Route 66 Alliance co-founder ‘optimistic’ about Tulsa museum

The Fox23 television station in Tulsa devoted about four minutes last week to a free-wheeling report about the Route 66 Alliance trying to raise money to build that long-planned Route 66 Experience museum near the banks of the Arkansas River in town. You'll see author Michael Wallis and Cyrus Avery II, the grandson of Cyrus … Continue reading Route 66 Alliance co-founder ‘optimistic’ about Tulsa museum

Couple marks 60th anniversary at Wigwam Motel

On Feb. 12, 1955, DeRoy and Rosemary Avila spent their first night as husband and wife at the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California. On Sunday, the Avilas celebrated their upcoming 60th anniversary at the place where it started -- the Route 66 landmark that's changed little over the decades, reported the Inland Valley Daily … Continue reading Couple marks 60th anniversary at Wigwam Motel

A visit to Vega

This three-minute segment about the Route 66 town of Vega, Texas, was produced by Larry Lemmons for KVII-TV's "Panhandle Spirit" series. https://youtu.be/uE0-tyAMKLQ Featured are Deborah Sue McDonald of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce, Dot's Mini Museum, Sheriff David Medlin, Miles Bell of Bell Leather Shop, Karen and Greg Conn of the Milburn-Price Culture Museum. … Continue reading A visit to Vega

Santa Monica Pier laying claim to Popeye’s inspiration

Compelling evidence exists that the inspiration to the Popeye the Sailor Man cartoon was inspired by a real-life sailor who hung around the Santa Monica Pier in California, reported the Santa Monica Daily Press newspaper. Trouble is, a small town on the Mississippi River in Illinois that is the creator's hometown also makes a strong … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier laying claim to Popeye’s inspiration

Ernie Banks broke the Cubs color line

I didn't know this until nearly two days after his death, but Ernie Banks, aka Mr. Cub, essentially was the first player to break the color line with Chicago's National League baseball club. Sports writer Joe Posnanski explains: At that time in the National League, just about every black player played in New York, either … Continue reading Ernie Banks broke the Cubs color line

Owner of Gay Parita Sinclair station dies

Gary Turner, the beloved owner of the Gay Parita Sinclair gas station on old Route 66 west of Halltown, Missouri, died Thursday night. Turner's daughter, Barb Barnes, confirmed his passing Friday morning. Turner had battled health problems in the last few years, including a stroke in 2012 and a lengthy stay in the hospital this … Continue reading Owner of Gay Parita Sinclair station dies

Bob Waldmire exhibit planned in Walldog museum

An exhibit of the artwork and artifacts of late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire will be in the Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, by May, reported the Pontiac Daily Leader. The show, named the Bob Waldmire Experience, will be made in cooperation with his brother, Buz Waldmire, who has been a … Continue reading Bob Waldmire exhibit planned in Walldog museum

Cyrus Avery’s grandson weighs in on merger

The Tulsa World published a follow-up to the merger Jan. 5 of the National Historic Route 66 Federation and the Route 66 Alliance into the U.S. 66 Highway Association. And look who was in a video made by the newspaper -- the grandson of Cyrus Avery, who helped found the U.S. 66 Highway Association in … Continue reading Cyrus Avery’s grandson weighs in on merger

A closer look at the police search of Stanley Marsh 3’s office

With little fanfare last week, the Amarillo Globe-News posted online more than 350 photographs taken by police during a November 2012 search of Stanley Marsh 3's 12th-floor office in downtown Amarillo. Police searched the office in the wake of sexual-abuse allegations by teenage boys against Marsh, the owner of Route 66's famous Cadillac Ranch art … Continue reading A closer look at the police search of Stanley Marsh 3’s office

Co-owner of Becky’s Barn dies

Becky Hargett, co-owner of Becky's Barn antique store, visitors center and snack shop on old Route 66 near Auburn, Illinois, died Saturday, according to her husband Rick. Rick Hargett posted this message on Facebook on Saturday afternoon: Post by Rick Hargett. Becky's Barn is especially notable for not what it is (although there's plenty special … Continue reading Co-owner of Becky’s Barn dies