Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy

A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times (via AOL) published a lengthy story about how the son of the late Albert Okura, owner of the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, is trying to keep that dream alive. The story by Alex Wigglesworth is worth reading in its entirety. But a few nuggets stand … Continue reading Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy

Camp Cajon volunteers erect Route 66 directional signpost

Volunteers for Camp Cajon monument in Southern California last month added a new photo-op at the historic site — a directional signpost that lists mileages to numerous cities on Route 66. According to history columnist Mark Landis of the San Bernardino County Sun: Designed as a nostalgic reminder of historic mileage signposts on early highways, … Continue reading Camp Cajon volunteers erect Route 66 directional signpost

What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?

Hemmings Motor News published a valuable story with the headline “What’s behind the push to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail?” that provides a lot of background behind the initiative. It appears the story was prompted by Mobil 1’s current “Keep Route 66 Kickin'” tour, which includes an online petition to support a national-trail … Continue reading What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?

New kiosk added to Camp Cajon monument site in southern California

A new informational kiosk recently was added to the Camp Cajon monument site near Phelan, California, that describes the major highways and roads that passed by the long-defunct rest area. Here’s a look at the kiosk from the camp’s Facebook account: Camp Cajon’s champions about a year ago installed a century-old, concrete picnic table at … Continue reading New kiosk added to Camp Cajon monument site in southern California

Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

The restoration of the neon sign for the closed West Winds Motel in Erick, Oklahoma, is among the $6 million in grants recently awarded by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. A list of the funds given from the state’s Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program was posted in a document on the commission’s website. Several grant … Continue reading Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently unveiled a new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 that will be installed along nearly 400 miles of the historic highway in the state. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation debuted the newly approved road sign for U.S. Bicycle Route 66 in Oklahoma. Pictured, from left, are ODOT Multimodal Division Manager Jared … Continue reading Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted

New signs on Old Route 66 near Arcadia commemorate National Register designation

Last month, Oklahoma County erected signs that marked a semi-obscure section of historic Route 66 roadbed near Arcadia, Oklahoma, and commemorated its designation to the National Register of Historic Places. Shellee Graham, who lives on the road with her husband, Route 66 researcher Jim Ross, posted a series of photos of the sign being installed: … Continue reading New signs on Old Route 66 near Arcadia commemorate National Register designation

U.S. Bicycle Trail bill in Oklahoma may face tough slog in legislature

A bill that would designate Route 66 in Oklahoma as part of the U.S. Bicycle Route faced skepticism from several lawmakers in the state legislature. According to a report in the Tulsa World, the Oklahoma Legislature’s Transportation Committee advanced the bill “reluctantly”: ODOT Director Tim Gatz and several legislators expressed concern about doing so given … Continue reading U.S. Bicycle Trail bill in Oklahoma may face tough slog in legislature

Sign at Fender’s River Road Resort shines again

The historic neon sign at Fender’s River Road Resort in Needles, California, shined again Saturday evening during a relighting ceremony. Here’s a short video posted on Facebook by the good folks from Route 66 Navigation: Jim Hinckley also hosted an hour-long Facebook Live session before the sign was fired up. Colorado photographer and videographer KC … Continue reading Sign at Fender’s River Road Resort shines again

Restored Fender’s River Road Resort sign likely will shine again June 8

The organizer of a campaign to restore the historic neon sign at Fender’s River Road Resort in Needles, California, said the sign likely will shine again the evening of June 8. KC Keefer, who led the crowdsourcing campaign to restore the sign, made the announcement on a Facebook post Thursday: In exactly one week we … Continue reading Restored Fender’s River Road Resort sign likely will shine again June 8