One of the most popular comment threads in the nearly 12-year history of Route 66 News is the one about Oklahoma Joe's, a restaurant along Route 66 that also became a tavern popular with University of New Mexico students. It also was known as Okie's or Okie Joe's. At last count, more than 220 comments … Continue reading The enduring fascination with Oklahoma Joe’s in Albuquerque
Round Barn to celebrate 25th anniversary of its reopening
The Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, on Sunday, June 11, will mark the 25th anniversary of the rehabilitation and reopening of the historic structure along Route 66. The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. that day with live music, a car cruise-in, special guest speakers and the POPS food truck on the premises serving … Continue reading Round Barn to celebrate 25th anniversary of its reopening
Grocery at Wolfe’s Market in Claremont closes after 100 years
The grocery part of Wolfe's Market along Route 66 in Claremont, California, recently closed after 100 years because of declining business due to competition from bigger chains. The Wolfe's Market deli, kitchen and bakery will continue to run, but the grocery will be leased by a restaurant called the Meat Cellar later this year. John … Continue reading Grocery at Wolfe’s Market in Claremont closes after 100 years
Fire destroys a building inside Joliet Correctional Center
An industrial building inside the historic Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, burned to the ground earlier this week, and a juvenile was charged with starting the blaze. The Daily Southtown reported: Joliet police received numerous Crime Stoppers tips from a social media post Tuesday morning seeking to identify two males who were seen inside … Continue reading Fire destroys a building inside Joliet Correctional Center
Dutch Route 66 guidebook published
Longtime Route 66 enthusiast Dries Bessels recently published a Dutch Route 66 guidebook as a fundraiser for the Dutch Route 66 Association. The book, which is in the Dutch language, contains more than 700 photographs and is 220 pages. Bessels wrote in an email: The book is a perfect complement for Jerry McClanahan's EZ Guide … Continue reading Dutch Route 66 guidebook published
More 1990s video from Route 66 in a 1959 Cadillac
Anthony Reichardt recently uploaded more videos to YouTube from his travels on Route 66 during the early to mid-1990s in a 1959 Cadillac. At the least, the videos are valuable for historic reasons. Some of the places Reichardt visited have disappeared or changed radically. The first video is a chat with Glaida Funk of Funks … Continue reading More 1990s video from Route 66 in a 1959 Cadillac
Tulsa will add markers to historic Route 66 sites
The city of Tulsa recently issued a request for a proposal from prospective contractors to place historical markers or plaques near Route 66 sites. The request by the city is here; the proposal must be submitted by June 14. In summary, the RFP says: The City of Tulsa seeking professionally qualified individuals and firms to … Continue reading Tulsa will add markers to historic Route 66 sites
Boots Court, 66 Drive-In suffer hail damage
At least two Route 66 landmarks -- the Boots Court motel and the 66 Drive-In theater -- suffered extensive damage from a severe hailstorm early Sunday, mostly to their neon lighting. KTTS radio showed a photo of hailstones at least 2 inches in diameter that fell in the Carthage area. The storm injured at least … Continue reading Boots Court, 66 Drive-In suffer hail damage
Staffers’ favorite parts of the Route 66 exhibit at the Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis recently launched a video series about the current "Route 66: Main Street Through St. Louis" exhibit. Staffers with the museum are asked about their favorite parts of the show. Here are their answers: https://youtu.be/luXK_W5gIOo https://youtu.be/ZvTMTKVPOi8 https://youtu.be/PYNuRNa1za8 And here is a 30-second trailer about the exhibit itself. https://youtu.be/CgY0tM7gxBo The Route … Continue reading Staffers’ favorite parts of the Route 66 exhibit at the Missouri History Museum
Tourists affix dozens of stickers on Gemini Giant of Wilmington
While tourists continue to visit the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois, despite the closing of the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in 2013, one new twist recently emerged -- visitors slapping stickers on the iconic fiberglass figure. According to the Daily Journal, Wilmington Mayor Roy Strong and some residents don't have a problem with tourists affixing … Continue reading Tourists affix dozens of stickers on Gemini Giant of Wilmington