The city of Edmond, Oklahoma, has begun preliminary talks with the state Department of Transportation to take over Route 66 and U.S. 77 in town. The Oklahoma-based NonDoc journalism site had the story: “The discussion we have with ODOT is, ‘is there a future where they do a full reconstruct of (Route) 77 and 66 … Continue reading Edmond in talks to take over ownership of Route 66 in the city
New documentary tells about an early champion of Muffler Men
Joel Baker, a Muffler Man enthusiast and preservationist, recently completed a 30-minute documentary film about the late Glenn Good, a Texan who spent decades repairing or salvaging the fiberglass giants back in the days when they weren't popular. One of Good's projects still stands at the Cadillac Ranch RV Park on Amarillo's west side, right … Continue reading New documentary tells about an early champion of Muffler Men
Springfield, Missouri, poised to break record for hotel stays in 2022
The city of Springfield, Missouri, is on track to break its record of hotel stays in 2022 -- a mark set a year ago. The Springfield News-Leader reported the numbers via Tracy Kimberlin, leader of the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau: In 2021, Springfield set a record with 1,439,619 occupied hotel rooms. And the city … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, poised to break record for hotel stays in 2022
President Biden to appoint 12 people to Route 66 Centennial Commission
President Joe Biden announced his intent today to appoint 12 people to the Route 66 Centennial Commission. The list contains several people that many in the Route 66 community would know well. Here they are, with short descriptions of each individual, though more extensive biographies can be found in the White House announcement: Caroline Beteta, … Continue reading President Biden to appoint 12 people to Route 66 Centennial Commission
Oklahoma Highway Patrol interested in Glancy Motel property in Clinton
In the latest twist for the Glancy Motel's possible future, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol told the city's Economic Development Authority it would like the closed Clinton property donated so OHP can build a new troop headquarters there. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) had details about a letter of intent OHP sent to the authority: … Continue reading Oklahoma Highway Patrol interested in Glancy Motel property in Clinton
Take a look at the ongoing Pony Bridge project near Bridgeport
Recent drone footage has surfaced of the ongoing efforts to tear down and reconstruct the iconic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, into a safer and more modern span. The clip, uploaded on Dec. 18 by West OK Overland, shows construction crews have dismantled about half of the Route 66 bridge over the South Canadian River … Continue reading Take a look at the ongoing Pony Bridge project near Bridgeport
Trade Winds Inn in Clinton, best known for its Elvis Room, may be demolished
The Trade Winds Inn motel in Clinton, Oklahoma -- best known for its Elvis Room where Elvis Presley stayed during his cross-country road trips -- may be demolished with the possibility the local school district might use the property. The Clinton Daily News (subscription required) reported last week the Clinton Economic Development Authority will discuss … Continue reading Trade Winds Inn in Clinton, best known for its Elvis Room, may be demolished
Frank and Lynne Kocevar’s 2022 video Christmas card
In what has become a tradition on Route 66 News, we are posting the annual video Christmas card that Frank and Lynne Kocevar shot in Arizona. The Kocevars once owned the Historic Seligman Sundries in Seligman. The latest contains footage from the recent Christmas tree lighting ceremony in downtown Williams, right along the Route 66 … Continue reading Frank and Lynne Kocevar’s 2022 video Christmas card
“Today” show to feature Route 66 Christmas Chute in Sapulpa
NBC's long-running morning "Today" show will feature the inaugural Route 66 Christmas Chute in downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma. The Tulsa World had some of the details: Filming will be at 6:15 a.m. Friday, according to an event posting for the attraction. Those interested in taking part are asked to wear warm attire and gather at the … Continue reading “Today” show to feature Route 66 Christmas Chute in Sapulpa
Local investors, Chickasaw Nation to buy historic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City
Two local investors and the Chickasaw Nation tribe are joining forces to buy the historic Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. Steve Lackmeyer of The Oklahoman newspaper reported Andy Burnett and Mark Beffort of Oklahoma City, who own eight other hotels across the country, will pay $32.5 million for the city's oldest hotel. Other investors … Continue reading Local investors, Chickasaw Nation to buy historic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City