. Woodruff -- one of the city's top early developers and a key figure in establishing U.S. Highway 66. The event occurred at the former Kentwood Arms Hotel, now a dormitory for Missouri State University, in downtown Springfield. More in … Continue reading John T. Woodruff’s 150th birthday observed
Black-owned business plans move into historic building in Bristow
An African-American-owned business based in Las Vegas plans to move into a historic building on Route 66 in Bristow, Oklahoma, later this year. Articulate Communication Publications SLLC describes itself as a Christian-based company that seeks to move into the Root's Furniture building along Route 66 in Bristow and foster the careers of other creatives and … Continue reading Black-owned business plans move into historic building in Bristow
Reporter who often covered Illinois Route 66 news dies
Tim Landis, the longtime business editor of The State Journal-Register in Springfield, Illinois, who often covered Route 66 news in the state, died unexpectedly Tuesday at his home in Chatham, Illinois. He was 66. Landis exercised regularly and had no known health issues at the time of his death, the newspaper reported. He apparently died … Continue reading Reporter who often covered Illinois Route 66 news dies
A Christmas card from Arizona
Frank and Lynne Kocevar, the former owners of Historic Seligman Sundries of Seligman, Arizona, put together a Christmastime video each year. Here's the latest. Frank wrote in an email accompanying the video: I have taken singing lessons this past year. I think that I have improved my vocal/lip sync skills. Who said that you can't … Continue reading A Christmas card from Arizona
Cynthia Troup’s role in “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”
The story behind the now-iconic song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" is Bobby Troup and his wife, Cynthia Troup, were traveling west on that highway to California in 1946 when she came up with the line "Get your kicks on Route 66." Bobby Troup finished the rest of the song, pitched it to Nat … Continue reading Cynthia Troup’s role in “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”
Co-founder of Oklahoma Route 66 Association dies
Ron Burden, one of the founders of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and a former president of the group for four years, died Dec. 14. He was 72. Burden, who grew up in Tulsa, spent much of his adult years in the Route 66 town of Davenport, Oklahoma, and co-founded the Central Oklahoma Federal Credit Union … Continue reading Co-founder of Oklahoma Route 66 Association dies
Roger Miller Museum soon will close its doors for good
The Roger Miller Museum, dedicated to the country-music star of the 1960s and '70s who hailed from Erick, Oklahoma, will close its doors for good later this week because of financial difficulties. The Beckham County Record, citing museum trustee Retta Snowden, reported the imminent closing last week. The museum sits on the corner of Sheb Wooley … Continue reading Roger Miller Museum soon will close its doors for good