Merle Haggard, considered one of the greatest country-music artists in history, died today after a long series of health problems, according to his manager. He was 79. Today also was his birthday. We'll let other music writers tell about Haggard's considerable legacy, which is far deeper than "Mama Tried" and "Okie from Muskogee." (His one-man … Continue reading Merle Haggard, R.I.P.
Vision Tulsa’s passage helps several Route 66 projects
Voters in Tulsa passed the Vision Tulsa sales-tax extension by a wide margin Tuesday, and a few Route 66 projects will receive pieces of the $884 million pie. The big project of Vision Tulsa is building low-water dams on the Arkansas River. But here are the Route 66-related projects Vision Tulsa will fund: --- Route 66 … Continue reading Vision Tulsa’s passage helps several Route 66 projects
Barnes Town and Country store may close this month
The Barnes Town and Country store, which has served customers along Route 66 west of Springfield, Missouri, since 1934, likely will close by the end of the month unless someone buys the business. Brothers Rick and Randy Perryman have run the Barnes Town and Country in the little hamlet of Elwood Siding for more than 40 … Continue reading Barnes Town and Country store may close this month
Lawsuits filed against Albuquerque Rapid Transit
At least two legal challenges were filed Monday against the city's Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) plan, including that the National Historic Preservation Act was violated, plus other state and federal laws. The Albuquerque Journal reported: The lawsuits allege that ART would choke traffic along Central Avenue and disrupt the character of old Route 66. Albuquerque is home … Continue reading Lawsuits filed against Albuquerque Rapid Transit
Soft opening set for Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum
The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will open for limited hours beginning June 1. The museum originally was set to have limited hours in March but was pushed back. The museum at 13 Sahoma Lake Road, just off Route 66 on the city's west side, will feature vintage cars, exhibits about Route 66 and … Continue reading Soft opening set for Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum
Mother Road Revival folk festival in Tulsa announced
A folk music and film festival Sept. 8-11 in Tulsa called the Mother Road Revival that pays tribute to Route 66 was announced this morning at the city's BOK Center arena, with popular country-rock artist Jason Isbell as the headlining act. The Mother Road Revival will occur at several venues that weekend that also include … Continue reading Mother Road Revival folk festival in Tulsa announced
An example of why Congress is unpopular
House Republicans in Washington opened an investigation into President Obama’s recent designation of three new national monuments, including Route 66's Mojave Trails National Monument, in the California desert. Obama used his authority under the 1906 Antiquities Act for the designation, doubling the amount of land he previously set aside and setting a record. The San Francisco Chronicle … Continue reading An example of why Congress is unpopular
Meramec Caverns may be closed until mid-summer
Toxic fumes have forced the closing of Meramec Caverns near Stanton, Missouri. until at least mid-summer. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the historic roadside attraction off Route 66 closed March 10 after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found trichloroethylene vapors above the acceptable limit in the caverns. TCE is a solvent used mainly to remove … Continue reading Meramec Caverns may be closed until mid-summer
Rapper will restore “The Outsiders” house
A rapper in the group House of Pain purchased a house in north Tulsa prominently used in the 1983 film version of "The Outsiders." He plans to restore the dilapidated home and turn it into a museum dedicated to the film and the S.E. Hinton novel on which it's based. Danny O'Connor, aka Danny Boy, of House of … Continue reading Rapper will restore “The Outsiders” house
Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center draws 16,000 its first year
The Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center in Bloomington, Illinois, is rapidly approaching the first anniversary of its opening and reports more than 16,000 visitors since that time. The Bloomington-Normal region decided to build the Route 66-themed part of McLean County Museum of History because Route 66 tourists were bypassing the Twin Cities. More Route … Continue reading Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center draws 16,000 its first year