The National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to gather a total of 2,026 stories about Route 66 in time for the highway's centennial in 2026. "Route 66 is more than just a road; it's a tapestry of diverse cultures and histories. We want to showcase the people and places that make Route 66 special," the … Continue reading National Trust for Historic Preservation wants your Route 66 stories
Category: History
Historic Luna Mansion in Los Lunas placed on the market for $1.8 million
The 140-year-old Luna Mansion, located prominently along the original alignment of Route 66 in Los Lunas, New Mexico, has been put up for sale for $1.8 million. According to Albuquerque Business First (subscription required), the 5,400-square-foot mansion at 119 Main St. (aka Route 66) was a restaurant until it closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 … Continue reading Historic Luna Mansion in Los Lunas placed on the market for $1.8 million
Local preservation group wants to turn old El Reno jail into a museum
A local preservation group seeks to convert the old Canadian County Jail in El Reno, Oklahoma, into a museum and education center by 2026, which is Route 66's centennial. According to KOCO-TV in nearby Oklahoma City, the Preservation El Reno group's Jail Restoration Committee wants to restore the 1907 building. The group began leasing the … Continue reading Local preservation group wants to turn old El Reno jail into a museum
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
Owners of Lindy’s Diner in Albuquerque to put up for sale on New Year’s Day
Lindy's Diner, a Route 66 landmark in Albuquerque for generations, will be put on the market on Jan. 1. Co-owners Steve Vatoseow and his wife, Dawn Vatoseow, told the Albuquerque Journal they will put the Bliss Building, which houses the diner, for sale. Lindy's is at 500 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) in downtown Albuquerque. … Continue reading Owners of Lindy’s Diner in Albuquerque to put up for sale on New Year’s Day
Carol Duncan, longtime booster for Route 66 in western Oklahoma, dies at 80
Carol Duncan, a booster of Route 66 in western Oklahoma and a volunteer or officer for the Oklahoma Route 66 Association for over 30 years, died on Dec. 18 at a hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 80. She was cremated and buried next to her parents in Lawnview Cemetery in Cordell, Oklahoma. The association … Continue reading Carol Duncan, longtime booster for Route 66 in western Oklahoma, dies at 80
The two tragedies that beset the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa
Most Route 66 fans know of the fabled Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, as a popular tourist site, especially for a dip on hot summer days, and a spot for scuba-dive training. What many don't know, however, is the twin tragedies that occurred within the deep underwater caverns at the site -- one … Continue reading The two tragedies that beset the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa
Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary
The landmark Marsh Arch Bridge, aka the Rainbow Bridge or Brush Creek Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, celebrated its 100th birthday this week. According to several online sources, including the well-researched Vintage St. Louis and Route 66 page on Facebook, the bridge opened on Dec. 20, 1923 -- about three years before U.S. 66 was … Continue reading Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary
Claudia Heller, longtime columnist and Route 66 historian, dies at 79
Claudia Heller, a longtime columnist for several newspapers in Southern California and an enthusiastic Route 66 researcher, died at 79. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported she died on Dec. 11 after a lengthy illness. She and her husband of 60 years, Alan, were just a few days from each celebrating their 80th birthdays. Claudia … Continue reading Claudia Heller, longtime columnist and Route 66 historian, dies at 79
OU team to develop a living-museum experience at Threatt Filling Station near Luther
A University of Oklahoma team recently received funding from the nonprofit Oklahoma Humanities organization to develop a Route 66 Placemaking Communities Retreat that includes a living-museum experience at Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma. The team also wants to develop a Route 66-themed design experience in Hydro, Oklahoma. The efforts are being done before Route … Continue reading OU team to develop a living-museum experience at Threatt Filling Station near Luther