This typically is a slow time of year for news along Route 66, so I've used the downtime during the holidays to update the main pages here on this website. You'll find recently updated pages for Attractions, Restaurants, Motels, Events, Campgrounds and Bars. The bulk of the work is mostly done but, as usual, it's … Continue reading Programming note
Curator of San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe wants it designated a World Heritage Site
The curator of the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, wants the centuries-old church declared a World Heritage Site, and she making efforts to raise its profile. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper this week published a profile on the chapel, which is the oldest church in the United States, and its curator, … Continue reading Curator of San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe wants it designated a World Heritage Site
Illinois State Museum seeking Route 66 items to bolster its collection
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield put out a call this week for historic items relating to Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln so it can be ready for the highway's centennial in 2026. It already has landed a bunch of memorabilia from late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. The museum launched the collecting … Continue reading Illinois State Museum seeking Route 66 items to bolster its collection
Artist shows how he brings dead neon signs to life with ‘augmented restoration’
A television station in Las Vegas shows how an artist with the Neon Museum has brought old neon signs seemingly to life, using what he calls "augmented restoration." The technology holds huge implications for the scores of inoperative neon signs along Route 66. Here's the report from KTNV: https://youtu.be/OX-9GL5y0qg The report explains how reviving old … Continue reading Artist shows how he brings dead neon signs to life with ‘augmented restoration’
Tulsa Route 66 group offering facade grants for businesses
The Tulsa Route 66 Main Street organization is offering grants of up to $1,000 for businesses for facade upgrades. According to KJRH-TV in Tulsa, just two of the grants are left, and the deadline to apply is Dec. 31. “It could be replacement of windows. It could be planter boxes," Christine Hamner, Route 66 Main … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 group offering facade grants for businesses
A closer look at the closed MacArthur Bridge in St. Louis
It's hard to believe, but the MacArthur Bridge that once connected Route 66 from East St. Louis to St. Louis has been closed to vehicular traffic for more than 40 years but still is standing. KHMO radio recently flagged this video by urban explorer Tattoo Tony Alton where he and a pal explored the bridge, … Continue reading A closer look at the closed MacArthur Bridge in St. Louis
Frank and Lynne Kocevar’s 2021 video Christmas card
In what has become a holiday tradition at Route 66 News, here is Frank and Lynne's video Christmas card for 2021. In addition to scenes from Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma, the Kocevars included vintage home movies and photographs from their childhood that are nearly 70 years old. This is their 12th video Christmas card. https://vimeo.com/655183731 … Continue reading Frank and Lynne Kocevar’s 2021 video Christmas card
Ground broken on Olive Oils 66 Service Station in Chelsea
A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future site of Olive Oils 66 Service Station, a 1930s-style auto repair shop in Chelsea, Oklahoma, one block off Route 66. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, attended the ceremony, where you can see a small-model mockup of the shop. Project Chelsea also posted … Continue reading Ground broken on Olive Oils 66 Service Station in Chelsea
A bit of holiday cheer from the Mother Road
It's Christmas Eve, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than to see a few examples of great holiday decor than from Route 66? First, the Devil's Elbow Bridge in Devil's Elbow, Missouri, which has been decorated each Christmas season for nearly a decade: View this post on Instagram A post shared … Continue reading A bit of holiday cheer from the Mother Road
Oklahoma Route 66 Association received nearly $15,000 in federal COVID-19 funds
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently received nearly $15,000 from the federal coronavirus relief funds from American Rescue Plan. The association's current newsletter, distributed this month, stated: In August, Oklahoma Humanities (OH) reported that almost $700,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funding would be distributed to over 50 cultural and educational organizations statewide. Grants … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association received nearly $15,000 in federal COVID-19 funds