A magnitude-5.6 earthquake Saturday morning that at least tied a state record shook Oklahoma and several neighboring states. The U.S. Geological Service reported the quake at 7:02 a.m. was centered about 10 miles northwest of Pawnee, Oklahoma, about 50 miles west-northwest of Tulsa and the Route 66 corridor. The earthquake would at least tie the state record … Continue reading Record quake rattles Oklahoma
Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
The oft-photographed Paul Bunyon fiberglass statue in downtown Atlanta, Illinois, received a touch-up last Saturday from the Illinois Route 66 Association’s Preservation Committee. According to The New Herald News, about 10 volunteers repainted the 19-foot-tall statue, also called Tall Paul. By 10:30 a.m. the scaffolding was in place and the preservation was underway. Everyone had a … Continue reading Paul Bunyon statue in Atlanta gets a new coat of paint
Carthage bridge unexpectedly closes to traffic
A 1934 railroad overpass that brought Route 66 into Carthage, Missouri, unexpectedly closed Thursday after an inspection showed serious deterioration. Ron Hart at the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce reported the bridge already was scheduled to be demolished in April and will not reopen until late 2017. Hart also made a new map that aims … Continue reading Carthage bridge unexpectedly closes to traffic
Route 66 Commission wants more tourists in Tulsa
The newly formed Route 66 Commission in Tulsa met for the first time Tuesday and vowed first to beef up tourism numbers. According to a report about the meeting from Tulsa Public Radio, less than 2 percent of Route 66 brochures handed out by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism went to international travelers. Considering most … Continue reading Route 66 Commission wants more tourists in Tulsa
Summit Inn owners plan to rebuild in 8-12 months
The owners of the Summit Inn restaurant plan to rebuild the Route 66 landmark eight to 12 months after a wildfire destroyed it earlier this month. The Victorville Daily Press reported co-owner Otto Recinos began this week salvaging what was left of the burned-out property near Oak Hills, California, at the top of Southern California's legendary Cajon … Continue reading Summit Inn owners plan to rebuild in 8-12 months
Supertam on 66 proves popular with Chinese tourists
The Supertam on 66 ice-cream shop and Superman memorabilia museum in Carterville, Missouri, has developed a following from tourists who hail more than 7,000 miles away. Owner Larry Tamminen told the Joplin Globe newspaper his store is prominently listed in a Chinese-language Route 66 guide. That would explain why Tamminen suddenly has greeted more than 600 Chinese … Continue reading Supertam on 66 proves popular with Chinese tourists
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces grants for 2016
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, under the auspices of the National Park Service, announced its cost-share grants for 2016. This year, the program awarded eight cost-share grants totaling more than $103,000 -- mostly for renovations or preservation of historic Route 66 properties. Since 2001, the program has awarded 122 projects $1.9 million with $3.1 … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announces grants for 2016
Antique military vehicle convoy planned on Route 66 in fall 2017
The Military Vehicle Preservation Association plans an elaborate Route 66 convoy in September and October 2017 that will feature about 80 vintage military vehicles. According to an MVPA newsletter, the convoy will begin in Chicago on Sept. 16, 2017, and end in Santa Monica, California, on Oct. 14, 2017. The convoy's maximum speed will be 35 … Continue reading Antique military vehicle convoy planned on Route 66 in fall 2017
La Posada acquires vintage domed rail car
La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, recently acquired a historic Santa Fe Pleasure Dome rail car that will be refurbished to house history exhibits and a guest room. The rail car will be a part of the next phase of La Posada complex's Route 66 Art Museum project that begins next month. La Posada co-owner Allan Affeldt said in … Continue reading La Posada acquires vintage domed rail car
County’s puts nonbinding vote about ART on November ballot
Bernalillo County narrowly agreed to place a nonbinding vote on the November ballot, asking voters whether the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project should be placed on another future ballot. The Albuquerque Journal reported county commissioners voted 3-2 along party lines -- with Democrats in the majority -- on the resolution Tuesday. Regardless of the Election Day outcome, the … Continue reading County’s puts nonbinding vote about ART on November ballot