Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa marks its centennial with announcement of special shows

The iconic Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa will celebrate its 100th year with several big shows throughout 2024, including a tour-opening concert of Alison Krauss and Robert Plant in June. A news conference earlier this week announced the Krauss-Plant show on June 2, along with Tulsa hometown heroes Hanson in December and Jason Isbell and the … Continue reading Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa marks its centennial with announcement of special shows

Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago

The iconic Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- nearly was destroyed by a severe storm and some bad decisions by a contractor 41 years ago. That factoid was revealed during a Santa Monica Daily News story about walking tours offered at the 115-year-old pier: Back in the … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago

National Trust for Historic Preservation wants your Route 66 stories

The National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to gather a total of 2,026 stories about Route 66 in time for the highway's centennial in 2026. "Route 66 is more than just a road; it's a tapestry of diverse cultures and histories. We want to showcase the people and places that make Route 66 special," the … Continue reading National Trust for Historic Preservation wants your Route 66 stories

Historic Luna Mansion in Los Lunas placed on the market for $1.8 million

The 140-year-old Luna Mansion, located prominently along the original alignment of Route 66 in Los Lunas, New Mexico, has been put up for sale for $1.8 million. According to Albuquerque Business First (subscription required), the 5,400-square-foot mansion at 119 Main St. (aka Route 66) was a restaurant until it closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 … Continue reading Historic Luna Mansion in Los Lunas placed on the market for $1.8 million

Local preservation group wants to turn old El Reno jail into a museum

A local preservation group seeks to convert the old Canadian County Jail in El Reno, Oklahoma, into a museum and education center by 2026, which is Route 66's centennial. According to KOCO-TV in nearby Oklahoma City, the Preservation El Reno group's Jail Restoration Committee wants to restore the 1907 building. The group began leasing the … Continue reading Local preservation group wants to turn old El Reno jail into a museum

Celebration set for April 14 for the opening of new Chain of Rocks Park in St. Louis

The Great Rivers Greenway a few days ago announced an April 14 celebration for the new Chain of Rocks Park at the west end of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. The free event from 2 to 4 p.m. will include music, food, fun and community activities. The park is at 10820 … Continue reading Celebration set for April 14 for the opening of new Chain of Rocks Park in St. Louis

One of the trusses is reinstalled on landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

One down, 37 to go. The first of 38 trusses salvaged from the landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, was reinstalled Thursday as part of the span's reconstruction, reported the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Here are a couple of photos from the event: The bridge project reportedly is ahead of schedule -- to the point … Continue reading One of the trusses is reinstalled on landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

Camp Cajon volunteers erect Route 66 directional signpost

Volunteers for Camp Cajon monument in Southern California last month added a new photo-op at the historic site -- a directional signpost that lists mileages to numerous cities on Route 66. According to history columnist Mark Landis of the San Bernardino County Sun: Designed as a nostalgic reminder of historic mileage signposts on early highways, … Continue reading Camp Cajon volunteers erect Route 66 directional signpost

Bristow’s Town Square being revitalized as part of Route 66 project

The Town Square of Bristow, Oklahoma, is being revitalized by the town's historical society as part of a Route 66 Landmark Renovation Project. News on 6 in nearby Tulsa reported the society is building a new roof for the nearby historic depot. So far, all tiles have been removed for new roofing and the structure … Continue reading Bristow’s Town Square being revitalized as part of Route 66 project

John Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs undergoing extensive repairs, thanks to Route 66 grant

The historic John Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs, Arizona, is undergoing extensive repairs after a 2021 windstorm, thanks in part to a $45,000 grant from the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. According to a recent newsletter from the association, it awarded the grant to the Hualapai Tribe, which owns the station, to assist … Continue reading John Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs undergoing extensive repairs, thanks to Route 66 grant