Rudy Gonzales, who handpainted signs large and small for more than a half-century along Route 66 in New Mexico, died on April 21. He was 90. A rosary and memorial Mass for Gonzales will be held Friday at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Tucumcari, according to his obituary. Route 66 News published a feature about … Continue reading Rudy Gonzales, last of the old-time sign painters, dies at 90
Category: Art
Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo
The Texas Old Route 66 Association announced last week the Bug Ranch installation in Conway, Texas, will be moved near the Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo. The association stated in a Facebook post: So happy our Association worked with Mrs Crutchfield the Conway location owner and Bobby Lee of the Big Texan, Who stepped … Continue reading Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo
City of Albuquerque applies for $500,000 grant to build a Route 66 gateway on its east side
The City Council of Albuquerque recently approved an application to New Mexico's tourism department for a $500,000 grant to build a Route 66-themed gateway on the east side of town. The resolution notes the gateway would be similar to a west-side structure at 64th Street and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), and that the east … Continue reading City of Albuquerque applies for $500,000 grant to build a Route 66 gateway on its east side
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
City of Chandler to build a park next to Route 66 Interpretive Center
The City of Chandler, Oklahoma, announced last week it would build a new park next to the Route 66 Interpretive Center, including a "66 Man" statue developed by resident and Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan. The city stated in a Facebook post it had been awarded $650,000 from the state's Route 66 grant program for … Continue reading City of Chandler to build a park next to Route 66 Interpretive Center
City of Tulsa to try again to develop area near Route 66 and the Arkansas River
The City of Tulsa once again is issuing requests for proposals to develop a Route 66 roadside attraction, development and an interactive experience near the Arkansas River. One of the requests for 815 S. Riverside Drive is on the city's website. This area is known as Cry Baby Hill, coined by spectators and participants in … Continue reading City of Tulsa to try again to develop area near Route 66 and the Arkansas River
New Mexico Route 66 Association unveils centennial logo
The New Mexico Route 66 Association recently unveiled an official logo commemorating the upcoming centennial of Route 66. According to the association's newsletter to members, the logo was designed by Darryl Willison. "Keep your eyes peeled for exclusive merchandise featuring this stunning design, coming soon!" the association stated. Route 66 will mark 100 years in … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association unveils centennial logo
O’Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City is celebrating its 118th year this Friday
O'Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City, Illinois, will be serving complimentary food and drinks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 15 to mark its 118th year in business. That's not a typo. Yes, the shop at O'Brien Tire at 3924 Nameoki Road (aka Route 66) has been around for nearly 120 years. … Continue reading O’Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City is celebrating its 118th year this Friday
Illinois announces seven grants for projects along Route 66
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity this week announced seven awards, totaling $3.3 million, through the Route 66 Grant Program. This funding is intended to boost local tourism and attract visitors to Route 66, leading up to the 100th anniversary of the highway in 2026, according to a … Continue reading Illinois announces seven grants for projects along Route 66
Hemmings publishes a feature on Route 66 artist and researcher Jerry McClanahan
Hemmings.com, an offshoot of the popular magazine devoted to classic cars, recently published a feature on longtime Route 66 artist, author and researcher Jerry McClanahan. McClanahan runs a gallery of his artwork, called McJerry's Route 66 Art Gallery, a short distance from Route 66 in Chandler, Oklahoma, where he regularly welcomes visitors. He recently published … Continue reading Hemmings publishes a feature on Route 66 artist and researcher Jerry McClanahan