It's taken 16 years, but historic Gillioz Theatre along an alignment of old Route 66 in Springfield, Mo., is set to have its grand re-opening Tuesday to kick of more than two weeks' worth of events. Excellent coverage of the Gillioz's refurbishment and impending reopening can be read with the Springfield News-Leader's coverage here and … Continue reading Gillioz Theatre will reopen Tuesday
Joplin museum chief honored
Brad Belk, executive director of the Joplin Museum Complex in Joplin, Mo., was one of six people recognized for the 2006 Governor's Humanities Award, reports the Joplin Globe. Here's how he got it: The honor recognizes Belk's work in historic preservation, said Allen Shirley, of Joplin, who made the nomination. Shirley said the award honors … Continue reading Joplin museum chief honored
New restaurant is in a historic building
An Omaha Jack's Grillhouse & Brewery has opened at Foothill Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., according to this restaurant review in the Inland Press-Enterprise. Not only is the restaurant on Route 66, but it appears to be in a significantly historic building: The 8,700-square-foot building, once housed the Masi Brothers Winery, one of few buildings that … Continue reading New restaurant is in a historic building
Cadillac Ranch: From oddity to icon
Amarillo Globe-News Jon Mark Beilue writes about the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo. The point emerges amid all the color reported from the scene: Cadillac Ranch may have been a mere curiosity when it was first erected in 1974, but it now is a full-blown American icon. Amarillo residents may be irritated or even embarrassed by … Continue reading Cadillac Ranch: From oddity to icon
Welcome to the Aztec Motel — if you’re a weekly
The Daily Lobo, which is the University of New Mexico's independent student newspaper, has published a well-done article about the historic Aztec Motel on Central Avenue (Route 66) in Albuquerque. The place was down in the dumps until the early 1990s, when Mohamed Natha purchased and fixed up the building. (He's yet another Asian-American who's … Continue reading Welcome to the Aztec Motel — if you’re a weekly
Keep AAA on speed dial
The Daily Herald in Everett, Wash., reports that John Morrison and Loren Hole will set out on a 5,500-mile road trip in a 1968 Triumph TR4A. The trek will include the entire length of Route 66. The only question is whether the car is up to the task. It's been rebuilt twice. Friends have placed … Continue reading Keep AAA on speed dial
Irish bikers roar into Tulsa
About 90 Irish citizens on Harley Davidsons cruised into Tulsa on Wednesday, stopped at Route 66 Harley Davidson and ate at the 5 and Diner next door, reports KOTV. The Route 66 Challenge is a fundraiser for the Temple Street University Children's Hospital in Dublin. A few members of the group found the 92-degree heat … Continue reading Irish bikers roar into Tulsa
Inspiration for Mater is found
Rod Harsh, proprietor of Route 66 TV Online and chairman of the Route 66 Committee of Jasper County, Mo., had been diligently looking for the tow-truck inspiration of the character Tow Mater, voiced memorably by Larry the Cable Guy, in the hit animated movie, "Cars." He found it. The good news is the truck (second … Continue reading Inspiration for Mater is found
Route 66 maps through St. Louis updated
Route 66 researcher Stefan Joppich has updated his maps of Route 66 alignments through the St. Louis region. You can view them here. That doesn't sound like much, but the Gateway City has more alignments of 66 than any city I can think of, including Chicago or Los Angeles. Just being able to document all … Continue reading Route 66 maps through St. Louis updated
Route 66 named one of Top 10 drives
Luxury Link, an online travel company, has named its World's Best Drives. Route 66 in Arizona made the top 10, at No. 7. The only other American roads to make the cut were the Pacific Coast Highway in California and the Hana Highway in Hawaii. Luxury Link said: These days, you can do more than … Continue reading Route 66 named one of Top 10 drives