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
British photographer to open Route 66 show
If you're a reader who lives in the United Kingdom (and my host reports there is a substantial number) and are itching to experience Route 66, an upcoming photography exhibition might whet your appetite even more. Martin Smith, a British fine-arts photographer, will open a show Tuesday at the Hertford Theatre in Hertford, England, featuring images from his … Continue reading British photographer to open Route 66 show
Ariston Cafe put up for sale
The landmark Ariston Cafe, located on old Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, and owned by the same family for 90 years, has been put up for sale for $1.2 million. The restaurant was listed on an online real-estate site here by Jim Simpson and Shannon Simpson Hall of Century 21 in Litchfield. Ariston co-owner Nick … Continue reading Ariston Cafe put up for sale
Stories sought about certain Albuquerque businesses
Two authors are seeking stories about several long-gone businesses along Route 66 in Albuquerque that used Zeon Corporation-designed signs to attract customers, according to a story in the Albuquerque Journal. University of New Mexico professors Ellen Babcock and Mark C. Childs are working on a book titled "The Zeon Files" that will be published UNM Press … Continue reading Stories sought about certain Albuquerque businesses
A semblance of the Route 66 Rendezvous
This video by AmericaJR.com at the recently completed Rendezvous Back to Route 66 car show at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino, California, is illuminating. In short, this year's event -- presented by the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce -- is an effort to keep a smaller version of the Route 66 Rendezvous alive. … Continue reading A semblance of the Route 66 Rendezvous
Co-founder of Manhattan Transfer dies
Tim Hauser, a co-founder of the Manhattan Transfer jazz vocal quartet in 1969 and the only original member still with the group, died at age 72 this week, reported JazzTimes and other media outlets. The cause of death was not disclosed, but a post through the group's Facebook page confirmed his passing. We spent more than 40 … Continue reading Co-founder of Manhattan Transfer dies
Route 66 in Mojave may reopen by late November
Long sections of historic Route 66 that were closed in mid-September because of extensive flood damage may reopen by late November, reported The Press-Enterprise. The newspaper had more details about the damage: In some spots there are holes large enough to swallow one of the motorcycles belonging to tourist groups that regularly retrace the Western … Continue reading Route 66 in Mojave may reopen by late November
A visit to Ollie’s Station
DiscoverOklahoma, which is part of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, recently uploaded this video about Ollie's Station restaurant on the southwest side of Tulsa. https://youtu.be/Yx5wE4sOgi0 As you might guess, the restaurant and its toy trains are a big hit with children. If you go there, don't miss the big train set in the back … Continue reading A visit to Ollie’s Station
Aztec Hotel may reopen next year
The Aztec Hotel on old Route 66 in Monrovia, California, may reopen sometime in 2015, reported the Pasadena Star-News. However, with the report about the historic building containing caveats -- plus the owner's problems in managing the property -- one has to wonder whether the hotel will reopen at all next year. Excerpts from the … Continue reading Aztec Hotel may reopen next year