Third fire strikes closed Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque

A third fire since May broke out Saturday night at the now-closed Desert Sands Motel along Route 66 Albuquerque. According KQRE-TV, firefighters said homeless people started the blaze on a ground floor at the motel. They extinguished the blaze quickly, with no injuries. The first fire in May destroyed two-thirds of the structure, which was being … Continue reading Third fire strikes closed Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque

Co-creator of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner dies

Roy Dunton, a longtime Route 66 resident who with his son built Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner and a slew of automotive businesses in Kingman, Arizona, died last week at age 95. According to an obituary in the Kingman Daily Miner, Roy and Scott Dunton built and leased out Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, a … Continue reading Co-creator of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner dies

The Mill likely will reopen as a museum by April

The Mill restaurant in Lincoln, Illinois, likely will reopen as an area history museum in April after almost 10 years of restoration work on the Route 66 landmark. The Springfield State Journal-Register published a detailed story about The Mill and the plans for it. A $10,720 cost-share grant recently awarded by the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program … Continue reading The Mill likely will reopen as a museum by April

Book review: “John T. Woodruff”

Cyrus Avery of Tulsa is known worldwide as the "Father of Route 66." Springfield, Missouri, is known as the "Birthplace of Route 66." John Woodruff never earned a tagline with his name. But a new book leaves little doubt he played a crucial role in developing Route 66 and Springfield. Thomas A. Peters' book is titled "John T. Woodruff" … Continue reading Book review: “John T. Woodruff”

Day of remembrance held for Summit Inn

The current owners of the Summit Inn held a memorial service Saturday at the charred site of the Route 66 restaurant that was destroyed by a ferocious wildfire in Southern California's Cajon Pass last month. The Victorville Daily Press reported: ... Owner Otto Recinos and his family invited the community to the site to share an opportunity … Continue reading Day of remembrance held for Summit Inn

Cottage Cafe aims to feed customers, help charities

Money paid by customers at the Cottage Cafe in Phillipsburg, Missouri, not only covers the expenses of the restaurant, but some of it goes to seven nonprofit organizations. Vicky Owens owns the restaurant at 201 W. Pine St. in Phillipsburg, just a few hundred yards southeast from where Route 66 turns west onto Route CC. The restaurant has … Continue reading Cottage Cafe aims to feed customers, help charities

First glimpse offered of Fuel 66 food-truck court in Tulsa

Developers of a Fuel 66 food-truck court offered a glimpse of the development along 11th Street (aka Route 66) in Tulsa. KOKI-TV in Tulsa filed this report a few days ago: The gist: The court, taking over an old Boost Mobile store and nearby lot, is under construction. When opened, it will feature a full-service … Continue reading First glimpse offered of Fuel 66 food-truck court in Tulsa

Contract signed for Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

For better or for ill, Mayor Richard Berry on Wednesday signed a $82.6 million contract for a local firm to begin construction of the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project along Central Avenue (aka Route 66). According to the Albuquerque Journal: Heavy demolition and disruptions along a nine-mile stretch of Central Avenue are expected to begin in … Continue reading Contract signed for Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

A concise history of Ash Fork

Marshall Trimble, who's been designated Arizona's official state historian, appears in this 2 1/2-minute video about the Route 66 town of Ash Fork, Arizona, for the Ash Fork Historical Society and Museum. And because Trimble grew up in Ash Fork, who better to tell the town's story? Ash Fork, Arizona with Marshall Trimble from Route … Continue reading A concise history of Ash Fork

New Kingman Splash Pad has a familiar sight

Those who check out the new Kingman Splash Pad at Cecil Davis Park in Kingman, Arizona, may see a familiar sight -- a replica of the old water tower that greets Route 66 travelers going into town. The water park opened last weekend after months of fundraising and work by Desert Construction, Fripps Mohave Construction and AB … Continue reading New Kingman Splash Pad has a familiar sight