I remember when Vice TV's "Abandoned" episode about Route 66 first aired in 2016, but the full 43-minute program was uploaded to YouTube just a few weeks ago. The gist is two skate punks travel Route 66 from west to east, seeking assorted abandoned places to use their skateboards (natch), talk to the locals, and … Continue reading A look back at Vice TV’s “Abandoned” episode in 2016 about Route 66
Category: History
Newspaper talks to longtime owner of the doomed Diamond Inn Motel in Villa Ridge
If you have a few minutes, read this long feature in the Washington Missourian about L.B. Eckelkamp Jr., the longtime owner of the Diamond Inn Motel in Villa Ridge, Missouri. The Diamond Inn, which turned 50 years old not long ago, probably will be torn down by the time you read this. Ultimately, the motel, … Continue reading Newspaper talks to longtime owner of the doomed Diamond Inn Motel in Villa Ridge
History Museum on the Square to hold an exhibit about gas stations along Route 66
The History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Missouri, soon will launch a three-month exhibit about gas stations along Route 66. "Service with a Smile" will run at the museum from Aug. 9 to Nov. 5. It's the second of five annual exhibits featuring Route 66's history, running up to the highway's centennial in … Continue reading History Museum on the Square to hold an exhibit about gas stations along Route 66
Small building in parking lot remains a vestige of a tourist camp in Springfield, Missouri
Tucked away in a city parking lot in Springfield, Missouri, is a small stone building that serves as the last vestige of a tourist camp that served travelers for years before Route 66 was federally certified. The building once was a bathroom for the long-gone Long Memorial Park, though it's slated to be used as … Continue reading Small building in parking lot remains a vestige of a tourist camp in Springfield, Missouri
Little America Hotel in Flagstaff marks its 50th anniversary
The popular and highly praised Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona, recently marked its 50th year in business. As the Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff tells it, the hotel is the second such hotel and resort built by the Holding Family in the Little America network that originated in 1952. There now are eight such … Continue reading Little America Hotel in Flagstaff marks its 50th anniversary
Griff’s Hamburgers abruptly closes down its Albuquerque Route 66 location
Griff's Hamburgers, a small regional chain that dates back more than 60 years, announced it was shutting down its Albuquerque restaurant along Route 66 after the end of the business day on July 6. This is what the company posted on its website for the Albuquerque location at 8516 Central Ave. (aka Route 66): “After … Continue reading Griff’s Hamburgers abruptly closes down its Albuquerque Route 66 location
Video explains how part of Newberry Springs became buried under sand dunes
The Sidetrack Adventures channel on YouTube explored the Route 66 town of Newberry Springs, California, and why a good portion of it became buried under the sands of the Mojave Desert. The main reason was a neighborhood was inexplicably built on the dry riverbed of the Mojave River. What can go wrong? https://youtu.be/Ve2S2QgRPgQ Newberry Springs … Continue reading Video explains how part of Newberry Springs became buried under sand dunes
Donnay Building in OKC soon will begin reconstruction, be renamed Classen Circle
The historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City soon will undergo extensive renovations and will be renamed Classen Circle as a nod to its historic, Route 66-aligned history. NIck Preftakes and partner Caleb Hill bought the building for $1.5 million last year. The Donnay, originally built in 1949, was added on to over the years in … Continue reading Donnay Building in OKC soon will begin reconstruction, be renamed Classen Circle
Albuquerque area wants to revitalize original stretches of Route 66 before its centennial
The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County are working on a plan to revitalize the pre-1937 stretch of Route 66, also known as El Camino Real and as part of the Santa Fe Loop, before the historic highway's centennial in 2026. KRQE-TV reported: Albuquerque city councilor Klarissa Peña introduced a resolution expanding the city’s Route … Continue reading Albuquerque area wants to revitalize original stretches of Route 66 before its centennial
Threatt Filling Station gets some TLC from preservationists and volunteers
The long-closed Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, is receiving some much-needed work from preservationists and volunteers who want to see the Route 66 landmark standing for decades to come. According to KFOR-TV in nearby Oklahoma City: Now, crews from the Oklahoma Historical Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation and Guthrie Job Corps are working to preserve it. Students gain … Continue reading Threatt Filling Station gets some TLC from preservationists and volunteers