The Motel DuBeau in Flagstaff, Arizona, still is going after 95 years, and the owners hope to have its famous tower sign fully relighted by Route 66's centennial in 2026. Peter Corbett, a longtime reporter on Route 66 businesses in Arizona, recently posted a story on the motel in the Flagstaff Business News. John and … Continue reading Motel DuBeau in Flagstaff marks its 95th year
Category: History
“66 Unlimited: The Road to 100” full-length documentary begins pre-production
Film director Charles Black announced he has begun pre-production on "66 Unlimited: The Road to 100," a feature-length documentary that celebrates the highway's upcoming centennial. Black stated in a news release the film will highlight "its ongoing role as a vibrant symbol of America's resilience, community, and pioneering spirit." As we approach the 100th anniversary … Continue reading “66 Unlimited: The Road to 100” full-length documentary begins pre-production
Ariston Cafe in Litchfield wins state Centennial Award
The Ariston Cafe along Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, recently received the Centennial Award from the Illinois State Historical Society. This honor celebrates the restaurant's century-long commitment to serving the community and preserving a unique piece of Illinois heritage, according to The Journal-News. Jeff Dunn of the Illinois State Historical Society presented the award. The … Continue reading Ariston Cafe in Litchfield wins state Centennial Award
Pizza Shack in Arcadia launching a Storytelling Series
The Pizza Shack in Arcadia, Oklahoma, will host its inaugural Storytelling Series: Session One from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the restaurant's stage at 210 E. Highway 66. The restaurant is part of the former Hillbillee's complex that once operated there. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association: This first session will feature … Continue reading Pizza Shack in Arcadia launching a Storytelling Series
Springfield considering ending the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
The City of Springfield, Missouri, is considering ending its involvement with the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival or halting it entirely. The Springfield News-Leader, following up on an initial report from the Springfield Daily Citizen of about 25 businesses complaining about the festival, reported the city is considering options for the event. The Citizen … Continue reading Springfield considering ending the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
Circle Cinema in Tulsa to host free screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey” on Nov. 11
The historic Circle Cinema in Tulsa will host a rare and free screening of John Paget's film "Route 66: An American Odyssey" with a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker and the film's narrator and host, Michael Wallis. A reception will be held in the venue's lobby at 6 p.m. Nov. 11, with the screening at … Continue reading Circle Cinema in Tulsa to host free screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey” on Nov. 11
“BLVD” Cafe sign moved from closed Barstow museum to Duarte Historical Museum
The "BLVD" Cafe sign is back in the town where it once stood. The sign was on loan from the Duarte Historical Society in Duarte, California, to the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, California, for about 30 years. But after the museum closed earlier this year, Duarte historian Alan Heller recalled the sign was … Continue reading “BLVD” Cafe sign moved from closed Barstow museum to Duarte Historical Museum
Donnay Building in OKC largely being rebuilt from scratch
The historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City is almost entirely being rebuilt after its new owners decided its piecework, Frankenstein-like construction wasn't worth salvaging. The Oklahoman newspaper reports developer Nick Preftakes and partner Caleb Hill, after purchasing the property for $1.5 million, decided to gut the interior after assessing its long-ago additions, repairs and fire … Continue reading Donnay Building in OKC largely being rebuilt from scratch
Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program grants include Osterman Station
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced four cost-share grants for 2024, including to the Osterman Station in Peach Springs, Arizona, and the so-called Ski Slope House in Daggett, California. Here are the details of the grants from the Nation Park Service: -- Osterman Station rehabilitation, $30,000 grant, $30,000 cost-share match. In 1929, Swedish immigrant … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program grants include Osterman Station
Hank’s Hamburgers in Tulsa marking its 75th anniversary this weekend
Hank's Hamburgers, one of the oldest and greatest hamburger joints among many terrific ones in Tulsa, is marking its 75th anniversary this weekend. Through 7 p.m. Saturday, Hank's is offering its old-fashioned Oklahoma-style burger or a combo for 75 cents off to celebrate the milestone, reported the Tulsa World. Hank's sits at 8933 E. Admiral … Continue reading Hank’s Hamburgers in Tulsa marking its 75th anniversary this weekend