Merle Haggard, considered one of the greatest country-music artists in history, died today after a long series of health problems, according to his manager. He was 79. Today also was his birthday. We'll let other music writers tell about Haggard's considerable legacy, which is far deeper than "Mama Tried" and "Okie from Muskogee." (His one-man … Continue reading Merle Haggard, R.I.P.
Category: People
Barnes Town and Country store may close this month
The Barnes Town and Country store, which has served customers along Route 66 west of Springfield, Missouri, since 1934, likely will close by the end of the month unless someone buys the business. Brothers Rick and Randy Perryman have run the Barnes Town and Country in the little hamlet of Elwood Siding for more than 40 … Continue reading Barnes Town and Country store may close this month
Wife of Pig Hip Restaurant owner dies
Frances Edwards, the wife of longtime Pig Hip Restaurant owner Ernie Edwards, died March 1 at age 94 at St. Clara's Manor in Lincoln, Illinois. She helped her second husband, Ernie, at his landmark Pig Hip in Broadwell, Illinois, for about 30 years until the restaurant closed in 1991 after 54 years in business along Route … Continue reading Wife of Pig Hip Restaurant owner dies
Exploration diver dies in Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole
A diver with an exploration team died Saturday after an apparent accident deep in the underwater caverns of the famed Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Shane Thompson, 43, of San Diego, an experienced diver with the ADM Exploration Foundation, died Saturday after he went missing during his team's much-anticipated exploration of the Blue … Continue reading Exploration diver dies in Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole
Midpoint Cafe helps replace child’s lost teddy bear
The owner of the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, helped a British couple replace their child's rare Route 66 teddy bear after it became lost during on a plane earlier this month. The mother, Riane Martin of St. Helens, England, posted a message March 5 on Facebook: Bit of a long shot but does anyone work … Continue reading Midpoint Cafe helps replace child’s lost teddy bear
A chat with the owner of Lulu’s Beef
KC Keefer interviewed Don Greico Jr., the proprietor of Lulu's Beef, which has occupied the corner of Leavitt Street, Taylor Street and Odgen Avenue (aka Route 66) in Chicago for nearly 50 years. Keefer describes the restaurant as exuding "Chicago charm," and Greico reflects that as well. And if you're craving a Chicago-style hot dog, Lulu's … Continue reading A chat with the owner of Lulu’s Beef
Laurel Kane celebration of life set for April 30
A celebration of Laurel Kane's life is scheduled for midday April 30 at her beloved Afton Station on Route 66 in Afton, Oklahoma. The announcement was made this week on a new Facebook page: There was no place where Laurel was happier than Afton Station and nothing she loved more than a celebration. That said we … Continue reading Laurel Kane celebration of life set for April 30
Will Rogers Memorial Museum merged into Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin this week signed her first bill of the 2016 state legislative session, which was to transfer the Will Rogers Memorial Commission into the Oklahoma Historical Society. It was a move that was sought for years and supported by both organizations. Tad Jones, director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, explained a few … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum merged into Oklahoma Historical Society
Tulsa lands Bob Dylan archive
A few years ago, Tulsa was lucky enough to acquire the archive of folk-music legend Woody Guthrie. So it seems natural Tulsa also would acquire the archive of music legend Bob Dylan, who began his career as a Woody Guthrie disciple. The New York Times got the scoop this week of the Tulsa-based George Kaiser … Continue reading Tulsa lands Bob Dylan archive
Aubrey McClendon, owner of Pops, dies in car crash
Aubrey McClendon, best known as the former CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corp. but known to Route 66 fans as owner of the landmark Pops in Arcadia, Oklahoma, died in a fiery highway crash in Oklahoma City on Wednesday -- one day after he was federally indicted in an alleged bid-rigging scheme. He was 56. The Oklahoman … Continue reading Aubrey McClendon, owner of Pops, dies in car crash