The man behind Route 9 Signs in California recently finished a detailed miniature of the Skyliner Motel sign along Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma. Martin Treu recently commissioned the work from Chris Raley, who lives in Fresno. Railey wrote on his Route 9 Signs account on Instagram that the miniature was made with laser-cut baltic … Continue reading Route 9 Signs makes a detailed miniature of Skyliner Motel sign in Stroud
New owner of Carl’s Drive-In says he’s sticking with its old-school methods
The new owner of the historic Carl's Drive-In in Brentwood, Missouri, said in an interview he's staying old-fashioned in the restaurant's style, including reviving old recipes. David Kraemer, who purchased the Route 66 diner a few weeks ago from Mike Franklin, told the Riverfront Times of St. Louis about how he's reviving a method from … Continue reading New owner of Carl’s Drive-In says he’s sticking with its old-school methods
New U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge that pays tribute to Route 66 opens in El Reno
State and local officials on Friday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of a new U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge in El Reno, Oklahoma, that pays tribute to the original span's Route 66 history. According to the El Reno Tribune, the ceremony for the new $10 million bridge included a performance by the … Continue reading New U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge that pays tribute to Route 66 opens in El Reno
Edward Keating, Pulitzer-winning and photographer of Route 66, dies
Edward Keating, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize in photography who spent years documenting Route 66, died Sunday. He was 65. His wife, Carrie, broke the news about Keating's passing Monday on Facebook. She did not disclose his cause of death. His brother-in-law said Keating's wife and two daughters were by his side when he … Continue reading Edward Keating, Pulitzer-winning and photographer of Route 66, dies
Blue Whale of Catoosa is undergoing a weeklong effort of repairs and cleaning
The landmark Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, today is beginning a one-week effort by the city to clean, repaint and make repairs to the whale itself. The city's project begins today and will last through Friday, Oct. 1, according to a news release from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. During that time period, the Blue … Continue reading Blue Whale of Catoosa is undergoing a weeklong effort of repairs and cleaning
Susan Croce Kelly to be inducted into Missouri Writers Hall of Fame
Susan Croce Kelly, an author of two notable books about Route 66, will be inducted Sept. 30 into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame during a special online edition of the organization’s annual Quill Gala. The award will be presented during a virtual ceremony that will feature a live roundtable discussion with Kelly. Kelly is … Continue reading Susan Croce Kelly to be inducted into Missouri Writers Hall of Fame
Uranus Missouri lights up its new, Route 66-themed neon wall
The principals of Uranus Missouri near St. Robert, Missouri, presided over a lighting ceremony Saturday night at the complex's new, Route 66-themed neon wall. Here's a photo of the animated neon on a 20-by-55-foot wall that features a rocket ship, Cadillac Ranch, Blue Swallow Motel, Wigwam Motel, Roy's of Amboy, Blue Whale of Catoosa, Ted … Continue reading Uranus Missouri lights up its new, Route 66-themed neon wall
Volunteers complete final stage of work on Painted Desert Trading Post building
Volunteers, including members of the Route 66 Co-op, this week finished the final stage of preserving the long-closed Painted Desert Trading Post in eastern Arizona. This week primarily concentrated on small repairs, installing interpretative panels inside the trading post that explains its history, and re-creating the lettering on the outside to resemble what it looked … Continue reading Volunteers complete final stage of work on Painted Desert Trading Post building
Route 66 Road Fest releases slick new video
The organizers of next year's Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and Oklahoma City last week released this well-produced video that probably will prove enticing even if you're not planning to go to those Oklahoma events. The video not only touts the forthcoming features of the festivals but also the numerous landmarks along Route 66 … Continue reading Route 66 Road Fest releases slick new video
Century-old passenger rail car will be converted into a diner on Route 66
A 110-year-old passenger rail car is being moved to Bloomington, Illinois, so it can be converted into a diner on Route 66. The decaying Illinois Terminal rail car once sat for more than 30 years at a former depot in Harristown, Illinois, west of Decatur. David Parker of Bloomington was forced to cut the rail … Continue reading Century-old passenger rail car will be converted into a diner on Route 66