Tulsa World newspaper columnist John Klein a few days ago wrote an essay with this provocative title: "Tulsa is already the heart of Route 66. Soon it will also be the capital of the Mother Road." Klein lays out his case with quotes from Route 66 Alliance officers Michael Wallis and Ken Busby, who hope … Continue reading What is the capital of Route 66?
Vintage photo of John’s Modern Cabins surfaces
Route 66 postcard collector and author Joe Sonderman recently helped unearth a long-forgotten photograph of John's Modern Cabins near Newburg, Missouri, taken in August 1966. Sonderman posted the image -- along with another rare photograph of nearby Vernelle's Motel during the same period -- on Saturday on Facebook. To date, the 1966 photo of John's … Continue reading Vintage photo of John’s Modern Cabins surfaces
Angels on the Route operators resurface in nearby Galena
The operators of the closed Angels on the Route restaurant on Route 66 in Baxter Springs, Kansas, have resurfaced at an upcoming restaurant in nearby Galena, Kansas -- also on Route 66. On Monday, Alan and Cheri McCarney will open Sugar Creek Diner & Bakery at 300 W. Seventh St. (aka Route 66) in Galena, … Continue reading Angels on the Route operators resurface in nearby Galena
University Lodge in Albuquerque plans big transformation
The historic University Lodge in Albuquerque eventually will be transformed into a boutique hotel, including retail spaces and a rooftop brewery and restaurant. According to a story in Albuquerque Business First, the University Lodge at 3711 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) will be rebranded as a "chic" and "retro" Avenue Motel, Sharamin Dharas told the newspaper. … Continue reading University Lodge in Albuquerque plans big transformation
Cucamonga Service Station added to National Register
The century-old Cucamonga Service Station along Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, California, recently was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. The listing to the National Register was effective July 23, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. The former gas station at 9670 Foothill Blvd. (aka Route 66) now serves … Continue reading Cucamonga Service Station added to National Register
Kum & Go won’t pave over all of original Route 66 after all
The Kum & Go convenience-store chain reversed course and said it won't pave over a small section of Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield News-Leader reported: After hearing from fans of the historic road, the company will keep an original section unpaved as it builds a new marketplace store at the intersection of Glenstone … Continue reading Kum & Go won’t pave over all of original Route 66 after all
Florist takes over Hi-Way Tavern building in Edwardsville
The historic Hi-Way Tavern and Cafe building along Route 66 in Edwardsville, Illinois, is being renovated into a Krupp Florist. The Edwardsville Intelligencer newspaper reports Walter Bergman has worked in the past few weeks to preserve the old mood of the building at 463 E. Vandalia St. (aka Route 66) but make it more welcoming … Continue reading Florist takes over Hi-Way Tavern building in Edwardsville
Gallup sees a big jump in tourism numbers
The Route 66 town of Gallup, New Mexico, has seen a 7 percent to 10 percent rise in tourist numbers -- the best in decades. According to an Associated Press report, city officials attribute the rise to more foreign travelers. Helping drive the interest in Native culture and grafts is a favorable exchange rate that … Continue reading Gallup sees a big jump in tourism numbers
Oak Ridge Boys named Route 66 Alliance musical ambassadors
The country and gospel-music act The Oak Ridge Boys recently was named the inaugural musical ambassadors of the Route 66 Alliance and the Will Rogers Highway before a show in Tulsa. The group was presented with a certificate signed by Alliance co-founder Michael Wallis and Alliance executive director Ken Busby before the Oaks' show at … Continue reading Oak Ridge Boys named Route 66 Alliance musical ambassadors
Book review: “Pop 66”
"Pop 66," a collection of Wes Pope's black-and-white pinhole-camera images taken over a 20-year period on Route 66, contains plenty of intrigue. But it's Pope's text that elevates the book (hardcover, 115 pages, Press Syndication Group) into part travelogue, part family history.and part biography. Subtitled "A Dreamy Pop Can Odyssey Along Route 66," part of the … Continue reading Book review: “Pop 66”