Proposed Chicago park may include Route 66 museum

View Larger Map A small lot on the corner of Wabash Avenue and Adams Street in downtown Chicago that's planned as a Chicago Symphony Orchestra Park may include a small Route 66 museum to recognize its location on Route 66, according to a story in DNAinfo. The so-called pocket park would sit just west of the … Continue reading Proposed Chicago park may include Route 66 museum

Owner of troubled Bel-Aire Motel dies

Gopal Motwani, owner of the historic but troubled Bel-Aire Motel on Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in Springfield, Illinois, died Saturday near his home in Naples, Florida, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. After putting the motel up for sale for $750,000 -- plus $114,000 in fines for 700 code violations -- this summer, Motwani told the newspaper he … Continue reading Owner of troubled Bel-Aire Motel dies

Johnny Rockets to open four types of Route 66-themed restaurants

The Johnny Rockets restaurant chain plans to open four types of Route 66-themed prototype restaurants -- including drive-ins, food trucks and drive-in theaters --  as soon as this year, according to a news release Monday from the company. The restaurant stated: Established in 1926 as one of America's original highways, Route 66 became the major path … Continue reading Johnny Rockets to open four types of Route 66-themed restaurants

Route 66 coloring book published

The "Route 66 Coloring Book," in conjunction with American Road magazine, was published a few weeks ago by creator Rich Newman, writers Dave and Laura Newman, and illustrator Abby Smith on the Coloring Books USA imprint. Here's a description of the book: Route 66 is one of the country's most traveled routes stretching from Illinois … Continue reading Route 66 coloring book published

The rebirth of Tulsa’s 11th Street

KTUL-TV in Tulsa recently did this story about the "rebirth" of 11th Street in town, known as Tulsa's Route 66. KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather We've dutifully reported about many of these businesses -- including Ike's Chili -- moving to the more-prominent alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa. I was a bit saddened … Continue reading The rebirth of Tulsa’s 11th Street

Plainfield considers new Route 66 signs

The village of Plainfield, Illinois, is considering new signage -- including ones marking Route 66 (seen above) -- as a rebranding effort for the town, reported The Herald-News. The new designs would encourage commemoration of the “legacy” of the historic Route 66, which runs along Route 59 through the village. The Route 66 signs could … Continue reading Plainfield considers new Route 66 signs

“Route 66” performed on Indonesia TV

Bobby Troup's estate got another dose of cha-ching Friday. On a show called "Rising Star Indonesia," contestant Reyna Qotrunnada performed his best-known song. https://youtu.be/cdgDKj131No Yes, her English during the song is a clumsy, but do remember it's not her mother tongue. But it seemed a lot of people in the audience recognized it. It's amazing … Continue reading “Route 66” performed on Indonesia TV

Class of 2014 for Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame announced

Author Marian Clark of Tulsa and the late J.M. Davis of Claremore will be inducted Oct. 18 into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, according to a release from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. The ceremony is slated for 2 p.m. and will be free to the … Continue reading Class of 2014 for Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame announced

Southwest Missouri county will dedicate three historic sites

The Greene County Historic Sites Board on Saturday will dedicate three locations west of Springfield, Missouri, along Route 66 as historic sites, reported the Springfield News-Leader. One of the ceremonies will include a lightning ceremony for a restored neon sign at a former tourist cabin complex. The sites are: Barnes Town & Country, 8240 W. Highway 266, formerly … Continue reading Southwest Missouri county will dedicate three historic sites

Old gas station will be converted into a barbershop

A reputed former Sinclair gas station in Springfield, Missouri, soon will reopen as a barbershop and waxing studio later this fall, reported the News-Leader newspaper. The station is just a few hundred feet south of the College Street alignment of Route 66. Dacy and Ryan Mulcahy agreed to buy the station at 640 W. Walnut … Continue reading Old gas station will be converted into a barbershop