The historic Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket restaurant in Willowbrook, Illinois, received a Delicious Destination honor from Illinois Tourism, according to a news release. The Illinois Office of Tourism and DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau reported that Dell Rhea’s is among a small group of Illinois establishments to receive this designation from the state tourism bureau. … Continue reading Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket wins state tourism award
A visit to Amarillo’s Sixth Street District
This video produced by TourTexas.com features Tucker Yeldell -- described as "a lost prospector, reluctant farmer and early Texas Panhandle settler" -- touring some of his favorite spots on Route 66 in Amarillo. https://youtu.be/gs9L25EsvFA Most of the tour is devoted to the city's historic Sixth Street District, which is a terrific menagerie of antique shops, … Continue reading A visit to Amarillo’s Sixth Street District
Former owner of Club Cafe dies
Ron Chavez, 78, a former owner of the long-closed Club Cafe in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, who later became noted as a writer and poet, died Oct. 15 in Albuquerque, reported the Taos News. His daughter, Sonia Valdez, told the newspaper he died of complications from diabetes and a stroke. The family declined to give … Continue reading Former owner of Club Cafe dies
A visit to Cuba Fest
Frank Kocevar, the former co-owner of Historic Seligman Sundries, took his video camera to Cuba Fest this month in Cuba, Missouri, and chatted to a few folks there. There might be a few folks you recognize. https://youtu.be/ttQ84bUZ_tU In case you missed it, Kocevar and his wife Lynn recently sold Historic Seligman Sundries in Seligman, Arizona, … Continue reading A visit to Cuba Fest
Railroad confirms it’s removing deck from MacArthur Bridge
This was reported 10 months ago, but the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis confirmed through a KPLR-TV report this week it is removing the automobile deck from the historic MacArthur Bridge in St. Louis. The railroad told the TV station the deck was a risk to rail traffic. “Trespassers, ya know, you don’t want … Continue reading Railroad confirms it’s removing deck from MacArthur Bridge
Nonprofit challenges El Vado redevelopment plan
A nonprofit group that has experienced success in rehabbing vintage Route 66 motels in Albuquerque is appealing the city's selection of another group that wants to redevelop the historic El Vado Motel, reported the Albuquerque Journal. According to the newspaper: Albuquerque-based nonprofit NewLife Homes, which finished second in the selection process to eventual winner Palindrome … Continue reading Nonprofit challenges El Vado redevelopment plan
Fire destroys old A&W building in Carthage
A former A&W Restaurant near Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri, was destroyed by fire late Friday during the city's annual Maple Leaf Festival. After the A&W closed at that location, it became Hartman's Mercantile, a secondhand store. KODE-TV has a report about the fire: The building was at 502 S. Garrison Ave., which is about … Continue reading Fire destroys old A&W building in Carthage
East Route 66 gateway in Tulsa nearly done
The City of Tulsa began construction of its Route 66 gateway on the east side of the city earlier in the month. Fewer than 10 days later, city planner Dennis Whitaker sent along these photos. And longtime Route 66 afiscionado Brad Nickson put together this video of a drive-by of the gateway. Tulsa Route 66 … Continue reading East Route 66 gateway in Tulsa nearly done
Future of Shea’s Route 66 Museum likely won’t be known until next year
What's in store for the closed Shea's Route 66 Museum in Springfield, Illinois, likely won't be known until sometime early next year, reported the State Journal-Register newspaper. The museum, long operated by former gas-station operator and gas memorabilia collector Bill Shea, closed except for appointments in late 2012 after Shea became too frail and was … Continue reading Future of Shea’s Route 66 Museum likely won’t be known until next year
Roof of Richardson Store building collapses
The roof and awning for the long-closed Richardson Store on Route 66 in Montoya, New Mexico, collapsed in recent weeks, reported an officer with the New Mexico Route 66 Association. Andy House, president of the association, reports that the collapses probably occurred in August or September, after heavy rains in the region. Here is an … Continue reading Roof of Richardson Store building collapses