Organizers for the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, say the recent event drew about 65,000 people, which tied the record set in 2019. No festival occurred in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers during previous festivals had projected attendance of 70,000 to 80,000 people. According to the Springfield Business … Continue reading About 65,000 people attend Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, tying its record
Tag: Springfield MO
Yeakley Chapel west of Springfield predates Route 66 by about 40 years
West of Springfield, Missouri, down a rural section of Route 66, Yeakley Chapel boasts a congregation that predates the Mother Road by 60 years and a chapel itself that predates the highway by four decades. KSMU radio, a PBS station in the area, posted a story about the Methodist congregation there, which dates to the … Continue reading Yeakley Chapel west of Springfield predates Route 66 by about 40 years
Heavy rain causes water damage in lobby, rotunda of Gillioz Theatre in Springfield
The historic Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, Missouri, sustained water damage in its lobby and rotunda after a recent rainstorm, and officials are trying to assess the extent of the problem. Geoff Steele, executive director of the nearly century-old theatre, talked to KY3 in Springfield: ... According to Steele, the Gillioz had never faced Mother … Continue reading Heavy rain causes water damage in lobby, rotunda of Gillioz Theatre in Springfield
Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, just a few days ago launched an exhibit called "Order Up: The Restaurants of Route 66." The exhibit was made public shortly before this weekend's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield. According to the Springfield News-Leader, it features a variety of eateries -- past … Continue reading Springfield history museum launches exhibit about Route 66 restaurants
Rockwood Motor Court to relight a replica of its original neon sign on Aug. 13
The Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, will host a relighting ceremony on Aug. 13 for a replica of its original neon sign. The Route 66 motel didn't specify a time, but sunset that day will be at 8:07 p.m. local time, with darkness occurring about 30 minutes after that. Keep in mind that darkness … Continue reading Rockwood Motor Court to relight a replica of its original neon sign on Aug. 13
Casper’s Diner to move out of downtown Quonset hut into another location
The historic Casper's Diner, located for decades in a Quonset hut in downtown Springfield, Missouri, is moving to another location near a prominent alignment of Route 66. The Springfield News-Leader reported the restaurant will move from 601 W. Walnut St. and reopen in the old Anton's Coffee Shop building on 937 S. Glenstone Ave. in … Continue reading Casper’s Diner to move out of downtown Quonset hut into another location
Drury University students build a unique shelter at Revive 66 Campground in Springfield
Students from Drury University earlier this month completed the construction of a distinctive-looking shelter at the Revive 66 campground in Springfield, Missouri. Revive 66 is a nightly stay campground for the homeless at 3839 W. Chestnut Expressway that is open to everyone, including the homeless. According to a news release from the university: The unique … Continue reading Drury University students build a unique shelter at Revive 66 Campground in Springfield
Son of Springfield Inn owner makes a documentary about motel’s sad decline
Shyam Rama, a son of the former owner of the Springfield Inn in Springfield, Missouri, has co-created a short documentary film about his childhood and his former home's sad and startlingly quick decline. A redeveloper of the Route 66 motel earlier this year announced plans to put a Whataburger restaurant and other businesses there. Rama … Continue reading Son of Springfield Inn owner makes a documentary about motel’s sad decline
Early Route 66 advocate was behind the naming of Springfield’s Glenstone Avenue
Early Route 66 advocate John T. Woodruff of Springfield, Missouri, was the man responsible for the naming of the city's Glenstone Avenue, a prominent alignment of that historic highway. That was revealed in a recent Answer Man column by Steve Pokin for the Springfield Daily Citizen, a new media outlet. Pokin also was the Answer … Continue reading Early Route 66 advocate was behind the naming of Springfield’s Glenstone Avenue
Birthplace of Route 66 Festival expanding to three days in its return from COVID-19
The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, is expanding from two to three days this summer after returning for the first time since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's festival -- the 10th -- is slated for Aug. 11-13. According to OzarksFirst.com, organizers hope to draw 70,000 to 75,000 people to … Continue reading Birthplace of Route 66 Festival expanding to three days in its return from COVID-19