A throng of hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- flocked to downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to see the ceremonial "lights on" event for the inaugural Route 66 Christmas Chute. The chute, which essentially is 10 themed canopies heavily decorated along a closed three-block stretch of Dewey Avenue (aka Route 66), will sparkle daily through Jan. 1. The … Continue reading Hundreds attend ‘lights-on’ event for Route 66 Christmas Chute in Sapulpa
Scenes from the TeePee Drive-In’s first screening in more than 20 years
Some photos from the TeePee Drive-In theater's screening of Halloween-related films were posted on social media. The movies at the venue in west Sapulpa, Oklahoma, were the first movies shown there in more than 20 years. You not only get to see the new neon sign at the theater, but the vintage travel trailers that … Continue reading Scenes from the TeePee Drive-In’s first screening in more than 20 years
Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation on Wednesday held a groundbreaking ceremony on a two-year, $35 million project to widen the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport but preserve the span's distinctive pony trusses. ODOT sent out this tweet from the scene: Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell & Oklahoma History Center Director Trait Thompson joined Secretary of Transportation … Continue reading Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport
“Almost Ghosts” documentary now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video
"Almost Ghosts," the 2019 documentary that focuses on three prominent individuals on Route 66, recently became available for streaming or download from Amazon Prime Video. At last check, the film is available for as low as 99 cents here (Amazon link). Here's the trailer for the film: https://youtu.be/4kGovH88F7o Ana Ramón Rubio's film has this summary … Continue reading “Almost Ghosts” documentary now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Groundbreaking held for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Missouri side
The Great Rivers Greenway on Saturday held a groundbreaking ceremony for long-awaited improvements, including security additions, to the Missouri side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. Construction actually will begin early next year, with completion slated for early 2024. An artist's rendering of the Missouri side of the bridge can be … Continue reading Groundbreaking held for improvements to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on the Missouri side
Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse in Sapulpa to close on Dec. 31 after 60 years
Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, one of several old-school Lebanese steakhouses that dotted the region, will close permanently on Dec. 31 after its longtime owner died earlier this year. The New Sapulpa Road (aka Route 66) restaurant on Sapulpa's north side made the announcement in a Facebook post on Sunday. It attributed the … Continue reading Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse in Sapulpa to close on Dec. 31 after 60 years
Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita to host another Mobil 1 world-record attempt
The Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, on Nov. 5-12 will attempt another Guinness world record with the most stickers placed on a car. The Route 66 restaurant on Friday posted on Facebook that it needs some help with the attempt: We are now looking for volunteers for two very important roles. We need:1) People to … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita to host another Mobil 1 world-record attempt
Hear Orson Welles perform in “The Hitchhiker” radio drama from 1942
Here's a fun 30 minutes or so for the Halloween season. It's Orson Welles using his terrific voice for "The Hitchhiker" radio drama for CBS Radio about 80 years ago. Route 66 content: A good portion of the story takes place on the Mother Road. The first line of the suspenseful tale is “I’m in … Continue reading Hear Orson Welles perform in “The Hitchhiker” radio drama from 1942
Miles of Possibility Conference names Springfield, Illinois, as host city in 2026
Route 66's centennial still is a few years away, but the annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announced this week it will hold its 11th event in Springfield, Illinois, in 2026. More from the news release: To celebrate the Route 66 centennial, the Miles of Possibility organization along with Visit Springfieldwill be creating a … Continue reading Miles of Possibility Conference names Springfield, Illinois, as host city in 2026
Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants
The restoration of the Hi-Way Cafe neon sign near Vinita, Oklahoma, was among the newest cost-share grants announced this week by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Four of the grants involved neon signs. In addition to the Hi-Way, grants went to the Henning Motel sign in Newberry Springs, California; the Road Runner's Retreat sign … Continue reading Restoration of Hi-Way Cafe sign among newest Route 66 Corridor cost-share grants