Blaine Davis, longtime caretaker of Catoosa’s Blue Whale, dies

Blaine Davis, the longtime caretaker of the landmark Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, during a critical time in its history, has died. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced his death on Wednesday. Many will say Blaine's father built the Blue Whale, which is true. But Blaine was a giant in his own right. He helped … Continue reading Blaine Davis, longtime caretaker of Catoosa’s Blue Whale, dies

Route 66 author T. Lindsay Baker dies in accident during Route 66 Centennial Caravan

T. Lindsay Baker, a historian and author of two Route 66-themed books, died Thursday morning in an accident on Interstate 40 near Flagstaff, Arizona, while participating in the Route 66 Centennial Caravan as a Texas representative. He was 79. The Texas Old Route 66 Association stated in a Facebook post that Baker had been driving … Continue reading Route 66 author T. Lindsay Baker dies in accident during Route 66 Centennial Caravan

Taylor’s Dairy Joy in Lebanon closes after more than 60 years

Taylor's Dairy Joy restaurant in Lebanon, Missouri, announced its closure in late May, a few weeks after the owners put the business up for sale. The Facebook account for the restaurant stated: Its been a long 60yrs and it it bittersweet, but after a great time in the Lebanon Community, Taylors Dairy Joy is closed. … Continue reading Taylor’s Dairy Joy in Lebanon closes after more than 60 years

Relighting ceremony held for Munger Moss Motel’s neon sign

The City of Lebanon, Missouri, held a relighting ceremony on June 1 for its restored neon sign once owned by the Munger Moss Motel. June 1 was the anniversary that longtime owners Bob and Ramona Lehman, both now deceased, purchased the Route 66 property in 1971. About 100 people attended the ceremony 55 years later. … Continue reading Relighting ceremony held for Munger Moss Motel’s neon sign

Organizers to issue refunds for all who registered for Route 66 Capital Cruise

Tulsa Route 66 Commission and Tulsa Regional Tourism announced they would issue base refunds for all those who registered for the Route 66 Capital Cruise after hundreds were unable to participate in the parade. Refunds will be issued even to those who were in the parade. The refund checks will be mailed, and most participants will … Continue reading Organizers to issue refunds for all who registered for Route 66 Capital Cruise

Lynn “Lulu” Bagdon, longtime Illinois Route 66 advocate, dies at 69

Lynn "Lulu" Bagdon, a devoted member of the Illinois Route 66 Association for over 20 years, died last month in Hebron, Indiana. She was 69. Bagdon, who even worked at a Route 66-based restaurant in the Chicagoland area for a time, frequently attended Route 66 gatherings across the country until poor health curtailed her activities … Continue reading Lynn “Lulu” Bagdon, longtime Illinois Route 66 advocate, dies at 69

Meteor Crater’s new floor tour offers visitors a chance to walk in the path of astronauts

Meteor Crater in eastern Arizona is offering a new way to experience the massive landmark. According to the latest edition of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona newsletter, visitors can follow the path taken by training U.S. astronauts to the bottom of the crater. Every Saturday morning, guided hikes will follow the route taken … Continue reading Meteor Crater’s new floor tour offers visitors a chance to walk in the path of astronauts

Ceremonial relighting held for West Winds Motel’s neon sign in Erick

Folks in Erick, Oklahoma, held a relighting ceremony on Friday for the previously long-dark neon sign at the closed West Winds Motel. The sign had been restored and has been operating nightly since April. The ceremony last week served as more of a celebration. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, was there … Continue reading Ceremonial relighting held for West Winds Motel’s neon sign in Erick

Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas to headline Route 66 Centennial Celebration at Route 66 Motorheads

Legendary rock band Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas will go knee deep in the hoopla and headline the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on Nov. 11 at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex in Springfield, Illinois. As part of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Statewide Conference and Route 66 Centennial Celebration, the day will culminate in an evening concert inside the Motordome, bringing arena-level rock to the heart … Continue reading Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas to headline Route 66 Centennial Celebration at Route 66 Motorheads

Oklahoma Route 66 centennial license plate now available, will help with association’s efforts

A new Oklahoma Route 66 centennial license plate is available to reserve, and proceeds will go toward the Oklahoma Route 66 Association's preservation and tourism efforts. One hundred prepaid signups for the plate are required before they are produced. If interested, you should fill this form, print it and mail it to Service Oklahoma with … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 centennial license plate now available, will help with association’s efforts