Route 66 is among the design options that Illinois residents can choose when voting for the official design of the Illinois Bicentennial coin. All of the designs were created by Illinois artists. Coins can be pre-ordered for $45 each here. The artist's description of the coin design that includes Route 66: “The coin depicts Illinois’ strong; … Continue reading Route 66 included in possible Illinois Bicentennial coin
Painted Desert Trading Post, John’s Modern Cabins get some TLC
The ruins of two Route 66 landmarks -- the Painted Desert Trading Post in Arizona and John's Modern Cabins in Missouri -- received a bit of a new lease on life when volunteers helped stabilize the long-abandoned structures. Several members of the Route 66 Co-op, which purchased the Painted Desert Trading Post a few weeks … Continue reading Painted Desert Trading Post, John’s Modern Cabins get some TLC
Dead man found near Amboy Crater
A man in his 60s was found dead Wednesday morning near Amboy Crater in Amboy, California, the third such fatality near the extinct volcano in less than a year. According to The Desert Trail: County Battalion Chief Scott Tuttle said firefighters were called out to the area about 11:10 after a hiker came across a … Continue reading Dead man found near Amboy Crater
Book review: “Route 66: Then and Now”
Call it a cousin to the "Route 66 Lost and Found." Author Joe Sonderman in a Facebook post in January acknowledged that influence from Russell Olsen's books. Those "Lost and Found" books (now compiled into one volume) showed decades-old images of Route 66 landmarks and newer photos -- both often taken from the same angle … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66: Then and Now”
Proposed names for Amarillo baseball team scored an error
One of the proposed names for an upcoming major-league baseball team in Amarillo contains a Route 66 reference, but if residents have their way, they want the organization to create a new list from scratch. The San Antonio Missions, a San Diego Padres affiliate, are moving its Class AA team to a new downtown stadium … Continue reading Proposed names for Amarillo baseball team scored an error
Grand Canyon Caverns transformed into multitiered business
Grand Canyon Caverns has become an example of a classic Route 66 business that not only has survived, but thrived amid an expansion of its offerings in the last 15-plus years. Over the Memorial Day weekend, the complex west of Seligman, Arizona, introduced scenic helicopter flights, now offers river-rafting tours and finished a modernization of bathrooms … Continue reading Grand Canyon Caverns transformed into multitiered business
Circle Cinema in Tulsa to mark 90th year with July festival
The Circle Cinema in Tulsa will mark the 90th anniversary of its opening with a film festival that includes appearances by longtime film stars Mary Kay Place and Jeanne Tripplehorn, both who are Tulsa natives. The Tulsa World reported the July 8-15 event also will include an appearance by Tulsa resident Peggy Helmerich, known as … Continue reading Circle Cinema in Tulsa to mark 90th year with July festival
Family of dead German cyclist visits Galena
The family of a German cyclist who died in a traffic accident on Route 66 near Galena, Kansas, on Friday visited the crash site and where a "ghost bike" was erected in his honor and a colleague's. Harry Jung, 74, and Heinz-Gerd Buchel, 71, both of Germany, were cycling May 8 along Route 66 when … Continue reading Family of dead German cyclist visits Galena
Brookshire Motel in Tulsa faces possible demolition
The historic but long-closed Brookshire Motel in Tulsa faces a possible wrecking ball amid the city's continuing efforts to revitalize Route 66 in the region. The Tulsa World reported: With a bright neon sign and charming, cottage-style office, the Brookshire epitomizes the affordable, roadside motels that catered to Route 66 traffic during the Mother Road’s … Continue reading Brookshire Motel in Tulsa faces possible demolition
Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande
An early morning fire Friday gutted the kitchen of the Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon, a favorite watering hole for motorcyclists and Route 66 travelers going through Oro Grande, California. According to the Victorville Daily Press: The blaze erupted at the shuttered saloon, located at 20848 National Trails Highway, at 5:39 a.m. Friday. It spread … Continue reading Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande