Threatt Filling Station gets some TLC from preservationists and volunteers

The long-closed Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, is receiving some much-needed work from preservationists and volunteers who want to see the Route 66 landmark standing for decades to come. According to KFOR-TV in nearby Oklahoma City: Now, crews from the Oklahoma Historical Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation and Guthrie Job Corps are working to preserve it. Students gain … Continue reading Threatt Filling Station gets some TLC from preservationists and volunteers

A closer look at Jim Ross’ and Shellee Graham’s neon garden near Arcadia

An Oklahoma City television station recently produced a feature about the neon-sign paradise that is Jim Ross and Shellee Graham's backyard near Arcadia, Oklahoma. The segment is part of KFOR-TV's ongoing "Is This a Great State or What?!" series. https://youtu.be/XAASN-4ZsPI Ross and Graham host a Neonfest in their backyard each October if you want to … Continue reading A closer look at Jim Ross’ and Shellee Graham’s neon garden near Arcadia

Filmmakers of a documentary on women of Route 66 to launch a summer tour on June 14

The creators of the "Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road" documentary film will launch a summer tour with a screening on June 14 in Springfield, Missouri. The 7 p.m. event at Duane Meyer Library, Room 101, in Missouri State University Libraries will include a panel discussion with filmmakers, the Chix … Continue reading Filmmakers of a documentary on women of Route 66 to launch a summer tour on June 14

New signs on Old Route 66 near Arcadia commemorate National Register designation

Last month, Oklahoma County erected signs that marked a semi-obscure section of historic Route 66 roadbed near Arcadia, Oklahoma, and commemorated its designation to the National Register of Historic Places. Shellee Graham, who lives on the road with her husband, Route 66 researcher Jim Ross, posted a series of photos of the sign being installed: … Continue reading New signs on Old Route 66 near Arcadia commemorate National Register designation

Chicken Shack restaurant of Luther moving to old Hillbillee’s complex in Arcadia

The Chicken Shack, a popular restaurant along Route 66 in Luther, Oklahoma, is moving a few miles west to the closed Hillbillee's complex in Arcadia, also on Route 66. Shellee Graham, who lives near Arcadia, recently confirmed the rumored news after visiting Chicken Shack's owner and seeing a banner announcing the impending move at Hillbillee's. … Continue reading Chicken Shack restaurant of Luther moving to old Hillbillee’s complex in Arcadia

New sign marks Paul McCartney’s brief stop on Route 66 in Oklahoma

Oklahoma County and several residents of a stretch of original Route 66 on Monday installed a sign that commemorated a brief stop by a former Beatle, Paul McCartney, there in 2008. Shellee Graham, who lives on that segment of historic road with Route 66 historian Jim Ross, was there to help document the installation with … Continue reading New sign marks Paul McCartney’s brief stop on Route 66 in Oklahoma

Painted Desert Trading Post group selling T-shirts to help pay for Phase III work

The Route 66 Co-op is selling a new batch of limited-edition T-shirts to help pay for costs related to Phase III of the Painted Desert Trading Post stabilization project. The front of the T-shirt features a design by a longtime roadie and graphic artist, Shellee Graham. The back contains the "Cold Drinks" lettering that still … Continue reading Painted Desert Trading Post group selling T-shirts to help pay for Phase III work

Warehouse fire destroys inventory by several Route 66 authors

Fire destroyed a St. Louis warehouse used by Reedy Press, along with all the stored books by several Route 66 authors, according to several media reports. Smoke from the five-alarm fire that began Wednesday morning was seen for miles, reported the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. At one point, part of the building collapsed onto a firetruck, and … Continue reading Warehouse fire destroys inventory by several Route 66 authors

Book review: “Secret Route 66”

Here's where you know Jim Ross and Shellee Graham's new book, "Secret Route 66," is a success: Not only did they uncover more than a dozen obscure tidbits from the Mother Road that escaped my notice, I jumped into my car to search for one that was nearby. Subtitled "A Guide to the Weird,Wonderful and … Continue reading Book review: “Secret Route 66”

Surprise wedding at Route 66 Neon Festival

Those who attended the Arcadia Route 66 Neon Fest headquartered last weekend at Jim Ross' house off old Route 66 near Arcadia, Oklahoma, got a surprise -- the wedding of two longtime roadies,officiated by a third longtime roadie. Ross and Shellee Graham -- both who have photographed and researched Route 66 for at least 20 … Continue reading Surprise wedding at Route 66 Neon Festival