The city council of Joliet, Illinois, this week entered into a five-year lease to take some responsibility for the historic but long-closed and deteriorating Joliet Correctional Center. The Herald News reported about the deal for the prison, which has been closed by the state of Illinois since 2002: The state retains ownership, while city officials … Continue reading City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center
Williams city council opposes Route 66 Trail proposal; trail advocate responds
The city council of Williams, Arizona, recently passed a resolution that opposed congressional legislation that would designate Route 66 as a national historic trail. It's not surprising a municipality eventually would oppose House Bill 801 months after it was introduced -- almost no congressional measure will earn unanimous support. But it's a bit surprising the … Continue reading Williams city council opposes Route 66 Trail proposal; trail advocate responds
Cynthia Troup’s role in “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”
The story behind the now-iconic song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" is Bobby Troup and his wife, Cynthia Troup, were traveling west on that highway to California in 1946 when she came up with the line "Get your kicks on Route 66." Bobby Troup finished the rest of the song, pitched it to Nat … Continue reading Cynthia Troup’s role in “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”
Route 66 art contest for children announced
Revive 66, an offshoot of the Iowa-based Workin’ Bridges that is trying to save the historic Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, has organized an art contest for children up to age 17, with the winner getting a new Slammer BMX bike. Workin' Bridges has launched in a nationwide campaign to save endangered historic bridges … Continue reading Route 66 art contest for children announced
California Route 66 Museum enters into partnership with local Cracker Barrel
The California Route 66 Museum in Victorville has entered into a partnership with a Cracker Barrel store that will open in early February in that city. The store has set a Jan. 9 "Building Our House" Heritage event in which invited guests will be able to enter the store along Amargosa Road in Victorville, speak with … Continue reading California Route 66 Museum enters into partnership with local Cracker Barrel
The Museum Club of Flagstaff to reopen Dec. 29
The Museum Club in Flagstaff, Arizona, officially will reopen at 5 p.m. Dec. 29 for the New Year's weekend after the Route 66 landmark acquired new owners. The Facebook page for the historic nightclub made the announcement with a series of posts Monday, including this Facebook Live video on a local radio station. Ty Mount … Continue reading The Museum Club of Flagstaff to reopen Dec. 29
Co-founder of Oklahoma Route 66 Association dies
Ron Burden, one of the founders of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and a former president of the group for four years, died Dec. 14. He was 72. Burden, who grew up in Tulsa, spent much of his adult years in the Route 66 town of Davenport, Oklahoma, and co-founded the Central Oklahoma Federal Credit Union … Continue reading Co-founder of Oklahoma Route 66 Association dies
Roger Miller Museum soon will close its doors for good
The Roger Miller Museum, dedicated to the country-music star of the 1960s and '70s who hailed from Erick, Oklahoma, will close its doors for good later this week because of financial difficulties. The Beckham County Record, citing museum trustee Retta Snowden, reported the imminent closing last week. The museum sits on the corner of Sheb Wooley … Continue reading Roger Miller Museum soon will close its doors for good
Albuquerque still waiting for ART grant from feds
New Albuquerque mayor Tim Keller can't be too happy with his predecessor now. Not only is his city facing a budget deficit of about $10 million, but the city still hasn't received $75 million in federal money to help pay for the now-completed Albuquerque Rapid Transit project more than a year after it began construction. … Continue reading Albuquerque still waiting for ART grant from feds
Midpoint Cafe’s likely future owner is revealed
Midpoint Cafe co-owner Dennis Purschwitz said he wouldn't reveal its new owner or owners until spring, but the restaurant's previous owner -- and other folks -- apparently are letting the cat out of the bag. Fran Houser, who owned the Route 66 restaurant and gift shop in Adrian, Texas, for about 20 years when it … Continue reading Midpoint Cafe’s likely future owner is revealed