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
Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch officially opens in Amarillo
The Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch officially was christened and opened Friday after the original Volkswagen Beetles were moved to Amarillo from their original home in Conway, Texas. The Facebook excerpts below include photos from Visit Amarillo, a video from the ceremony, more images from Dora Meroney of the Old Texas Route 66 Association and … Continue reading Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch officially opens in Amarillo
Illinois State Museum wants your stories about Route 66
Historians from the Illinois State Museum in Springfield are looking for people to tell their experiences with the original Route 66 in Illinois before the highway's centennial in 2026. “These interviews will help illustrate the significance of this important transportation achievement,” said Erika Holst, the museum’s curator of history, in a news release. Historians are … Continue reading Illinois State Museum wants your stories about Route 66
City of St. Robert takes steps to have Alpine Haus motel site torn down as a nuisance
The City of St. Robert, Missouri, is taking steps to declare the declining Alpine Haus motel a nuisance so it can be torn down. The Pulaski County Weekly reported the city tried and failed to prompt the property's owner, Real Estate Investments LLC of Columbia, Missouri, to do something about it. The newspaper said the … Continue reading City of St. Robert takes steps to have Alpine Haus motel site torn down as a nuisance
Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy
A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times (via AOL) published a lengthy story about how the son of the late Albert Okura, owner of the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, is trying to keep that dream alive. The story by Alex Wigglesworth is worth reading in its entirety. But a few nuggets stand … Continue reading Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy
Quadriplegic athlete begins eastbound ride on Route 66 for charity
Recovering quadriplegic athlete and author Aaron Baker kicked off his global “Adversity Into Adventure World Tour” that includes him riding on Route 66. Baker began his trek today from Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare in Pomona, California. His journey along historic Route 66 will include meetups and stops in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, … Continue reading Quadriplegic athlete begins eastbound ride on Route 66 for charity
Wings of Freedom in Tulsa erects repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign
A few days ago, the Wings of Freedom organization of Tulsa erected a repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign made for its sober-living facility at the former motel site. Wings of Freedom posted images of the new sign being installed, along with an image of the old sign. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin also … Continue reading Wings of Freedom in Tulsa erects repurposed Saratoga Motor Hotel sign
Amarillo City Council gives initial approval for Bug Ranch being in tax-increment finance zone
The soon-to-open Bug Ranch in Amarillo likely will be eligible for tax-increment financing for its move from Conway, Texas, and other improvements at the site. According to the Amarillo Globe-News, the City Council approved the development of the Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch project on its first reading as part of the East Gateway Tax … Continue reading Amarillo City Council gives initial approval for Bug Ranch being in tax-increment finance zone