The century-old Hotel Beale and its rooftop sign in downtown Kingman, Arizona, are one of the most-photographed landmarks in the city, but it has been closed for nearly 20 years and deteriorating because of it apparently neglectful and intractable owner. Kingman Daily Miner columnist Hubble Ray Smith lays out the problems with Hotel Beale, citing … Continue reading What to do about the deteriorating Hotel Beale in Kingman?
Illinois governor to lead motorcycle ride on Route 66 from Chicago area to Springfield
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner will lead his annual Governor's Ride to Springfield of motorcycles on Sept. 23, this time on Route 66 from Chicagoland, The DuKane and Lincoln Land A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois chapters are the official escorts for the ride, according to news release from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. The ride's finish Sept. … Continue reading Illinois governor to lead motorcycle ride on Route 66 from Chicago area to Springfield
Two big bicycle events to roll across Route 66 in Missouri, Oklahoma
Two large bicycle events are set for hundreds of miles of Route 66 in Missouri and Oklahoma in 2018, and Joplin, Missouri, plays a vital role in both. The annual Oklahoma Freewheel, after beginning in June 10 in the eastern Texas Panhandle, will end its tour June 16 in Joplin. The annual Big BAM, or … Continue reading Two big bicycle events to roll across Route 66 in Missouri, Oklahoma
U.S. senator who shepherded Route 66 legislation dies
Former longtime U.S. senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico, who introduced and shepherded several key pieces of Route 66 legislation, died Wednesday in Albuquerque after setbacks from abdominal surgery. He was 85. Several obituaries about the six-term Republican lauded him for his bipartisanship and his mastery of budget, tax and energy issues until he retired … Continue reading U.S. senator who shepherded Route 66 legislation dies
Tulsa soon will see a distillery open on Route 66
Red Fork Distillery in southwest Tulsa hopes to have its products of the shelves of liquor stores by the end of the year. The distillery at 3310 Southwest Blvd. (aka Route 66) plans to produce vodka, whiskey, gin and even moonshine, according to the What the Ale blog published by the Tulsa World newspaper. Red … Continue reading Tulsa soon will see a distillery open on Route 66
Two “Women on the Mother Road” sessions slated for this month in Oklahoma
Two Route 66 towns in Oklahoma are hosting lectures and screenings from Katrina Parks' "The Women of the Mother Road" website and film documentary project this month. This first will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Carriage House in the Overholser Mansion at 405 NW 15th St. in Oklahoma City (map here). The … Continue reading Two “Women on the Mother Road” sessions slated for this month in Oklahoma
Long-closed Mitchell Caverns slated to reopen in November
Mitchell Caverns, a Mojave Desert site off Route 66 that has been closed since 2011 because of varying infrastructure problems, will reopen Nov. 3 on a limited schedule. An official with California State Parks announced the reopening Friday, reported the Press-Enterprise. It will open at 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday and on holidays until the … Continue reading Long-closed Mitchell Caverns slated to reopen in November
Charley Pride returns to Route 66 with new song
Country-music legend Charley Pride recently released a well-received album titled "Music in My Heart." Not only does the 83-year-old Pride sound good, but he musically returns to Route 66 with a cover of a semi-obscure Merle Haggard tune, "The Way It Was in '51." The first line of the song is: "Sixty-Six was still a … Continue reading Charley Pride returns to Route 66 with new song
Don Williams, R.I.P.
Don Williams, a member of Country Music Hall of Fame who became a superstar during the late 1970s and early 1980s, died Friday. He was 78. His publicist told the New York Times that Williams died of emphysema. Williams was known for his smooth baritone voice, plain-spoken lyrics and understated arrangements on many of his … Continue reading Don Williams, R.I.P.
Round Barn Rendezvous set for Sunday in Arcadia
Those who travel to the Round Barn of Arcadia, Oklahoma, on Sunday afternoon are in for a treat -- the historic Route 66 site is hosting a Round Barn Rendezvous music event. All acoustic musicians are invited from noon to 4 p.m. One flyer states: "All banjo players are welcome." A display of antique tractors and … Continue reading Round Barn Rendezvous set for Sunday in Arcadia