The historic Wigwam Motel is featured on the official T-shirt of the annual Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, Calif., scheduled for Sept. 13-16, reported the Contra Costa Times. The T-shirt was unveiled Thursday. Kumar Patel provided this photo of the shirt: The newspaper reported: Owners of the Wigwam, Jack and his son, Kumar Patel, who … Continue reading Wigwam Motel featured on Route 66 Rendezvous T-shirt
The story behind Ambler-Becker Texaco
Here's the latest of the Route 66 Stories video series for Illinois. This one's an interview with Phil Becker, longtime operator of the Ambler-Becker Texaco station in Dwight. https://youtu.be/dBYY2Ze05x0 The station no longer operates as a gas station, but has been converted into a visitors center.
Mitla Cafe marking 75th anniversary
https://youtu.be/6xFn2iktFiw The historic Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, Calif., is marking its 75th anniversary with a blues and jazz concert Saturday and another celebration in September, reported The Press-Enterprise newspaper. The key to its longevity has been the family atmosphere and a menu that is largely the same as when Lucia Rodriquez started the restaurant, … Continue reading Mitla Cafe marking 75th anniversary
Joliet theater expanding its tour hours
In response to demand from Route 66 tourists and other visitors, the historic Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Ill., is greatly expanding its hours for tour groups, reported the Naperville Sun. The newspaper said the theater would expand its tour hours to 10 a week. In the past, the theater offered only one tour a week … Continue reading Joliet theater expanding its tour hours
Business owner in Seligman reported missing
Rick Gaffney, owner of the J & R Mini Mart Cafe along Route 66 in Seligman, Ariz., has been reported missing since June 19 when he failed to meet a friend that day in Flagstaff, reported the Arizona Republic and other media outlets. Gaffney's business partner in Prescott told authorities that he found Gaffney's car … Continue reading Business owner in Seligman reported missing
A hike into Amboy Crater
A few years ago, Emily (aka Redforkhippie) and I hiked up Tucumcari Mountain in Tucumcari, N.M., to get up close and personal with one of Route 66's most prominent landmarks. During a recent vacation, we took the same approach to Amboy Crater, an extinct volcano about two miles west of the tiny Route 66 burg of … Continue reading A hike into Amboy Crater
Tourism center in Springfield, Mo., sports Route 66 theme
The city's tourism center in downtown Springfield, Mo., will include a new Route 66 theme, reported KY3-TV in Springfield. The television station reported: The center at 815 St. Louis St. will sport window graphics reflecting the heyday of Route 66 – the historic byway upon which the center is located – and scenes from Springfield … Continue reading Tourism center in Springfield, Mo., sports Route 66 theme
Nonprofit formed to relight Yukon sign
A nonprofit group has formed to raise money to eventually restore the lighting on the huge "Yukon's Best Flour" sign on top of the Yukon Grain & Mill Co. building near Route 66 in Yukon, Okla., reports KOTV. Grady Cross, owner of Grady's Route 66 Pub, helped form a nonprofit that seeks to raise funds … Continue reading Nonprofit formed to relight Yukon sign
Book review: “Life on Route 66”
The wife-and-husband team of Claudia and Alan Heller bring enthusiasm and knowledge to their new book "Life on Route 66: Personal Accounts along the Mother Road to California" (History Press, 158 pages, paperback, e-book available). But it's the people who experienced Route 66 during its heyday -- and their stories -- who make "Life on … Continue reading Book review: “Life on Route 66”
66 Motel sign in Needles relit
The historic neon sign of the 66 Motel in Needles, Calif., was relit Saturday night by Ed Klein of Route 66 World. The City of Needles also will fix a problem with a transformer and bulbs in the "66" part of the sign. In an email, Klein said: We are still suffering from grounding issues, … Continue reading 66 Motel sign in Needles relit