The Springfield, Missouri, Convention and Visitors Bureau recently published an in-depth look at Guy Mace and his Route 66 Car Museum. Mace owns about 75 vintage and celebrity vehicles in the museum at 1634 W. College St. (aka Route 66) in Springfield. It opened in 2016. The article goes into Mace's origin story: The foundation … Continue reading Springfield tourism bureau takes a closer look at Guy Mace’s Route 66 Car Museum
Category: People
Owner and operator of Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe in Victorville dies
Brian Gentry, the owner and operator of Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe along Route 66 in Victorville, California, has died. He was 58. According to a report in the Daily Press of Victorville, Gentry died peacefully on July 3. His life will be celebrated from 2 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 3, followed by a … Continue reading Owner and operator of Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe in Victorville dies
“Impossible Interviews” video series interviews Route 66 itself
Longtime readers probably know of Roberto Rossi, a Route 66 enthusiast in Italy who published "Route 66: An American Myth" (review here) in 2017. Rossi now has started an "Impossible Interviews" series where he interviews Route 66 itself. https://youtu.be/5whmWFwcsVc?si=sR3LwK4Nn8Kb-nIg The ol' highway obviously can't talk, nor is it a sentient being. (Its voice, by the way, … Continue reading “Impossible Interviews” video series interviews Route 66 itself
A look at the Rock Cafe in Stroud 20 years ago
Dawn Welch, owner of the historic Rock Cafe in Stroud, Oklahoma, flagged this video from 2004 created by Jack Frank. Welch said it was just six years into her ownership. My mother has passed and this may be the only video recorded of her helping at the cafe. She literally taught me how to cook … Continue reading A look at the Rock Cafe in Stroud 20 years ago
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremores likely will close for full remodeling in early 2026
The director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, said the facility likely would close in January 2026 for a full remodeling project, then reopen by that spring. Museum director Tad Jones gave the Claremore Progress newspaper some details: Jones, who has been museum director since 2014, said plans to renovate every exhibit … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremores likely will close for full remodeling in early 2026
Vintage Cowgirl at Wrink’s Market is closing permanently on July 13
The Vintage Cowgirl at Wrink's Market in Lebanon, Missouri, announced on Facebook it was closing permanently after 8 p.m. Saturday. It's the second closure of the historic Route 66 business since its founder and longtime operator died in 2005. "We have cherished every moment serving you and the community," the post from the business stated. … Continue reading Vintage Cowgirl at Wrink’s Market is closing permanently on July 13
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum to host Route 66 Hall of Fame induction, new exhibit
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma, later this month will host its biannual Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, plus a new photo exhibit by a current Route 66 advocate. The free ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on July 27, though the museum itself at 2229 W. Gary Blvd. (aka … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Museum to host Route 66 Hall of Fame induction, new exhibit
Duarte Historical Society to honor the Hellers when it dedicates Route 66 Room on June 30
The Duarte Historical Society & Museum in Duarte, California, will honor Claudia and Alan Heller when it dedicates a new Route 66 Room on June 30. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported the ceremony will be at 3 p.m. that day at the historical society's museum at 777 Encanto Parkway (map here). Claudia Heller was … Continue reading Duarte Historical Society to honor the Hellers when it dedicates Route 66 Room on June 30
Former Boots Court motel manager Deborah “Debbie Dee” Real dies
Deborah "Debbie Dee" Real, a manager for the Boots Court motel in Carthage, Missouri, during a key time in its revival, has died. She was 73. Real regularly greeted overnight visitors in the Route 66 motel's front office when Deb Harvey and her sister, Priscilla Bledsaw, owned it. The sisters oversaw improvements to the motel, … Continue reading Former Boots Court motel manager Deborah “Debbie Dee” Real dies
Special online screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey,” live Q&A set for June 6
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced a special online screening featuring an announcement and discussion with filmmaker John Paget about his forthcoming Route 66 centennial film and the premiere of a newly remastered HD version of his acclaimed 1994 documentary "Route 66: An American Odyssey." The free online event will take place at 5 … Continue reading Special online screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey,” live Q&A set for June 6