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

Puzzle features work of late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire

A new creation by the Hart Puzzles company features a collage of the work of deceased Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. Waldmire's brother Buz flagged the company's offering: The 1,000-piece puzzle can be ordered directly here for $24.99. Bob Waldmire, a self-avowed hippie who also was the unofficial inspiration to Fillmore in the movie “Cars,” died in … Continue reading Puzzle features work of late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire

Munger Moss Motel founders among those going into Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame

A husband and wife team who moved the Munger Moss restaurant to Lebanon, Missouri, and built a famous motel of the same name were among those who will be inducted into the 2025 Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame. Pete and Jessie Hudson moved the Munger Moss Sandwich Shop from Devils Elbow, Missouri, to … Continue reading Munger Moss Motel founders among those going into Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame

Joel Baker to appear at American Giants Museum on Nov. 2-3

The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, announced Joel Baker of American Giants LLC will be the volunteer docent at the museum from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 and from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 3. Baker, who lives in Colorado and doesn't get to Illinois often, also will speak at the … Continue reading Joel Baker to appear at American Giants Museum on Nov. 2-3

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

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

Ted Drewes Jr., longtime owner of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, dies at 96

Ted Drewes Jr., the longtime proprietor of the iconic Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, died Monday, according to several media outlets in the St. Louis region. He was 96. Ted Jr. and his son-in-law, Travis Family members confirmed his death Wednesday to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Here's a Buzzfeed video from a few … Continue reading Ted Drewes Jr., longtime owner of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, dies at 96

Rich Henry, longtime owner of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, dies

Rich Henry, owner of the landmark Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, died suddenly Friday, according to locals and Route 66 enthusiasts who knew him well. An exact age for Henry wasn't available, though he listed on his Facebook page he graduated from high school in 1965. That would put his age in his mid-70s. … Continue reading Rich Henry, longtime owner of Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, dies