Howard Park in Tulsa may be converted into an RV park

Tulsa's historic Howard Park may be converted into an RV park to help capitalize on its location on Route 66. According to Public Radio Tulsa: Tulsa County Deputy Treasurer John Fothergill made the pitch for putting out a request for proposals to build an RV park with up to 70 spaces. Fothergill said a set … Continue reading Howard Park in Tulsa may be converted into an RV park

29 gravestones vandalized at historic Hill Cemetery in Bourbon

A total of 29 headstones at historic Hill Cemetery along Route 66 in Bourbon, Missouri, recently were destroyed by vandals. It's believed the destruction, discovered Wednesday, occurred within the last two weeks after the cemetery last was mowed, according to a report by KSDK-TV in St. Louis. It's also believed more than one person was … Continue reading 29 gravestones vandalized at historic Hill Cemetery in Bourbon

Illinois gives $450,000 in grants for Springfield’s Route 66 corridor

The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission last week landed two state grants totaling $450,000 to redevelop the Peoria Road/Ninth Street corridor and a plan to promote Route 66 in the county. The State Journal-Register in Springfield reported: For Sangamon County, this translates into $250,000 for a study of the Peoria Road/Ninth Street Corridor between Cook … Continue reading Illinois gives $450,000 in grants for Springfield’s Route 66 corridor

City of Albuquerque to provide aid to businesses affected by COVID-19, riots

Albuquerque's mayor this week vowed to provide assistance to downtown businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic and riots during police brutality protests. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the city has contracted with minority-owned Glass on Wheels to replace an estimated $200,000 in windows that were broken during the protests. There is no timeline when the … Continue reading City of Albuquerque to provide aid to businesses affected by COVID-19, riots

New video cites Route 66 as a reason for Tulsa to land a Tesla truck plant

Tulsa is vying to land a new Tesla Motors truck plant against Austin, Texas. Tulsa looked for a way to separate itself from its competitor. With the help of the Route 66 Alliance and founder Michael Wallis, they came up with this two-minute video: https://youtu.be/2xKWhn66Fbc Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, voiced his approval of Tulsa's efforts … Continue reading New video cites Route 66 as a reason for Tulsa to land a Tesla truck plant

Fire destroys long-closed Palmer Hotel in Afton

A fire first reported Tuesday afternoon destroyed the long-closed Palmer Hotel along Route 66 in Afton, Oklahoma. The Joplin Globe in Missouri reported the fire was reported at 4 p.m. Tuesday. About 20 fire departments and 125 firefighters were called to battle the blaze, which continued to smolder 24 hours later. So much water was … Continue reading Fire destroys long-closed Palmer Hotel in Afton

“Bless Me, Ultima” author Rudolfo Anaya dies at age 82

Rudolfo Anaya, author of the acclaimed novel "Bless Me, Ultima" and the widely acknowledged founder of Chicano literature, died Sunday at age 82. He spent much of his childhood in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and remains the Route 66 town's most famous person. Anaya was in declining health in recent years, his niece told the … Continue reading “Bless Me, Ultima” author Rudolfo Anaya dies at age 82

A journey on how Disney’s Cars Land was developed

Disney Parks a few days ago uploaded a video where two people from Disney and Pixar were interviewed on how they came up with the inspirations for Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park. Pixar’s Roger Gould and former Disney Imagineer Kathy Mangum provide an under-the-hood look of what went into the development and creation … Continue reading A journey on how Disney’s Cars Land was developed

Birthplace of Route 66 Festival canceled because of coronavirus

The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, one of the biggest events on the Mother Road, announced Monday it would cancel the Aug. 14-15 event because of concerns about coronavirus. The festival's steering committee voted unanimously to cancel. The Ozarks Independent reported: “Last year’s attendance was 65,000 over two days and we were … Continue reading Birthplace of Route 66 Festival canceled because of coronavirus

A look at Amarillo from nearly 60 years ago

For a fun look into the past, take a look at this 15-minute promotional film that touted the virtues of the Route 66 town of Amarillo, Texas, and the surrounding region. The film was created between 1962 and 1964 by Southwestern Public Service Company and the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. The colors of this clip … Continue reading A look at Amarillo from nearly 60 years ago