Missouri-based 66 Roadies Press has published three historical novels set on Route 66 from author, artist and preservationist Jamie Jessop. They're part of the Mother Road Mysteries series. "The stories use maps, signs, ledgers, photographs and preservation history as fictional evidence while clearly separating invented crimes and characters from real landmarks and people," Jessop stated … Continue reading Take a fictional road trip with these three Route 66 historical novels
“The Atomic Age of Route 66” is this month’s entry of the Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
Filmmaker and historian Katrina Parks will present "The Atomic Age of Route 66" as part of this month's Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series. The free, online presentation will be held live at 2 p.m. Eastern time, or 11 a.m. Pacific. on Aug. 13. Registration is here. More about the event: "The Atomic Age on Route … Continue reading “The Atomic Age of Route 66” is this month’s entry of the Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
New owners of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton pledge to reopen it this fall
Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, will reopen sometime this fall after it acquired new, locally based owners who want to largely preserve the Route 66 landmark. The future of the destination looked dim after the unexpected death in August 2024 of its longtime owner, Rich Henry, at the age of 77. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch … Continue reading New owners of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton pledge to reopen it this fall
Fire destroys west wing of Route 66 Inn motel in Santa Rosa
An early morning fire last week gutted the west wing of the Route 66 Inn motel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. The Santa Rosa Fire Department posted this photo from the scene at 1818 Historic Route 66: KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reports that the rest of the motel was undamaged and remains open for business. No … Continue reading Fire destroys west wing of Route 66 Inn motel in Santa Rosa
Shamrock Court Motel in Springfield, Missouri, is torn down
The troubled Shamrock Court Motel in Springfield, Missouri, met the wrecking ball this week, according to several local Route 66 enthusiasts. Jaxson Priest said on the Historic Route 66 group on Facebook that the property at 2238 W. College St. (aka Route 66) had been in terrible shape due to neglect and squatters. The City … Continue reading Shamrock Court Motel in Springfield, Missouri, is torn down
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launches family activity book
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway invites families to experience the Mother Road in a fun and interactive way with the launch of its new "Color Your Way Down Route 66" activity book. Developed by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway in partnership with Ace Sign Company and illustrated by Macie Wright, a Millikin University student and graduate … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launches family activity book
City of St. Robert is tearing down the Alpine Haus motel
On Thursday morning, the City of St. Robert, Missouri, began razing the distinctive but troubled Alpine Haus motel along Route 66. The city hopes that clearing the vacant property would lead to other development, according to a city news release. Residents driving by over the next several days may notice that the front of the … Continue reading City of St. Robert is tearing down the Alpine Haus motel
Restored Ozark Court neon sign will soon be moved to Joplin Expo site
The recently restored neon sign for the long-closed Ozark Court motel near St. Clair, Missouri, will soon be moved to the Joplin Expo in Joplin, Missouri. KSHB-TV in Kansas City recently paid a visit to Fossil Forge sign company in nearby Lee's Summit, Missouri, that was restoring the sign. Rich Dinkela, past president of the … Continue reading Restored Ozark Court neon sign will soon be moved to Joplin Expo site
John Paget’s “Route 66: The Main Street of America” full-length documentary to begin screenings on Sept. 1
"Route 66: The Main Street of America," a documentary by award-winning filmmaker John Paget, begins its roadshow on Sept. 1 in Chicago, the starting point of Route 66. This rolling premiere will travel more than 2,400 miles through all eight of Route 66's states, concluding in Los Angeles on Nov. 7. The Main Street of … Continue reading John Paget’s “Route 66: The Main Street of America” full-length documentary to begin screenings on Sept. 1
The Church Studio in Tulsa opens new exhibit exploring the music of Route 66
As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, The Church Studio in Tulsa has opened a new exhibit exploring the Oklahoma music and musicians that traveled along America’s most famous highway. “One for the Road: Oklahoma Music and Route 66” fills The Church Studio’s revolving exhibit wall and continues into newly developed exhibit space along the … Continue reading The Church Studio in Tulsa opens new exhibit exploring the music of Route 66