The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department this week canceled a state parks contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q -- a regional chain with Route 66 roots -- “due to suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices.” The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the contract for several weeks. The local district attorney and state auditor … Continue reading Oklahoma Tourism axes contract with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q due to suspected fraud
Interior of Blue Whale of Catoosa closed off after recent vandalism
Visitors at the iconic Blue Whale site off Route 66 in Catoosa, Oklahoma, will be unable to climb into the whale's interior after someone vandalized that space with spraypaint last week. According to Channel 2 in nearby Tulsa: “Yesterday morning, a sweet family who had climbed up the blue whale’s head for the great photo … Continue reading Interior of Blue Whale of Catoosa closed off after recent vandalism
Western Motel in Santa Rosa torn down, Sun ‘n Sand Motel likely is next
The closed Western Motel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, was torn down a few days ago, and the similarly shuttered Sun 'n Sand Motel in town likely is next, reported a local newspaper. The latest print edition of The Communicator newspaper, based in Santa Rosa, posted a photo with the headline "History Passing" and this … Continue reading Western Motel in Santa Rosa torn down, Sun ‘n Sand Motel likely is next
Concept cars from the 1950s will be displayed at forthcoming Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque
Two concept cars conceived by a New Mexico resident during the 1950s will be on loan at the Route 66 Visitor Center on Albuquerque's west side when the facility opens later this spring. An artist's rendering of Leopold Garcia's "Bubbles Car." Leopold E. Garcia's “Bubbles Car” and “City Car" will be part of the visitors … Continue reading Concept cars from the 1950s will be displayed at forthcoming Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque
Oatman Road may see up to $2 million worth of improvements
The fabled Oatman Road stretch of Route 66 that connects to Oatman, Arizona, may see up to $2 million in improvements. According to KNAU radio: Two project proposals were submitted earlier this month by the Public Works Department in Mohave County with about $1.3 million going towards construction of safety measures like rumble strips and … Continue reading Oatman Road may see up to $2 million worth of improvements
Actress and comedian Jane Lynch stars in Illinois Tourism’s “Middle of Everything” campaign
Actress and comedian Jane Lynch directs and stars in a bunch of television ads for Illinois Tourism's new "Middle of Everything" campaign that includes shout-outs to several Route 66 landmarks. According to a news release, the ads will run in 20 markets across Illinois and seven neighboring states and will be seen on cable television … Continue reading Actress and comedian Jane Lynch stars in Illinois Tourism’s “Middle of Everything” campaign
Miami, Oklahoma, firefighters seek to restore 1949 firetruck
Firefighters in the Route 66 town of Miami, Oklahoma, are raising funds to restore their 1949 firetruck so it can be used for parades and other special events. The 75-year-old Seagrave firetruck undoubtedly was used many times over the decades in fires and accidents along Route 66 in the city. The city estimates it will … Continue reading Miami, Oklahoma, firefighters seek to restore 1949 firetruck
Sapulpa foundation launches fundraiser for a new Splash 66 splash pad
The Sapulpa Parks Friends Foundation of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, recently launched a fundraiser that includes the giveaway of a new Corvette to build a Route 66-themed Splash 66 splash pad in a park on the city's south side. According to the Sapulpa Times, the splash pad will be built at Kelly Lane Park, about a mile … Continue reading Sapulpa foundation launches fundraiser for a new Splash 66 splash pad
“Route 66: The Mother Road” film from 1994 uploaded to the Internet Archive
The 88-minute film "Route 66: The Mother Road" which starred bestselling author Michael Wallis and his wife Suzanne in 1994, recently was uploaded to the Internet Archive for everyone to enjoy. The out-of-print film often also was titled "A Journey Down Route 66." A few copies on VHS or even DVD could be found on … Continue reading “Route 66: The Mother Road” film from 1994 uploaded to the Internet Archive
Book review: ‘Tucumcari Tonite!’
There's a moment early in David Stratton's new book, "Tucumcari Tonight" (Amazon link), that signals this isn't going to be a dull history tome. In the introduction, the author, who was 95 years old when the University of New Mexico Press published the book earlier this month, recalls his personal memories of the first owners … Continue reading Book review: ‘Tucumcari Tonite!’