Tom Willis, owner of the landmark 66 Diner in Albuquerque and charter member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, died Wednesday. He was 71. Sue Montgomery, vice president of the association, stated by email that "from my understanding" Willis died of COVID-19 and "had some underlying conditions that didn't help." Willis would be the … Continue reading Tom Willis, owner of 66 Diner in Albuquerque, dies at 71
Category: Route 66 Associations
Volunteers give a fresh look to Allen’s Fillin’ Station in Commerce
After two weather-related delays, volunteers with the Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Saturday put a new coat of paint on the Allen's Fillin' Station in Commerce, Oklahoma. Here are before-and-after images and other photos of the historic gas station on an old alignment of Route 66 through town. The owner, Bobby Allen, posted more photos … Continue reading Volunteers give a fresh look to Allen’s Fillin’ Station in Commerce
Tulsa Route 66 Commission recommends moving concrete planters to the east side
The Tulsa Route 66 Commission has recommended moving about one-third of the city's concrete Route 66 planters to the 11th Street and Mingo Road area to better identify the Mother Road there. According to Public Radio Tulsa, 46 of the 48 original planters purchased nearly 20 years ago still are around (two were destroyed in … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 Commission recommends moving concrete planters to the east side
London Bridge marks 50 years in Lake Havasu City
The relocated and reconstructed London Bridge today is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the opening of that historic span in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. According to a recent newsletter of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, the bridge reopened on Oct. 10, 1971, on the Colorado River. Lake Havasu City is about 30 miles … Continue reading London Bridge marks 50 years in Lake Havasu City
Allen’s Fillin’ Station cleanup rescheduled again to Oct. 16
Try, try again. The volunteer cleanup day for the Allen's Fillin' Station site at 101 S. Main St. in Commerce, Oklahoma, has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, after two previous attempts were canceled because of bad weather. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, announced the new date Sunday in … Continue reading Allen’s Fillin’ Station cleanup rescheduled again to Oct. 16
Blue Whale of Catoosa is undergoing a weeklong effort of repairs and cleaning
The landmark Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, today is beginning a one-week effort by the city to clean, repaint and make repairs to the whale itself. The city's project begins today and will last through Friday, Oct. 1, according to a news release from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. During that time period, the Blue … Continue reading Blue Whale of Catoosa is undergoing a weeklong effort of repairs and cleaning
Miles of Possibility Conference will be virtual, with speakers from worldwide
The bad news is next month's annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference won't be in person because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is the virtual format will allow speakers from virtually all over the world. The Oct. 21-24 conference is called "A Worldwide Celebration of Route 66," with speakers from all … Continue reading Miles of Possibility Conference will be virtual, with speakers from worldwide
Roof-rehab event at Shamrock Court begins Sept. 9
The president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri recently announced a volunteer work session that will begin Sept. 9 at the Shamrock Court property he owns in Sullivan, Missouri. Rich Dinkela stated the rehabilitation of the roof of the Route 66 motel will begin on that day and probably last for two days. He … Continue reading Roof-rehab event at Shamrock Court begins Sept. 9
Kansas Route 66 group launches fundraiser to restore Spring River Inn neon sign
The Kansas Historic Route 66 Association has launched an online fundraising campaign to restore the Spring River Inn neon sign that once stood near the long-defunct restaurant in Riverton, Kansas. The campaign was launched Thursday on GoFundMe.com, with a goal of $10,000. The sign is estimated to be about 60 years old. More about the … Continue reading Kansas Route 66 group launches fundraiser to restore Spring River Inn neon sign
City of Tulsa readies new request for proposals for Route 66 center
The City of Tulsa is preparing to issue a new request for proposals to build a Route 66 interpretive center and commercial complex at Southwest Boulevard (aka Route 66) at the Arkansas River. The Tulsa World had the new details about another public-private proposal: “We want a project that is viable and self-sustaining and is … Continue reading City of Tulsa readies new request for proposals for Route 66 center