City leaders of Baxter Springs, Kansas, on Monday held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to mark the completion of the enormous "The Baxter Springs Historical Mural" that features Route 66 and other touchstones of the city's past. A meet-the-artists event for the father-and-son team of A.J. and Jordan Wood also will be held from 10 a.m. to … Continue reading New, history-themed mural dedicated in Baxter Springs
Category: History
Quinta Scott, contributor to two prominent Route 66 books, dies at 83
Quinta Scott, a historian and photographer of Route 66 years before the highway's renaissance that started in the 1990s, died on Sept. 24. She was 83. Her obituary states: As a celebrated photographer and author, her work left an indelible mark on the world of art and storytelling. Through her lens and her words, she … Continue reading Quinta Scott, contributor to two prominent Route 66 books, dies at 83
Acquaintances seek to keep open Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton
A longtime friend and a family member aim to keep Henry's Rabbit Ranch along old Route 66 in Staunton, Illinois, going through at least the highway's centennial in 2026. Bob Caldieraro, who knew founder Rich Henry for decades, said he and Henry's sister, Michelle, reopened Henry's Rabbit Ranch about two weeks after his death at … Continue reading Acquaintances seek to keep open Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton
The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier marks 25 years; restaurant dates back more than a century
The Lobster, right next to the iconic Santa Monica Pier neon sign, recently marked the 25th anniversary of its rebirth, though the seafood restaurant itself dates back more than a century. To celebrate the milestone, The Lobster will showcase a special menu during National Seafood Month in October, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press. … Continue reading The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier marks 25 years; restaurant dates back more than a century
Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2025
The Route 66 Association of Illinois seeks nominees for the 2025 induction into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame. The association began recognizing people and places along Route 66 almost 35 years ago The Hall of Fame honors “those people and places along Route 66 whose blend of hardy individualism and grassroots community spirit … Continue reading Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2025
Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla will close for good on Sept. 30
We've known for a few weeks the historic Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Missouri, would close this fall. Now we have a firm date: The Totem Pole will shutter for good on Sept. 30. The Phelps County Focus published a story about the imminent retirement of longtime owners Tim and Alice Jones, who have … Continue reading Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla will close for good on Sept. 30
Restoration work begins on century-old jail in El Reno
Renovation work recently started on the century-old Canadian County Jail in El Reno, Oklahoma, so it eventually can reopen as a museum. Preservation El Reno, a nonprofit organization, is busy replacing the stone building's roof before starting on interior work, according to KOCO-TV in nearby Oklahoma City. The station reported: The estimated million-dollar project is … Continue reading Restoration work begins on century-old jail in El Reno
Jamil’s Steakhouse in Tulsa moving to a new location
Jamil's, one of the last of the old Lebanese-American steakhouses in Tulsa, is moving from 51st Street to the Farm Shopping Center in the city. The Tulsa World reported the change in locations will occur later this year. Jamil's Steakhouse announced its imminent move a couple of weeks ago. Jamil's will be in the former … Continue reading Jamil’s Steakhouse in Tulsa moving to a new location
Jobe’s Drive-In restaurant in El Reno reopens for first time in nearly a decade
Jobe's Drive-In, a Route 66 restaurant in El Reno, Oklahoma, for over 60 years, recently reopened for the first time in nearly a decade. The restaurant, which dates to 1958, has been renamed Jobe's Country Boy Drive-In. Here's an image from its grand reopening a few weeks ago: Local contractor Eric Hughes, a fan of … Continue reading Jobe’s Drive-In restaurant in El Reno reopens for first time in nearly a decade
Arizona Libraries receives grant to digitize old newspapers along Route 66 corridor
Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, with the University of Arizona Libraries, recently landed a $319,588 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to digitize 100,000 pages of historical Arizona newspapers, especially along Route 66. According to Hoodline.com: In anticipation of Route 66's centennial in 2026, the project has set its sights on … Continue reading Arizona Libraries receives grant to digitize old newspapers along Route 66 corridor