The lost photos of Joplin

May 22 marked the third anniversary of the powerful tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, and changed that Route 66 city forever. I recommend you read this story from Al-Jazeera America about the Lost Photos of Joplin project, which collected more than 40,000 photographs scattered by the storm. There are lithographs of ancestors from the 1800s, … Continue reading The lost photos of Joplin

Ground broken on Birthplace of Route 66 Park

Officials in Springfield, Missouri, held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for the Birthplace of Route 66 Park as part of the College Street revitalization project. This report by KOLR-TV contains some vintage footage of Route 66 in Springfield: Officials hope to get the first stage of the park completed by the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival … Continue reading Ground broken on Birthplace of Route 66 Park

‘Mad Men’ re-creates Burger Chef along Route 66

The AMC television series "Mad Men" last week ended an episode with several of its characters dining at a Burger Chef restaurant. For a drama that takes place during the 1960s, it was appropriate to stage a scene in one of that era's quintessential burger chains. To accomplish this, the show's creators used a former Burger … Continue reading ‘Mad Men’ re-creates Burger Chef along Route 66

Devil’s Elbow Bridge reopens to traffic

The historic Devil's Elbow Bridge along Route 66 in Devil's Elbow, Missouri, reopened to traffic Thursday -- three months early -- after much-needed repairs were completed. The blog of Pulaski County Tourism Bureau has the details of the unannounced reopening: Pulaski County Commissioner Gene Newkirk noted that the first vehicles to cross the bridge were … Continue reading Devil’s Elbow Bridge reopens to traffic

Tucumcari considers offering abandoned property to businesses at low cost

The Quay County Sun newspaper reported a county commissioner is proposing that Tucumcari, New Mexico, essentially give away abandoned property to businesses. Under the plan, the city would make some abandoned properties and buildings it owns available to new or expanding business at low or no cost, thus providing an incentive for businesses to grow or locate … Continue reading Tucumcari considers offering abandoned property to businesses at low cost

Arizona publishes travel guide for electric vehicle drivers

The Arizona Office of Tourism launched an Electric Vehicle Travel Guide that includes tours on Route 66, according to a story on HybridCars.com. AOT’s Electric Vehicle Travel Guide is said to be tailored specifically for all-electric vehicle travelers and filled with valuable, downloadable travel information. The AOT said the guide provides multiple suggested itineraries that combine statewide destinations … Continue reading Arizona publishes travel guide for electric vehicle drivers

Route 66 Bridge makes Missouri Preservation’s Most Endangered List

The Route 66 Bridge at Route 66 State Park near Eureka, Missouri, made Missouri Preservation's Most Endangered Historic Places list for 2014, according to a news release Tuesday. The Diamonds Cafe, aka the Tri-County Truck Stop, also on Route 66 in Villa Ridge, also made the preservation group's Watched list for 2014. Here's what the … Continue reading Route 66 Bridge makes Missouri Preservation’s Most Endangered List

Route 66 Cares distributes money to tornado-stricken towns

Route 66 Cares, an offshoot of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce, on Sunday distributed more than $1,500 from donations and fundraisers to the tornado-ravaged towns of Quapaw, Oklahoma, and Baxter Springs, Kansas. The Red Ball Bar & Grill in Baxter Springs provided especially stout support. A benefit pancake breakfast raised almost $750. The first check presentation of $1,265 … Continue reading Route 66 Cares distributes money to tornado-stricken towns

Filmmaker is shooting documentary about “The Grapes of Wrath”

Filmmaker P.J. Palmer of (twenty)2 films is making a documentary movie about John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" novel after acquiring official rights from the Steinbeck estate, according to a news release. The new documentary "The Grapes of Wrath: We Shall Overcome" began filming in New York City last month interviewing James Franco, who is currently … Continue reading Filmmaker is shooting documentary about “The Grapes of Wrath”

Albuquerque closes in on Route 66 revitalization plan

KOB-TV reports that the city of Albuquerque is "one step closer" to implementing a proposal revitalization plan for Route 66. Here's the station's report: A key excerpt from the report: An in-depth draft of the plan details what's ahead, including preservation of historic motels and milestones, financial perks for developers who build homes and shops … Continue reading Albuquerque closes in on Route 66 revitalization plan