Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61

Becky Ransom, a Route 66 fan who used that enthusiasm for years in the classroom and at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, died suddenly in Wyoming on Feb. 8. She was 61. According to her obituary, a joint celebration of life will be held for Ramsom and her father, Wayne Ransom, on July … Continue reading Notable Route 66 enthusiast and educator Becky Ransom dies at 61

New Route 66 emblem emerges on Amarillo water tower

A long-planned Amarillo Route 66 emblem recently emerged on one of the city's large water towers located just off the Mother Road. Dora Meroney of Texas Ivy Antiques has posted a number of photos of the emblem on the tower, which is undergoing repainting: The Amarillo Route 66 water tower even has its own Facebook … Continue reading New Route 66 emblem emerges on Amarillo water tower

City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem

The City of Amarillo recently began repainting a water tower that will include a special Route 66 emblem, probably by early spring. KFDA-TV reported about the project last week: “You really don’t know if you’re on Route 66, unless you’re seeing those brown Route 66 signs that are pretty spread out. Having these markers will … Continue reading City of Amarillo begins repainting water tower that will sport a Route 66 emblem

Texas Old Route 66 Association helps replace damaged VW at Bug Ranch

The Texas Old Route 66 Association a few days ago swapped out a damaged Volkwagen at the Bug Ranch art installation in Panhandle, Texas. The association stated in a Facebook post: One of the VWs out at the Bug Ranch had been severely vandalized and pretty much on the ground for the last 2 years.Thanks … Continue reading Texas Old Route 66 Association helps replace damaged VW at Bug Ranch

Texas version of American Truck Simulator videogame includes sections of Route 66

The developers of the Texas DLC of American Truck Simulator videogame will include old Route 66 in Texas and a small part of eastern New Mexico in a forthcoming update. SCS Software reports the game will include the 15 miles of gravel-road Route 66 from San Jon to Glenrio in New Mexico. In the Lone … Continue reading Texas version of American Truck Simulator videogame includes sections of Route 66

Fire damages Texas Ivy Antiques in Amarillo

Texas Ivy Antiques, a longtime Route 66 supporter in Amarillo, Texas, sustained damage in a suspected electrical fire on Tuesday. Dora Meroney, one of the co-owners, said the fire was "bad, but not a total loss," and posted this message on Facebook later that day: No one was here when it happened so no one … Continue reading Fire damages Texas Ivy Antiques in Amarillo

Amarillo’s Natatorium marks its 100th anniversary this summer

The Natatorium, also known as The Nat, in Amarillo, Texas, will mark the 100th anniversary of its completion in July. The approaching centennial first was flagged by Charlie, a Route 66 fan, at Mix94.1 radio in Amarillo. Natatorium is just a fancy word for swimming pool. It opened up in the summer of 1922.The Natatorium … Continue reading Amarillo’s Natatorium marks its 100th anniversary this summer

Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened

The historic but long-closed Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo, Texas, recently landed new owners that plan to restore and reopen the 14-story building within the next three years. Tipped off by a reader, county property records indicate the building was acquired by Herring Hotel Development Co. LLC in October via a warranty deed. A new … Continue reading Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened

Pappy’s Soda Jerk restaurant in Amarillo is housed in a rare 1929 Ford Model AA

The next time you're in Amarillo looking for a meal during the weekend, keep your eyes peeled for a restored 1929 Ford Model AA that now houses Pappy's Soda Jerk restaurant. Robert Rowley's vehicle often can be found parked on Fridays and Saturdays at his wife's business, Amarillo Developmental Gymnastics Center; Tripp's Harley Davidson, or … Continue reading Pappy’s Soda Jerk restaurant in Amarillo is housed in a rare 1929 Ford Model AA

Wildfires near Route 66 corridor in west Amarillo destroy four homes, burn nearly 150 acres

A wind-whipped grass fire Monday afternoon on the west side of Amarillo, Texas, burned nearly 150 acres and destroyed four homes and 11 outbuildings. The fire occurred mostly in the Indian Hills neighborhood in west Amarillo, where an old alignment of Route 66 runs. Update: the #CadillacFire in Potter County is 128.8 acres and 60% … Continue reading Wildfires near Route 66 corridor in west Amarillo destroy four homes, burn nearly 150 acres