Installation of a Route 66 tile mural began this week at Seventh and Main streets in downtown Galena, Kan., and should be finished by the weekend, reported the Joplin (Mo.) Globe. From the newspaper: The mural, designed by Chris Auckerman and Jon White of Images in Tile, is composed of 416 15-inch tiles. A concrete … Continue reading New Route 66 mural being installed in Galena
Santa Fe motel reopens as special-needs apartments
The historic Stage Coach Motor Inn in Santa Fe, N.M., reopened Tuesday as apartments for low-income or special needs residents, reported KOB-TV in Albuquerque. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper also had some details about the Route 66 motel's adaptive reuse: The Housing Trust of Santa Fe purchased the land where the old motel sat … Continue reading Santa Fe motel reopens as special-needs apartments
66 Drive-In will host screening of “Cars”
https://youtu.be/WGByijP0Leo The 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage, Mo., will host a special screening of the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars" on Aug. 1, as part of festivities for the International Route 66 Festival in nearby Joplin. Pixar Animated Studios will provide a life-size replicas of the film's stars, Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater, at the … Continue reading 66 Drive-In will host screening of “Cars”
George Benson’s tribute to Nat King Cole
I've read a lot of warm reviews in recent weeks for jazz artist George Benson's latest album, "Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole." Naturally, if you're going to record a tribute to Cole, you have to record "Route 66," written by Bobby Troup. It was one of Cole's early hits, back in 1946. This … Continue reading George Benson’s tribute to Nat King Cole
Watch the Route 66 edition of “What Would You Do?”
The Route 66 edition of ABC News' reality program "What Would You Do?" aired Friday night. But if you missed it, you can watch it on Hulu here: The network also provided some online outtakes from the Route 66 trip, including the film crew's pit stops: Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames. And the … Continue reading Watch the Route 66 edition of “What Would You Do?”
Irv’s Burgers will stick around for a while
The Hong family that operates the historic Irv's Burgers stand in West Hollywood, Calif., will not be forced out by eviction and can stay there until it finds another site, reported an officer for the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance. Roy Rogers Oldenkamp, vice president of the preservation group, said in an email that Steven Bohbot, a … Continue reading Irv’s Burgers will stick around for a while
Redevelopment pact will preserve Oklahoma City’s Gold Dome
A purchase and redevelopment agreement with a local environmental engineering firm will preserve the historic Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. Jones Public Relations was set to make an announcement Friday about the Gold Dome's future. However, reporter (and historic preservation advocate) Steve Lackmeyer got the story Thursday. TEEMCO representatives confirmed Thursday the … Continue reading Redevelopment pact will preserve Oklahoma City’s Gold Dome
First episode of “American Giants”
Some months ago, Joel Baker promised he would produce a series of episodes about Muffler Men in America and post them to YouTube. The first episode, which runs about 15 minutes, was posted this week. https://youtu.be/eHfmus-H2Bo You'll see a couple of Muffler Men on Route 66, including the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Ill.
Historic Williams lodge being converted into a winery
The old Wagon Wheel Lodge east of Williams, Ariz., on Route 66 is being transformed into the Wagon Wheel Winery by its new owners, reported the Grand Canyon News. More details from the newspaper about the 10-acre property at 7545 E. Old Route 66: Ann and Louie Serna planted about 1,200 grapevines on the property … Continue reading Historic Williams lodge being converted into a winery
Longtime Barney’s Beanery owner dies
Irwin Held, 87, who owned the Route 66 landmark restaurant Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood, Calif., for nearly 30 years, died of a kidney ailment Monday in his Los Angeles home, reported the Los Angeles Times. To hear Held's daughter Linda Shabot tell it, her father probably saved the restaurant from the wrecking ball when he … Continue reading Longtime Barney’s Beanery owner dies