The Oklahoma City/County Historical Society and the City of Bethany, Oklahoma, recently placed a roadside marker on Route 66 to commemorate the late songwriter and singer Tommy Collins. Collins probably is best known for writing "If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin'), which was a big hit both for Faron Young and George Strait. Here's … Continue reading Roadside marker in Bethany commemorates musician Tommy Collins
Category: People
Remains of WWII soldier to be buried at Union Miners Cemetery in Mount Olive
Almost 80 years after he died, the remains of a World War II soldier will be interred this weekend at the historic Union Miners Cemetery just off Route 66 in Mount Olive, Illinois. The Springfield State Journal-Register reports Army Sgt. John W. Radanovich, 23, of nearby White City, Illinois, was slain by German forces in … Continue reading Remains of WWII soldier to be buried at Union Miners Cemetery in Mount Olive
Ramona Lehman, longtime owner of the Munger Moss Motel, dies at 85
Ramona Lehman, the owner of the historic Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, for more than a half-century, died Wednesday morning. She was 85. Tributes to Lehman on social media began pouring in shortly after her death was announced: Lehman had been in frail health after the death of her husband Bob in 2019. Early … Continue reading Ramona Lehman, longtime owner of the Munger Moss Motel, dies at 85
Angel Delgadillo today gets his own exhibit at the Kingman Visitor Center
Angel Delgadillo, known as the "Guardian Angel of Route 66," today will receive his own exhibit about his impact on the Mother Road at the Kingman Visitor Center in Kingman, Arizona. The opening day for the exhibit is after 1 p.m. local time today. The exhibit is free to the public on the second floor … Continue reading Angel Delgadillo today gets his own exhibit at the Kingman Visitor Center
Proposed rule may ban rock-hunting in Mojave Trails National Monument
Rock collecting in the Mojave Trails National Monument that includes Route 66 in southern California may become banned under a proposed rule by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The Los Angeles Times reports the BLM is nearing completion of a management plan that could declare rock collecting a form of mining. If that happens, … Continue reading Proposed rule may ban rock-hunting in Mojave Trails National Monument
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
Owner of Tally’s Good Food Cafe in Tulsa arrested on felony theft charges
The owner of the landmark Tally's Good Food Cafe along Route 66 in Tulsa was arrested on multiple counts of felony larceny after being accused of shoplifting a total of 31 times. KRMG Radio in Tulsa reported that Talal "Tally" Jamil Alame was arrested at his restaurant on Friday. He was freed on bond hours … Continue reading Owner of Tally’s Good Food Cafe in Tulsa arrested on felony theft charges
Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale
The owner of the historic Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced on social media this week he soon would put the Route 66 establishment on the market. Larry Smith, who has owned the motel at 722 E. Route 66 Blvd. for six years, stated he was "feeling that my time here at the Safari … Continue reading Owner of Motel Safari in Tucumcari is putting it up for sale
Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview
Bestselling author Michael Wallis recently sat down with a Tulsa TV station to talk about his long writing career, the "Cars" movie and his personal and professional connection to Route 66. Wallis, 77, was plugging an appearance at the recently completed Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa. A lot of young people remember his small … Continue reading Michael Wallis talks about Route 66, “Cars” film and writing career in a recent TV interview
Aussie devours Big Texan’s 72-ounce steak dinner in the second-fastest time ever
At least he got it for free. An Australian competitive eater recently gobbled down the Big Texan Steak Ranch's 72-ounce steak dinner in a little less than 6 1/2 minutes, according to WFAA-TV. However, James Webb's effort wasn't a record. Nebraska competitive eater Molly Schuyler (who weighed only 120 pounds) inhaled the enormous platter in … Continue reading Aussie devours Big Texan’s 72-ounce steak dinner in the second-fastest time ever