HBO has released on its Max streaming platform a new documentary about the 1995 bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, the worst act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. "An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th" was released Tuesday. Here is the trailer: https://youtu.be/lZ1DlykhLAo?si=_u5SFCwq_IOLk8p4 Katie Couric, executive producer of the film and … Continue reading New documentary released on HBO about the Oklahoma City bombing
Category: History
Several Oklahoma organizations with Route 66 ties awarded preservation grants
The Oklahoma Historical Society awarded 37 entities a total of $520,000 in grants this year, including several with Route 66 ties. We mentioned yesterday the Totum Pole Park near Foyil received a $20,000 grant to help restore its Fiddle House. Here are the rest of them that are relevant to Route 66: Friends of the … Continue reading Several Oklahoma organizations with Route 66 ties awarded preservation grants
Totem Pole Park near Foyil lands new directors, $20,000 grant
The landmark Totem Pole Park near Foyil, Oklahoma, recently received new directors, plus a $20,000 grant to restore its Fiddle House. The Claremore Daily Progress reports Wes and Jennifer Cantwell are the park's new overseers, replacing the retiring David and Patsy Anderson after 14 years. The Cantwells grew up just a few miles from the … Continue reading Totem Pole Park near Foyil lands new directors, $20,000 grant
Did another Blue Swallow Motel exist near Shamrock, Texas?
Many, many Route 66 enthusiasts know about the landmark Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Smithsonian Magazine once called the 1939 establishment "the last, best and friendliest of the old-time motels." But the Texas Old Route 66 Association recently went through the files of longtime Texas Route 66er Delbert Trew and found an intriguing … Continue reading Did another Blue Swallow Motel exist near Shamrock, Texas?
Former Pour Richard’s in Odell now is Hobart’s on Tremont restaurant
Longtime roadies may remember the Pour Richard's restaurant and bar in downtown Odell, Illinois, a hangout for tourists after they checked out the landmark Odell Station and the former pedestrian tunnel under Route 66 in town. It's now the Hobart's on Tremont establishment, according to a story in the Bloomington Pantagraph. Because it's in a … Continue reading Former Pour Richard’s in Odell now is Hobart’s on Tremont restaurant
Progressively warmer winters affect harvest at Funks Grove Maple Sirup
CBS News in Chicago recently did a story about Funks Grove Maple Sirup in Shirley, Illinois, and how repeatedly warmer winters are shortening the sap flow of the family farm's maple trees. The gist is that climate change definitely is affecting Funks Grove's annual harvest. https://youtu.be/N6OKuhKXwZA?si=mBzoSoN9uBL6hNwy Funks Grove tends to sell out of its maple … Continue reading Progressively warmer winters affect harvest at Funks Grove Maple Sirup
Clines Corners marking its 90th anniversary
The venerable Clines Corners convenience store, restaurant and trading post about halfway between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque is marking its 90th year in operation this year. The anniversary was duly noted by a photo essay in the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper over the weekend. TheRoute_66.com website contains this history of the place: Roy E. … Continue reading Clines Corners marking its 90th anniversary
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