George Maharis, co-star of the ‘Route 66’ television drama of the 1960s, dies at 94

George Maharis, the co-star of the CBS-TV "Route 66" drama during the early 1960s, died several days ago. He was 94. The story first was broken Saturday by ExtraTV.com, and The Hollywood Reporter confirmed it hours later. Marc Bahan, Maharis' caretaker and friend, reported his death in a Facebook post. He said he died on … Continue reading George Maharis, co-star of the ‘Route 66’ television drama of the 1960s, dies at 94

Springfield plans to reopen Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum

The City of Springfield, Illinois, recently accepted a $623,000 state grant to reopen Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum along Route 66. According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau director Scott Dahl wants to make the closed station on Peoria Road (aka Route 66) an "Instagram-able stop," especially for international travelers. Dahl elaborated on … Continue reading Springfield plans to reopen Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum

Couple who walked across America in 2006 writes a book about their experiences

Very longtime readers of Route 66 News may remember Rick and Jane McKinney, an evangelical couple who walked across the United States -- including much of Route 66 -- in 2006 in an effort to share their Christian faith. Seventeen years later, the McKinneys published a book "And ... So We Walked" (Amazon link) about … Continue reading Couple who walked across America in 2006 writes a book about their experiences

Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs

Andy Jones interviewed local historian Paul Deel about his experiences with Bonnie Margaret Orcutt of Newberry Springs, California, as they explored the remains of her long-abandoned home. Jones said he was prompted to interview Deel after viewing a Sidetrack Adventures video, posted on this website, about Orcutt's infamous 4-mile-long driveway. Here's Jones' interview, which contains … Continue reading Local historian talks about Mrs. Orcutt and her home and driveway near Newberry Springs

Coffee shop coming to long-vacant Red’s Giant Hamburg property

A Trailer Perk Coffee shop is under construction at the lot that contained Red's Giant Hamburg restaurant in Springfield, Missouri, nearly 40 years ago. Route 66 News reader and Springfield resident Mark Mahy sent over a recent photo of the construction of the coffee shop underway. Despite the location being the home of Red's for … Continue reading Coffee shop coming to long-vacant Red’s Giant Hamburg property

Ruth Trew retires from Devil’s Rope Barbwire Museum after more than three decades

Ruth Trew, longtime treasurer and secretary of the Devil's Rope Barbwire Museum in McLean, Texas, recently retired after 32 years at the Route 66 landmark. Trew turns 90 years old today. She undoubtedly greeted thousands of tourists at the museum over the years. She also is known as the wife of Delbert Trew, who shepherded … Continue reading Ruth Trew retires from Devil’s Rope Barbwire Museum after more than three decades

British athlete is running across the U.S. to raise funds for cancer research

British endurance athlete William Goodge is running across the United States -- averaging 50 miles a day -- to raise funds for cancer research. Goodge's path across America takes him on old Route 66 in Arizona and Kansas and parts of California, Oklahoma and Missouri. His path takes him roughly on the Bunion Derby race … Continue reading British athlete is running across the U.S. to raise funds for cancer research

Elmo Quinn, owner of Quinn’s Shell station in Bloomington, dies at 82

Elmo Quinn, the former owner of Quinn's Shell station along Route 66 in Bloomington, Illinois, died Wednesday. He was 82. Quinn was so beloved for his kindness, he was known as the "Mayor of Main Street," according to a story in the Bloomington Pantagraph. Quinn's welcoming personality and community insight helped establish his mayoral nickname, … Continue reading Elmo Quinn, owner of Quinn’s Shell station in Bloomington, dies at 82

Original co-owner of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman dies

Scott Dunton, one of the original owners of the iconic Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, Arizona, has died. He was 72. Dunton's death was announced on Facebook last week by ROUTE Magazine, and the Original Chillin' on Beale Street group also reported it. Mr. D’z is housed in the former Kimo Cafe that opened … Continue reading Original co-owner of Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman dies

Documentary about Route 66 women now being aired for free on TubiTV

Filmmaker Katrina Parks announced her three-part "Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road" and the documentary "The Harvey Girls: Opportunity Bound" now are available to audiences for free on the streaming platform TubiTV. According to a news release from Parks: These films, which have been broadcast through American Public Television, explore … Continue reading Documentary about Route 66 women now being aired for free on TubiTV