The Ariston Cafe along Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, recently received the Centennial Award from the Illinois State Historical Society. This honor celebrates the restaurant's century-long commitment to serving the community and preserving a unique piece of Illinois heritage, according to The Journal-News. Jeff Dunn of the Illinois State Historical Society presented the award. The … Continue reading Ariston Cafe in Litchfield wins state Centennial Award
Second round of applications opens for the National Trust’s grants for Route 66 businesses
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has opened its second round of applications for aid from the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund. The fund provides financial support to businesses to preserve historic places and spur economic development along the Route 66 corridor, with an emphasis on projects that illuminate the narratives of communities whose … Continue reading Second round of applications opens for the National Trust’s grants for Route 66 businesses
Pizza Shack in Arcadia launching a Storytelling Series
The Pizza Shack in Arcadia, Oklahoma, will host its inaugural Storytelling Series: Session One from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the restaurant's stage at 210 E. Highway 66. The restaurant is part of the former Hillbillee's complex that once operated there. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association: This first session will feature … Continue reading Pizza Shack in Arcadia launching a Storytelling Series
City of Tulsa releases final design of Cry Baby Hill statue
The City of Tulsa released a final rendering of the controversial Cry Baby Hill statue that is set to stand adjacent to Route 66. The final version shows a crying figure aboard a bicycle wearing a helmet, according to the Tulsa World and other media outlets. It's roughly similar to another revision the artist submitted … Continue reading City of Tulsa releases final design of Cry Baby Hill statue
Floodwaters inundate Route 66 village of Devils Elbow
Floodwaters have inundated the old Route 66 village of Devils Elbow, Missouri, for a second time this decade. Jax Welborn, a Route 66 advocate who lives nearby, posted these shocking photos of floodwaters from the swollen Big Piney River soaking numerous structures there, including the closed Elbow Inn and the historic bridge. The flooding has … Continue reading Floodwaters inundate Route 66 village of Devils Elbow
Springfield considering ending the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
The City of Springfield, Missouri, is considering ending its involvement with the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival or halting it entirely. The Springfield News-Leader, following up on an initial report from the Springfield Daily Citizen of about 25 businesses complaining about the festival, reported the city is considering options for the event. The Citizen … Continue reading Springfield considering ending the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
Circle Cinema in Tulsa to host free screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey” on Nov. 11
The historic Circle Cinema in Tulsa will host a rare and free screening of John Paget's film "Route 66: An American Odyssey" with a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker and the film's narrator and host, Michael Wallis. A reception will be held in the venue's lobby at 6 p.m. Nov. 11, with the screening at … Continue reading Circle Cinema in Tulsa to host free screening of “Route 66: An American Odyssey” on Nov. 11
“BLVD” Cafe sign moved from closed Barstow museum to Duarte Historical Museum
The "BLVD" Cafe sign is back in the town where it once stood. The sign was on loan from the Duarte Historical Society in Duarte, California, to the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, California, for about 30 years. But after the museum closed earlier this year, Duarte historian Alan Heller recalled the sign was … Continue reading “BLVD” Cafe sign moved from closed Barstow museum to Duarte Historical Museum
Max’s in Monrovia will honor late Dodgers pitcher and customer Fernando Valenzuela
A restaurant along Route 66 in Monrovia, California, will honor famed Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, a longtime customer who died last month at age 63. Max's Mexican Cuisine at 1101 Huntington Drive (aka Route 66) will hold a tribute to Valenzuela on Nov. 12. According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, his favorite … Continue reading Max’s in Monrovia will honor late Dodgers pitcher and customer Fernando Valenzuela
Donnay Building in OKC largely being rebuilt from scratch
The historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City is almost entirely being rebuilt after its new owners decided its piecework, Frankenstein-like construction wasn't worth salvaging. The Oklahoman newspaper reports developer Nick Preftakes and partner Caleb Hill, after purchasing the property for $1.5 million, decided to gut the interior after assessing its long-ago additions, repairs and fire … Continue reading Donnay Building in OKC largely being rebuilt from scratch