The 96-year-old Circle Cinema recently launched a building and maintenance fund to help keep the venue going well into its next century. The operators of the Route 66 landmark said the building is in good shape, but it's old enough that an urgent repair issue arises now and then, according to KJRH-TV in Tulsa. When … Continue reading Nearly century-old Circle Cinema in Tulsa launches a building and maintenance fund
Spencer’s Grill in Kirkwood closes; owner seeks a buyer for the business
The historic Spencer's Grill in Kirkwood, Missouri, suddenly shuttered last weekend, and the business is up for sale. St. Louis Magazine reported: The 47-seat business is for sale, according to owner Alex Campbell, who wants “more than anything, for the tradition of great food and unique hospitality to survive in the same way it’s existed … Continue reading Spencer’s Grill in Kirkwood closes; owner seeks a buyer for the business
New plaque commemorates the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich in Springfield
The Visit Springfield tourism bureau on Thursday commemorated the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich with a new plaque at the historic Leland Hotel building at Capitol Avenue and Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in Springfield, Illinois. For the uninitiated, a horseshoe sandwich consists of thick slices of toast, a hamburger patty or another type of … Continue reading New plaque commemorates the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich in Springfield
Pineapple Whip, which started in the Ozarks in Springfield, marks its 50th year
As summer arrives in earnest, Route 66ers' thoughts understandably will go to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis. But another Route 66 city 200 miles west of St. Louis boasts its own frozen treat and considerable longevity -- Pineapple Whip, marking its 50th season this year in its hometown of Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield … Continue reading Pineapple Whip, which started in the Ozarks in Springfield, marks its 50th year
Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is closed indefinitely due to the collapse of a wall
The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, will remain closed indefinitely after an underwater boulder broke off last week and reduced the water flow at the site. According to the Friday print edition of The Communicator newspaper in Santa Rosa, Mayor Nelson Kotiar said a large rock broke off and sank to the bottom … Continue reading Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is closed indefinitely due to the collapse of a wall
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
What’s the holdup on opening the Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque?
It's coming up fast on the second anniversary of a ribbon-cutting for the Route 66 Visitor Center on Nine Mile Hill in west Albuquerque. The $13.8 million center was supposed to open a few months after the September 2022 ceremony. But it's never officially done so, despite its website claiming it was open from 10 … Continue reading What’s the holdup on opening the Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque?
A precursor to the Ramada Inn chain began with a motel on Route 66 in Flagstaff
The roots of the Ramada Inn chain began 70 years ago this year with the development of a motel along Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona. The first Ramada Inn in Flagstaff, Arizona. Peter Corbett of Flagstaff Business News had the story. The newspaper contacted 88-year-old Bill Isbell, who was still a teen when he made … Continue reading A precursor to the Ramada Inn chain began with a motel on Route 66 in Flagstaff
Oklahoma unveils official logo for state’s Route 66 centennial celebrations
The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission last week unveiled the official logo for the state's Route 66 centennial celebrations during a kickoff event at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. This inaugural event marks the commencement of a series of celebrations leading up to the iconic Route 66's 100th anniversary in 2026. The ceremony culminated with unveiling of the Oklahoma Route … Continue reading Oklahoma unveils official logo for state’s Route 66 centennial celebrations
Camp Cajon will mark its 105th birthday on July 4
Camp Cajon, a defunct motor camp along Route 66 in Southern California's Cajon Pass, will celebrate 105 years on July 4 with two guided hikes, a program on its history and information from local historical groups. Mark Landis, a historical columnist for the San Bernardino County Sun, had the details on the event, which runs … Continue reading Camp Cajon will mark its 105th birthday on July 4