Workers at the historic Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma, on Wednesday found broken windows in the Route 66 landmark because of someone shooting a BB gun. KOAM-TV reported: Coleman Theatre Managing Director Shannon Duhon says the vandalism is a disgrace to a historic building that has been the crown jewel of Miami for nearly ninety years. … Continue reading Coleman Theatre vandalized
Land purchase allows a bigger Big Texan Steak Ranch
The purchase of 14 acres on the east side of Amarillo, Texas, will allow the building of a bigger Big Texan Steak Ranch that may open by November 2017. The purchase brings the total acreage owned the Big Texan west of the current restaurant site to about 150. The Amarillo Globe-News reported: Owners plan to use the space … Continue reading Land purchase allows a bigger Big Texan Steak Ranch
Book review: “Route 66 Crossings”
Because so many Route 66 books have entered the marketplace over the past three decades or so, one initially wonders why Jim Ross' new volume about historic bridges on the Mother Road hasn't been done before. But as one dives deep into "Route 66 Crossings" (hardback, 200 pages, color photographs, University of Oklahoma Press, $29.95), becomes clear why … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Crossings”
A chat with the owner of Lulu’s Beef
KC Keefer interviewed Don Greico Jr., the proprietor of Lulu's Beef, which has occupied the corner of Leavitt Street, Taylor Street and Odgen Avenue (aka Route 66) in Chicago for nearly 50 years. Keefer describes the restaurant as exuding "Chicago charm," and Greico reflects that as well. And if you're craving a Chicago-style hot dog, Lulu's … Continue reading A chat with the owner of Lulu’s Beef
Tesla charging station added near Blue Swallow Motel
Tesla Motors this week added a charging station for electric vehicles at a defunct gas station next door to the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Tesla installed two charging stations specifically made for its cars, plus a third charging station for other EVs, on an island where the station's three gas pumps once stood. The … Continue reading Tesla charging station added near Blue Swallow Motel
Laurel Kane celebration of life set for April 30
A celebration of Laurel Kane's life is scheduled for midday April 30 at her beloved Afton Station on Route 66 in Afton, Oklahoma. The announcement was made this week on a new Facebook page: There was no place where Laurel was happier than Afton Station and nothing she loved more than a celebration. That said we … Continue reading Laurel Kane celebration of life set for April 30
Maplewood Big M proposed on Route 66
The St. Louis suburb of Maplewood, Missouri, wants to use a giant letter M, plus other letters that stood on a theater's marquee, as a gateway into the city at Manchester Road, also known as an early alignment of Route 66 in the St. Louis area. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The 90-year-old porcelain … Continue reading Maplewood Big M proposed on Route 66
1929 Marathon station in Miami will be auctioned
The historic Marathon station in Miami, Oklahoma, on old Route 66 will be auctioned at 9 a.m. April 8. The station, built in 1929, sits at 331 S. Main St., part of the oldest alignment of Route 66 in Miami. That segment leads to the so-called 9-foot-wide Sidewalk Highway on the south edge of town. Cindy … Continue reading 1929 Marathon station in Miami will be auctioned
Will Rogers Memorial Museum merged into Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin this week signed her first bill of the 2016 state legislative session, which was to transfer the Will Rogers Memorial Commission into the Oklahoma Historical Society. It was a move that was sought for years and supported by both organizations. Tad Jones, director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, explained a few … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum merged into Oklahoma Historical Society
Highway improvements won’t affect The Boundary
Last month, word that the Oklahoma Department of Transportation would improve Oklahoma Route 66 between Arcadia and Luther made the owner of The Boundary wonder whether his barbecue restaurant would have to be razed. He's probably resting easier after what was announced at an ODOT public hearing about the project Tuesday night at an Arcadia … Continue reading Highway improvements won’t affect The Boundary