The Heartland of America Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma, recently opened an exhibit about the state's civil defense preparations amid the U.S.-Soviet Union Cold War. According to KCEO radio, Southwest Oklahoma State University history professor and museum board member Landry Brewer acquired those items for the “Preparing to Survive Nuclear Attack: Western Oklahoma Cold War Civil … Continue reading Heartland of America Museum unveils exhibit of Cold War civil defense items
Yeakley Chapel west of Springfield predates Route 66 by about 40 years
West of Springfield, Missouri, down a rural section of Route 66, Yeakley Chapel boasts a congregation that predates the Mother Road by 60 years and a chapel itself that predates the highway by four decades. KSMU radio, a PBS station in the area, posted a story about the Methodist congregation there, which dates to the … Continue reading Yeakley Chapel west of Springfield predates Route 66 by about 40 years
Wayside Inn near Hazelgreen was a bar but never was a motel
The long-closed Wayside Inn bar near Hazelgreen, Missouri, reputedly once was said to be a motel, but recently uncovered evidence has refuted that claim. It goes to show that even as Route 66 approaches its centennial, new or obscure information can be unearthed about the highway and its businesses. Gary Sosniecki, a longtime journalist, posted … Continue reading Wayside Inn near Hazelgreen was a bar but never was a motel
Tail O’ the Pup hot dog stand reopens along Route 66 in West Hollywood
The iconic Tail O' of the Pup hot dog stand that was in storage for 17 years recently reopened -- along Route 66, appropriately -- in West Hollywood, California. The hot dog-shaped stand at 8512 Santa Monica Blvd. (aka Route 66) was purchased late last year by the 1933 Group, which also holds the Formosa … Continue reading Tail O’ the Pup hot dog stand reopens along Route 66 in West Hollywood
Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington closes; future of restaurant appears uncertain
The landmark Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois -- famous for its Gemini Giant fiberglass statue that stands next to Route 66 -- has closed, and its future appears to be uncertain. Several reports of the restaurant's closing have surfaced on various Route 66 social media groups in recent days, including unconfirmed rumors the … Continue reading Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington closes; future of restaurant appears uncertain
Heavy rain causes water damage in lobby, rotunda of Gillioz Theatre in Springfield
The historic Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, Missouri, sustained water damage in its lobby and rotunda after a recent rainstorm, and officials are trying to assess the extent of the problem. Geoff Steele, executive director of the nearly century-old theatre, talked to KY3 in Springfield: ... According to Steele, the Gillioz had never faced Mother … Continue reading Heavy rain causes water damage in lobby, rotunda of Gillioz Theatre in Springfield
High Country Motor Lodge opens in a former Howard Johnson in Flagstaff
A few weeks ago, the High Country Motor Lodge boutique hotel in a former Howard Johnson and a Days Inn along Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, held its grand opening. The hotel was described in a lengthy story (plus lots of photos) by The Points Guy and MSN.com. The rustic aesthetic was elevated by luxurious … Continue reading High Country Motor Lodge opens in a former Howard Johnson in Flagstaff
Landmark Springfield hotel may still have life; zoning panel to hear a new variance request
The sale of the troubled 30-story Wyndham City Centre in downtown Springfield, Illinois, may still have life after the zoning commission found out this week it is scheduled to hear a new variance request for the property next month. The Springfield State Journal-Register reported planning and zoning will hear the request on Sept. 21, with … Continue reading Landmark Springfield hotel may still have life; zoning panel to hear a new variance request
Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, just a few days ago launched an exhibit called "Order Up: The Restaurants of Route 66." The exhibit was made public shortly before this weekend's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield. According to the Springfield News-Leader, it features a variety of eateries -- past … Continue reading Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa plans big expansion
The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is planning an expansion project that will add to its size by 60% within the next few years. According to a new release: Executive Director Lina Holmes hopes to complete this 7,400-square-foot addition in time for the historic highway’s 2026 centennial. “That is our goal,” said … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa plans big expansion