The Route 66 Co-op is selling a new batch of limited-edition T-shirts to help pay for costs related to Phase III of the Painted Desert Trading Post stabilization project. The front of the T-shirt features a design by a longtime roadie and graphic artist, Shellee Graham. The back contains the "Cold Drinks" lettering that still … Continue reading Painted Desert Trading Post group selling T-shirts to help pay for Phase III work
Al Capone presentation on tap for The Mill’s 90th anniversary Saturday
David "Windy City Road Warrior" Clark will give a presentation about infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone and his links to Route 66 as part of The Mill Museum's 90th-anniversary celebration Saturday. David Clark in his Al Capone persona. Clark will give his "Al Capone and the Route 66 Connection" presentation from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. … Continue reading Al Capone presentation on tap for The Mill’s 90th anniversary Saturday
New Muffler Man named Frecs erected on old Route 66 in Galena
A new Muffler Man -- a 19-foot-tall miner named Frecs -- recently was erected on old Route 66 in Galena, Kansas. The Muffler Man isn't 100 percent done. He still needs touch-ups after a weld broke on his supporting frame, and his boots needed to be finished. Regardless, it stands just west of the historic … Continue reading New Muffler Man named Frecs erected on old Route 66 in Galena
Luther man wants to turn labyrinth of Route 66 bricks into tourist attraction
A man from Luther, Oklahoma, who built a labyrinth made of thousands of abandoned bricks from old Route 66 wants to eventually turn the site into a tourist attraction, including as a wedding venue. Brent Byrd, who owns a barber shop in nearby Arcadia, Oklahoma, learned about a year ago about the orphaned bricks from … Continue reading Luther man wants to turn labyrinth of Route 66 bricks into tourist attraction
Making a miniature version of Sun ‘n Sand Motel sign in Santa Rosa
Chris Raley of Fresno, California, is an apparent aficionado of old-time neon signs, so he makes miniature versions of them. Here's a speeded-up time-lapse video that shows how he built a second larger (but still miniature) version of the Sun 'n Sand Motel sign that still stands along Route 66 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, … Continue reading Making a miniature version of Sun ‘n Sand Motel sign in Santa Rosa
St. Clair native writes book about experiences at Route 66 gas station
DeWayne Landwehr, 74, a native of St. Clair, Missouri, recently published a book about his experiences as a teen employee at a 1950s service station along Route 66. Landwehr, who now lives in Indiana, wrote: “Will That Be Regular or Ethyl?” According to a story in the Washington Missourian, he said his father owned St. … Continue reading St. Clair native writes book about experiences at Route 66 gas station
Santa Monica History Museum hosting Route 66 exhibit through mid-October
The Santa Monica History Museum in Santa Monica, California, is hosting a new exhibit, "California's Route 66: Hiding in Plain Sight," through Oct. 19. The museum explains what's in store with the exhibit on its website: To illustrate the Route’s history, the exhibition will feature artifacts such as early driving guides, iconic signage and ephemera, … Continue reading Santa Monica History Museum hosting Route 66 exhibit through mid-October
Elmer Long, creator of Bottle Tree Ranch, dies
Elmer Long, the eccentric creator of the beloved Bottle Tree Ranch on Route 66 near Oro Grande, California, died June 22 after a bout with lung cancer. He was 72. Kelly Donovan, an administrator of Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch page on Facebook, announced Long's death during a post on the page Friday afternoon. No obituary … Continue reading Elmer Long, creator of Bottle Tree Ranch, dies
J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum marks 50th year
The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, marked its 50th year of operation last weekend. During the ceremony Saturday, a time capsule was sealed so it can be opened during the museum's 100th anniversary. Among these things it contains are 16 essays from Claremore Public School fourth-graders offering ideas of what Claremore … Continue reading J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum marks 50th year
Shutdown of Meltdown Diner in Tulsa proves short-lived
Less than a month after the Meltdown Diner in southwest Tulsa closed, it reopened again with a slightly modified name. Owner Jim Hardcastle, citing his desire to spend more time with his father and grandsons, announced he would close Meltdown Diner on May 25. The restaurant, which specialized mainly in grilled-cheese sandwiches, had been operating … Continue reading Shutdown of Meltdown Diner in Tulsa proves short-lived