Northern Arizona University is offering teachers across the United States a professional development opportunity called “Racialized Spaces on Route 66” which uses the historic road as a foundation to develop curriculum materials embedded in social justice to foster critical thinking in kindergarten through 12th-grade students. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s Research and Education Working Group partnered … Continue reading NAU offers program to develop educational curriculum focusing on Route 66 history
Restaurant in the former Grand Canyon Cafe in Flagstaff named a Beard Award finalist
Proper Meats + Provisions, a restaurant that took over the former historic Grand Canyon Cafe in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, recently became a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for culinary excellence. Proper Meats, which also doubles as a butcher shop, was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Restaurant category of the annual Beard Awards. The … Continue reading Restaurant in the former Grand Canyon Cafe in Flagstaff named a Beard Award finalist
New Mexico Route 66 Association to honor Hotel Zazz in Albuquerque
The New Mexico Route 66 Association on Saturday will give its Heritage Award to Hotel Zazz in Albuquerque at noon Saturday. According to a news release from the association, it is recognizing the "revitalization of this classic Route 66 motel into a whimsical, memorable experience with piZAZZ." Originally opened as Albuquerque TraveLodge East in 1966, … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association to honor Hotel Zazz in Albuquerque
Federal appeals court hears Carthage’s lawsuit involving Whee Bridge
A federal court in St. Louis heard the City of Carthage's appeal of a lawsuit ruling involving Union Pacific Railroad for its alleged lack of maintenance of bridges in the city, including the century-old Route 66 Oak Street Bridge, aka the Whee Bridge. According to the Joplin Globe, the city appealed a lower judge's ruling … Continue reading Federal appeals court hears Carthage’s lawsuit involving Whee Bridge
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program opens its cost-share grant season for 2023
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program recently announced it has opened its cost-share grant application season for 2023. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, this year's grant funding total is $120,000, with a $30,000 maximum. Eligible grant opportunities include preservation planning, National Register of Historic Places nominations, preservation and rehabilitation work on eligible historic … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program opens its cost-share grant season for 2023
City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem
The City of Amarillo recently began repainting a water tower that will include a special Route 66 emblem, probably by early spring. KFDA-TV reported about the project last week: “You really don’t know if you’re on Route 66, unless you’re seeing those brown Route 66 signs that are pretty spread out. Having these markers will … Continue reading City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem
About $15 million in improvements slated for Old State Capitol in Springfield
The Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois, is due for $15.1 million in improvements under the state's Rebuild Illinois capital plan. According to the State Journal-Register in Springfield: The money will go towards a variety of improvements according to an announcement from the governor's office Friday including replacement of the roof and wooden flooring, … Continue reading About $15 million in improvements slated for Old State Capitol in Springfield
Roubidoux Bridge in Waynesville to celebrate its centennial on April 1
The landmark Roubidoux Bridge in Waynesville, Missouri, will mark its 100th year with a celebration on April 1 at nearby Roy Laughlin Memorial Park. The party will be from 1 to 3 p.m. that day, a Saturday. The park is easily accessed via Spring Road on the east side of Roubidoux Creek. According to the … Continue reading Roubidoux Bridge in Waynesville to celebrate its centennial on April 1
Albert Okura, a restaurateur who owned the town of Amboy, dies
Albert Okura, longtime owner and founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain who purchased the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, in 2005, died last week. Okura also owned the first original McDonald's -- also a popular Route 66 stop in San Bernardino, California. He purchased that location in 1998, stocked it with McDonald's memorabilia … Continue reading Albert Okura, a restaurateur who owned the town of Amboy, dies
Sunflower Station’s reopening will be delayed due to co-owner’s health issues
The reopening of Sunflower Station in Adrian, Texas, once scheduled for this spring, will be delayed while its co-owner recovers from serious health issues. Kelly Snyder said on a social media post that her husband Jason underwent major surgery on Jan. 1 and encountered some complications, including the need for a colostomy. Snyder said they … Continue reading Sunflower Station’s reopening will be delayed due to co-owner’s health issues