Oklahoma state government's dire financial situation apparently forced it to halt funding for Fort Reno near El Reno, Oklahoma, just off old Route 66. According to a report by KOCO in Oklahoma City, the historic fort -- which dates to the 1870s -- that once was open daily but Christmas and Thanksgiving now is greeting tourists only three … Continue reading Fort Reno loses state funding, cuts hours deeply
Revamped finale at Meramec Caverns
A few days ago, a friend of mine commented on Facebook she and her children took a tour of Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri, including the big light-show-and-music finale in the caverns' Theatre Room. She mentioned Celine Dion sang "God Bless America" during the finale. Not Kate Smith's version? It had been a mainstay of … Continue reading Revamped finale at Meramec Caverns
Fundraiser for Route 66 license-plate wall exceeds goal
An online fundraiser to build a huge Route 66 map made of New Mexico license plates near Edgewood, New Mexico, recently exceeded its goal by more than $1,000. According to the FundRazr campaign launched by Roger Holden of RETRO — Relive the Route, it had generated $5,500 in pledges -- well above the goal of … Continue reading Fundraiser for Route 66 license-plate wall exceeds goal
Route 66: The Road Ahead issues first-quarter report
The Route 66: The Road Ahead Partnership recently issued a first-quarter report on its activities. I found it informative, and you probably will as well. The full text of the report is after the jump, lightly edited: The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership has released the 2017 1st Quarter Update Report. 2016 was a busy … Continue reading Route 66: The Road Ahead issues first-quarter report
Some stunt drone-flying at Two Guns
A drone pilot with enviable skills takes his aircraft up, over and even through parts of the ruins of the Route 66 ghost town of Two Guns, Arizona. https://youtu.be/LKzLxNEX21A According to the YouTube account, called RoadTripFPV, he is an aerospace engineer. A little less than a year ago, he posted this drone video of Amboy … Continue reading Some stunt drone-flying at Two Guns
Birthplace of Route 66 Festival announces additions
Organizers for rapidly growing Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, announced several new features, including the giveaway of a 1932 Ford Roadster custom-built during the event. The car will be called the Mother Roadster. The project will bring together the high-profile automotive community to custom build a '32 Ford Roadster. One person will win … Continue reading Birthplace of Route 66 Festival announces additions
Filling Station in Lexington to reopen as Kelly’s on 66
The long-closed Filling Station restaurant along Route 66 in Lexington, Illinois, is being renovated and soon will reopen as Kelly's on 66. According to a Facebook post on Bloomington Normal Restaurant Scene, area restaurateur Kelly Tobin planned to begin renovations on the restaurant at 905 1/2 W. Main St. in Lexington and reopen it in … Continue reading Filling Station in Lexington to reopen as Kelly’s on 66
Route 66 listed among Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois
Landmarks Illinois on Thursday listed Route 66 as one of the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois in the group's annual list and advocated a National Historic Trail designation for the highway. The group stated: The purpose of the list is to focus attention on sites threatened by deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, or … Continue reading Route 66 listed among Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois
El Reno’s fried onion burgers exported to Fort Worth
If you're in north Texas and you have a hankering for fried onion burgers served in no fewer than three restaurants in El Reno, Oklahoma, you're in luck. Hookers Grill in the popular Stockyards area of Fort Worth, Texas, recently opened. It features a significant El Reno connection, reported the Fort Worth Star-Telegram With or … Continue reading El Reno’s fried onion burgers exported to Fort Worth
Masonic Lodge in Bristow added to National Historic Register
The nearly century-old Creek Masonic Lodge No. 226 building along Route 66 in Bristow, Oklahoma, was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation became effective March 20, and was revealed a weekly email Friday from the National Park Service. The Creek Masonic Lodge No. 226 sits at 417 N. Main St. (aka … Continue reading Masonic Lodge in Bristow added to National Historic Register