At least one Route 66 town wants to be in HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover”

A few folks in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, hope the upcoming HGVT show "Home Town Takeover" will consider their town for a full-scale renovation, and other Route 66 towns may consider applying, as well. According to a news release from the cable channel, the show will be "the most impressive and massive renovation ever": Ever since Ben and … Continue reading At least one Route 66 town wants to be in HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover”

Suspicious fire damages historic trolley car in Sapulpa

The historic electric trolley car along Route 66 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, was damaged by a suspicious fire early Wednesday. Sapulpa News and Views reported on Facebook: First thought to have been caused by an electrical short in Christmas display lighting, a lock pried off one of the street car’s two doors and security camera footage … Continue reading Suspicious fire damages historic trolley car in Sapulpa

Former Randall’s Route 66 Diner in Sapulpa likely to be a marijuana processing facility

The site of the closed Randall's Route 66 Diner in downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma, likely will become a marijuana processing facility. KTUL-TV in nearby Tulsa reported this development. At least one downtown business owner isn't too pleased with it: "I'll be concerned with safety and people walking by," said downtown Sapulpa business owner Pamela Manuel.A business … Continue reading Former Randall’s Route 66 Diner in Sapulpa likely to be a marijuana processing facility

Motel in El Reno destroyed by tornado; at least 2 dead

A tornado flattened the Budget Inn Motel along Route 66 in El Reno, Oklahoma, and killed at least two people. The twister also hit a trailer park and several businesses along the U.S. 81 (aka Route 66) corridor in the city about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, The Oklahoman reported. “I think El Reno Oklahoma needs a … Continue reading Motel in El Reno destroyed by tornado; at least 2 dead

Junction 66 store opens in Sapulpa

Junction 66, a grocery store and full-service restaurant with gas pumps, opened Monday along Route 66 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. KTUL-TV of nearby Tulsa had the story: "People can come in, order off the menu for dinner and they can grocery shop," said Junction 66 Manager Bonnie Barrera. "They can get their items to take home … Continue reading Junction 66 store opens in Sapulpa

Sapulpa faces 90-day deadline to repair Rock Creek Bridge

Some bad news and good news were reported this week about the historic Rock Creek Bridge on an old alignment of Route 66 west of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. First, the bad news: The city must repair an erosion problem on the bridge's east side within 90 days, or else the bridge will be closed permanently, according … Continue reading Sapulpa faces 90-day deadline to repair Rock Creek Bridge

Rock Creek Bridge near Sapulpa closed to vehicular traffic

The historic Rock Creek Bridge west of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, closed to traffic for the second time in five years after flunking an inspection. The Route 66 Alliance, based in nearby Tulsa, stated on its Facebook page Tuesday the bridge will stay open to pedestrians, however, as an engineering firm figures out what to do next. … Continue reading Rock Creek Bridge near Sapulpa closed to vehicular traffic

Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum dedicates 66-foot-tall gas pump

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, recently dedicated its 66-foot-tall gas pump more than two years after work on the project began. Attending the ceremony May 11 were Lt. Gov. and gubernatorial candidate Todd Lamb, state Rep. Kyle Hilbert, state Sen. James Leewirght, state Rep. Mark Lawson, museum founder and president … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum dedicates 66-foot-tall gas pump

Longtime Oklahoma Route 66 booster Frank Gierhart dies

Frank Gierhart, a longtime supporter of Route 66 and former owner of a business on the Mother Road in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, died Thursday in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was 81. Visitation is from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Green Hill Funeral Home in Sapulpa, according to an obituary in the Tulsa World. The funeral will … Continue reading Longtime Oklahoma Route 66 booster Frank Gierhart dies

World’s Tallest Gas Pump in Sapulpa nears completion

The 66-foot-tall gas pump in front of the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, neared completion last week with the installation of what will be a lighted medallion on top. Officials are billing it the World's Tallest Gas Pump, with the idea of the oversized landmark drawing visitors into their museum. The … Continue reading World’s Tallest Gas Pump in Sapulpa nears completion