Ernest Lee "Butch" Breger, longtime caretaker of the historic Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, died Tuesday at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 74. Breger also was part of the original Over the Hill Gang that helped restore the dilapidated Round Barn during the 1980s and '90s. One local told me Breger was the … Continue reading Butch Breger, longtime caretaker of the Round Barn of Arcadia, dies
Group to begin fundraising to restore Gasconade River Bridge
An Iowa-based preservation group reached an agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation for the nonprofit to begin fundraising efforts to eventually restore the closed Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri. North Skunk River Greenbelt Association, aka Workin' Bridges, based in Grinnell, Iowa, hopes to raise $3.5 million for the cause by Dec. 31, 2018. … Continue reading Group to begin fundraising to restore Gasconade River Bridge
Miles of Possibility news conference to introduce Launching Pad Drive-In’s new owners
On Tuesday, Tully Garrett and Holly Barker officially bought the long-closed Launching Pad Drive-In in Wilmington, Illinois, and its iconic Gemini Giant fiberglass statue. On Friday, the couple will be introduced as the Route 66 restaurant's new owners during a news conference at 9:30 a.m. at the Route 66 Miles of Possibility event in Joliet, … Continue reading Miles of Possibility news conference to introduce Launching Pad Drive-In’s new owners
New Route 66 mural goes up in Lexington
With the help of a local teenager, the Route 66 town of Lexington, Illinois, boasts a new mural that pays tribute to the Mother Road. Karen Wingo, owner of the Thrift Avenue store at Main Street and Route 66 in Lexington, told the Galva News how the project landed area high-school student Ana Cappis as … Continue reading New Route 66 mural goes up in Lexington
Jubelt’s in Litchfield to mark 95 years this weekend
Jubelt's Bakery and Restaurant along old Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, will mark its 95th year with giveaways and specials this weekend. According to The Journal-News: Jubelt’s will be giving away 95 prizes over three days and offering $.95 price specials on certain bakery and restaurant items. The weekend festivities also include a free pumpkin … Continue reading Jubelt’s in Litchfield to mark 95 years this weekend
A closer look at Uranus, Missouri
Louie Keen, fresh off his successful bid to make the Guinness Book of World Records, recently was featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch because of the success and growth of his Uranus Fudge Factory complex off Route 66 near St. Robert, Missouri. The whole story is worth reading, but a few highlights stand out: --- … Continue reading A closer look at Uranus, Missouri
David Clark to lead Chicagoland tour after Miles of Possibility conference
David Clark, aka the Windy City Road Warrior, on Saturday will lead InSites to Go's Saturday Night Sunset tour on Route 66 between Joliet, Illinois, and Chicago after the Route 66 Miles of Possibility conference in Joliet concludes. According to a news release from InSites to Go, which is a Chicago-based tour agency: The tour features … Continue reading David Clark to lead Chicagoland tour after Miles of Possibility conference
Street repairs uncover Route 66 bricks in Oklahoma City
A history buff discovered a street-widening project along Kelley Avenue in Oklahoma City uncovered long-forgotten bricks used along that alignment of Route 66. Area resident Tony Emig stumbled onto the bricks while in traffic, reported KWTV: “I was looking at the area where they were doing the construction and eating up the old road and … Continue reading Street repairs uncover Route 66 bricks in Oklahoma City
City of Pacific closes deal to buy Red Cedar Inn
The city of Pacific, Missouri, recently completed its purchase of the closed Red Cedar Inn restaurant and will reopen it as visitors center, history museum and genealogy center sometime next year. The Washington Missourian reported the city paid $290,000 for the Route 66 landmark, which closed in 2007. The city had its eye on the … Continue reading City of Pacific closes deal to buy Red Cedar Inn
Book review: “Secret Route 66”
Here's where you know Jim Ross and Shellee Graham's new book, "Secret Route 66," is a success: Not only did they uncover more than a dozen obscure tidbits from the Mother Road that escaped my notice, I jumped into my car to search for one that was nearby. Subtitled "A Guide to the Weird,Wonderful and … Continue reading Book review: “Secret Route 66”