The landmark Original White Fence Farm Restaurant along Route 66 in Romeoville, Illinois, earlier this month began its 70th year in business under the Hastert family, though its roots go back about a century. The original restaurant at 1376 Joliet Road (aka Route 66) and its three other locations in the Chicagoland area closed for … Continue reading White Fence Farm Restaurant in Romeoville begins 70th year in business
Route 66-themed roundabout in El Reno begins construction
A Route 66-themed roundabout began construction Thursday at the intersection of Route 66 and U.S. 81 in El Reno, Oklahoma. According to a report in the Yukon (Okla.) Progress: “Work is scheduled to take about a year-and-a-half, weather permitting, and should be complete ahead of the Route 66 Centennial (in 2026),” ODOT spokesman Bryce Boyer … Continue reading Route 66-themed roundabout in El Reno begins construction
Former Vegas wedding chapel sign christened in Kingman with three weddings
A new neon sign that once touted a wedding chapel in Las Vegas was altered and re-erected along Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona, with three weddings recently held underneath after a lighting ceremony. Here's a video from the lighting and wedding ceremonies that were held on the evening of Feb. 9: The Kingman Visitors Center … Continue reading Former Vegas wedding chapel sign christened in Kingman with three weddings
Then-and-now slideshow of Albuquerque added to Central Avenue buses
Riders on Albuquerque Rapid Transit buses have a chance to glimpse at the city's past with a slideshow of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) and other landmarks from many decades ago to the current day. According to the Albuquerque Journal, the slides show Central Avenue when it was just a dirt road, then in the … Continue reading Then-and-now slideshow of Albuquerque added to Central Avenue buses
Papers of Route 66 cookbook author Marian Clark are donated to OSU-Tulsa
The research materials of late Route 66 cookbook author Marian Clark recently were donated to the Tulsa branch of Oklahoma State University. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association stated in a Facebook post that Clark's papers were given by her family to the association several years ago. With the donation to OSU-Tulsa, the papers are now … Continue reading Papers of Route 66 cookbook author Marian Clark are donated to OSU-Tulsa
Great Rivers & Routes video features Doc’s Just off 66 in Girard
The Great Rivers & Routes tourism bureau recently began a "Main Street of America" video series. The first video, which dropped in the last few days, features Doc's Just Off 66 soda fountain and restaurant in downtown Girard, Illinois. The video's hosts, Kevin and Emily, are understandably agog at the historic memorabilia on display at … Continue reading Great Rivers & Routes video features Doc’s Just off 66 in Girard
Couple acquires John’s Modern Cabins, Vernelle’s Motel in Missouri
A couple with close family ties to the shuttered Vernelle's Motel near Newburg, Missouri, also recently acquired the long-closed John's Modern Cabins property next door. They plan to convert the Vernelle's property into an RV park, using the now-abandoned Interstate 44 / Route 66 roadbed, and rename it Vernelle's Route 66 RV Park & Campground. … Continue reading Couple acquires John’s Modern Cabins, Vernelle’s Motel in Missouri
Three people linked to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q indicted on felony fraud charges
Three people associated with the Oklahoma-based Swadley's Bar-B-Q chain, including the owner, were indicted by a multicounty grand jury on fraud charges over its operation of restaurants at state parks. According to The Oklahoman newspaper, restaurant owner Brent Swadley and two other company officers were charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the state … Continue reading Three people linked to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q indicted on felony fraud charges
Future site of the Glancy Motel sign appears to be still uncertain
The fate of the distinctive sign for the now-demolished Glancy Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, remains uncertain, though the city manager said its likely home still would be the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in town. According to a recent print edition of the Clinton Daily News, city manager Robert Johnston said he was hopeful the Glancy … Continue reading Future site of the Glancy Motel sign appears to be still uncertain
Tally’s Good Food Cafe owner pleads guilty to six criminal counts
The owner of Tally's Good Food Cafe in Tulsa pleaded guilty to six counts of felony larceny on Thursday, and he will be sentenced next month. Fox23 in Tulsa reported it is a blind plea, which means he is pleading guilty to the charges without the benefit of a plea deal. It gives the judge … Continue reading Tally’s Good Food Cafe owner pleads guilty to six criminal counts