The National Trust for Historic Preservation in July will launch a major cross-country campaign to promote and preserve Route 66, and it wants enthusiasts of the Mother Road to help. In essence, it's a way for Route 66 fans to travel the road for free. The organization said in its announcement: We’re looking for a … Continue reading National Trust seeking roadies for Route 66 trip in July
Oklahoma marks 90th anniversary of Bunion Derby
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association last weekend marked the 90th anniversary of the transcontinental Bunion Derby footrace, with several descendants of winner Andy Payne at the commemoration. The association marked the 1928 footrace that traversed Los Angeles to New York City, including a fledgling U.S. 66, by carrying a commemorative plaque during a motorized relay … Continue reading Oklahoma marks 90th anniversary of Bunion Derby
Anniversary celebration of The Mill’s reopening set for April 29
The first anniversary of the reopening of The Mill in Lincoln, Illinois, into a local museum will be celebrated Sunday, April 29, with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. that day. The weekend also will feature the fifth annual Bike Blessing at 1 p.m. April 28 at the VFW/Foxhole Pub & Grub at … Continue reading Anniversary celebration of The Mill’s reopening set for April 29
Olde Keg building in Joliet to become Mexican restaurant
The long-closed and historic Olde Keg building in downtown Joliet, Illinois, will reopen as a Mexican restaurant in a few weeks. The Herald-News reports Amy Montiel of nearby Lockport, Illinois, plans to rechristen the building at 20 W. Jackson St. as Catrina’s Mex in May. Montiel told the newspaper she wanted to open a restaurant that … Continue reading Olde Keg building in Joliet to become Mexican restaurant
Water project may endanger Bonanza Springs in Mojave Desert
For years, Cadiz Inc. has sought to pump tens of billions of gallons of underground water from the Mojave Desert and pipe it to thirsty Southern Californians. Given the desert's arid landscape, people may shrug and say "So what?" to that piece of news. But experts now have told The Desert Sun in Palm Springs … Continue reading Water project may endanger Bonanza Springs in Mojave Desert
Wilder’s rooftop neon sign glows again
The rooftop neon sign for Wilder's Steakhouse in Joplin, Missouri, glowed again for the first time in at least 25 years during a relighting ceremony Saturday night. Brad Nickson, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, posted this short video of the relighting of the animated neon sign on Instagram: A post shared by Brad … Continue reading Wilder’s rooftop neon sign glows again
Many changes come to El Rey in Santa Fe
When we last heard about El Rey Inn in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a Texas company in summer 2016 had bought the historic Route 66 property from longtime owner Terrell White. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Jay and Alison Carroll of Joshua Tree, California, were hired as design consultants to oversee renovations and other changes. … Continue reading Many changes come to El Rey in Santa Fe
Wildfire jumps I-40 near Shamrock, closes road for hours
A fast-moving wildfire raced across Interstate 40 near Shamrock, Texas, on Friday, forcing the closing of that highway and Route 66 for hours. According to tweets from the Texas Department of Transportation, state officials closed I-40 at the Oklahoma state line to Shamrock because of the grass fires. They eventually detoured motorists to state highways … Continue reading Wildfire jumps I-40 near Shamrock, closes road for hours
Route 66 Chamber seeks to move into historic barber shop
The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce recently announced it seeks to move into the historic Dale's Ole 66 Barbershop in Joplin, Missouri. The main building also will host an art gallery. The chamber stated on its GoFundMe campaign and on a separate website that Dale's would would be restored so the chamber could use it … Continue reading Route 66 Chamber seeks to move into historic barber shop
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces 2018 grant season
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced this week it is taking applications for its 2018 cost-share grants -- possibly for the last time before the program sunsets next year. Applications for the cost-share grants will be taken through May 10. More details may be found here. The federal program, under the auspices of the … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces 2018 grant season