A fire on Thursday damaged the Dazy Courts Apartments and Sleeping Rooms, formerly a motel just off Route 66, in Carthage, Missouri. KOAM-TV reported several people were treated for smoke inhalation, and one was taken to a hospital. The fire affected the north side of the complex, which contained six units. The south side was … Continue reading Fire damages Dazy Courts Apartments in Carthage; injuries reported
Category: History
El Camino Motor Hotel in north of Albuquerque goes up for sale
The historic El Camino Motor Hotel, located along the older alignment of Route 66 north of Albuquerque, has been placed on the market for $2.5 million. The motel actually is located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, a small village north of Albuquerque. Albuquerque Business First (subscription required) reports the motel went on the market in … Continue reading El Camino Motor Hotel in north of Albuquerque goes up for sale
Longtime owner of Westside Lilo’s Cafe in Seligman dies
Lilo Russell, a German native who owned the landmark Westside Lilo's Cafe along Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona, for decades, has died. She was 83. Russell's death was announced on Monday on several Route 66 groups on social media, including the restaurant itself: Here's a video made by a traveler a few years ago who … Continue reading Longtime owner of Westside Lilo’s Cafe in Seligman dies
Wildfires destroy Will Rogers’ historic California home
Wildfires on Tuesday night destroyed the historic California home of Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers within the Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. More fires broke out on the northern edge of Los Angeles on Wednesday night. Travel along Route 66 in that region is discouraged, and many motels … Continue reading Wildfires destroy Will Rogers’ historic California home
Jimmy Carter visited Elk City twice
Jimmy Carter twice visited the Route 66 town of Elk City, Oklahoma, during the 1970s, including once when he was U.S. president. Carter, who served one term as U.S. commander-in-chief before embarking on an impactful and dignified post-presidential career, died on Dec. 29 at age 100. News9 in Oklahoma City recently published a story about … Continue reading Jimmy Carter visited Elk City twice
A 1959 Christmas card from Snortin’ Norton
If you want a Route 66-themed Christmas card, you could do much worse than this one issued in 1959 for Campbell 66 Express trucking company based out of Springfield, Missouri. Richard Crabtree posted the image on the Springfield, Missouri History, Landmarks & Vintage photography page on Facebook. The camel called Snortin' Norton (with the motto … Continue reading A 1959 Christmas card from Snortin’ Norton
Route 66 in Williams was bypassed 40 years ago
The town of Williams, Arizona, was the last Route 66 town to be bypassed by the interstate 40 years ago. The actual date was on Oct. 13, 1984, when 500 people gathered at Interstate 40's new Grand Canyon Boulevard exit to mark the assumed end of the highway. Bobby Troup, who wrote the immortal song … Continue reading Route 66 in Williams was bypassed 40 years ago
Promoter wants to buy Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, turn it into a music venue
A Tulsa-based music promoter wants to buy the closed Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City and transform it into a live music venue. Mike Brown, president of Kismet Koncerts, has requested $3 million in public assistance for the project, reported The Oklahoman (subscription required). The money would come from tax-increment financing. Kismet owns and operates … Continue reading Promoter wants to buy Gold Dome in Oklahoma City, turn it into a music venue
Claremore to host Andy Payne Route 66 Race in April
The Route 66 town of Claremore, Oklahoma, will host the Andy Payne Route 66 Race 5K and fun run on the morning of April 12 as part of the highway's centennial celebrations. The Claremore Daily Progress reports that proceeds from the race will benefit the Claremore Museum of History. Those who sign up by March … Continue reading Claremore to host Andy Payne Route 66 Race in April
Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66
Trader Vic's, a famed Polynesian restaurant chain that dates back at least 70 years, is returning to Southern California next year with a location on Route 66. The famed Trader Vic's at the Beverly Hilton closed in 2007, but a new one is slated to open in West Hollywood, reported Los Angeles Magazine. Rhett Rosen, … Continue reading Trader Vic’s returning to Southern California next year, this time on Route 66