Restoration of Herring Hotel paused amid owner’s bankruptcy filing

The restoration of the historic but long-abandoned Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo, Texas, appears to be on hold indefinitely after its owner filed for bankruptcy this month. According to the Amarillo Globe-News, the Herring Hotel Development Company LLC filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on March 5. That's about three years after the company purchased … Continue reading Restoration of Herring Hotel paused amid owner’s bankruptcy filing

What in the world is going on with the New Mexico Route 66 Association?

The question in that headline isn't easy to answer right now. Nor is it easy to answer these related questions: Who is in charge of the association? Why are there two Facebook pages for the association? What's happening with the big project in Tucumcari regarding the association and the Fast TV Network? What's happening with … Continue reading What in the world is going on with the New Mexico Route 66 Association?

Renovations of Old Courthouse in St. Louis get an additional $17 million

Renovations of the iconic Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis received another boost last week when the federal government announced another $17 million in funding. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the additional funds will pay for work on the courthouse’s upper floors and exterior, including the dome. The repairs … Continue reading Renovations of Old Courthouse in St. Louis get an additional $17 million

Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year

Jamil's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, located on Route 66 just north of the Oklahoma Capitol, is marking its 60th year this year. Jamil's is one of the last few surviving Lebanese steakhouses in Oklahoma. Many Lebanese immigrated to the Sooner State during its oil boom days of the 1920s and brought their cuisine with them. … Continue reading Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year

Boots Court Foundation receives award from Carthage Historic Preservation

The Boots Court Foundation received the Golden Hammer award from Carthage (Mo.) Historic Preservation for its work in preserving the Route 66 motel. The organization also honored the Phelps Country House -- the first time it gave out two awards in one year. Steve Wagner, co-chairman of the preservation group, talked to the Joplin Globe … Continue reading Boots Court Foundation receives award from Carthage Historic Preservation

Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct

A drive-through Route 66 shield is being constructed on Old Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, between the historic Front Street Bridge and the downtown area. The Joplin Globe in nearby Joplin, Missouri, had the details: Dale Oglesby, owner of B&B Discount and a former mayor of Galena, provided a large forklift to move the frame … Continue reading Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct

Gemini Giant sells at auction for $275,000, will stay in Wilmington

The landmark Gemini Giant fiberglass statue at the closed Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois, was sold at auction Wednesday for $275,000, and the mayor announced it will remain in town at a different location. Grafe Auctions didn't reveal the buyer, citing its privacy policy. However, the City of Wilmington hours later revealed in … Continue reading Gemini Giant sells at auction for $275,000, will stay in Wilmington

Astronaut Tom Stafford dies at 93; air and space museum in Weatherford is named after him

Thomas P. Stafford, an Oklahoma-born astronaut who was on several space missions, including to the moon, died Monday in Florida at age 93. Stafford also has an excellent air and space museum named after him along Route 66 in his hometown of Weatherford. Stafford, who began his career as a test pilot, was aboard Gemini … Continue reading Astronaut Tom Stafford dies at 93; air and space museum in Weatherford is named after him

Professional eaters to compete in fudge-eating competition at Uranus Missouri

Uranus Missouri, no stranger to novel ways to promote the complex, has a new one in store this month -- the inaugural Eating Uranus Fudge Galactic Championship at 1 p.m. March 30 featuring a host of competitors from the Major League Eating circuit. The contest will take place at Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store … Continue reading Professional eaters to compete in fudge-eating competition at Uranus Missouri

Oklahoma Route 66 Association wants plans altered for rehabbing Ribbon Road

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is asking fans of Route 66 and Oklahoma history to lend their voice to an effort to preserve the Ribbon Road, a unique stretch of the famous highway in Ottawa County. “We agree that the road needs to be rehabilitated,” said Rhys Martin, president of the association. “With the centennial … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association wants plans altered for rehabbing Ribbon Road