Hemmings.com, an offshoot of the popular magazine devoted to classic cars, recently published a feature on longtime Route 66 artist, author and researcher Jerry McClanahan. McClanahan runs a gallery of his artwork, called McJerry's Route 66 Art Gallery, a short distance from Route 66 in Chandler, Oklahoma, where he regularly welcomes visitors. He recently published … Continue reading Hemmings publishes a feature on Route 66 artist and researcher Jerry McClanahan
Cool Springs Camp is marking the 20th year of its resurrection
Cool Springs Camp between Kingman and Oatman, Arizona, this year is marking the 20th anniversary of its improbable resurrection and reopening. "Improbable" is warranted because the old Route 66 gas station was abandoned for years, then literally blown up in a scene in the 1991 Jean Claude Van Damme movie "Universal Soldier." Here's the scene … Continue reading Cool Springs Camp is marking the 20th year of its resurrection
Pony Bridge renovations may be complete by mid-April to early May
The reconstruction of the landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, will be finished by mid-April to early May, a project supervisor recently told an Oklahoma City television station. A KFOR-TV reporter went to the site, where workers were busy reinstalling the pony truss sections on the bridge on what was anticipated to be a two-year … Continue reading Pony Bridge renovations may be complete by mid-April to early May
Imperial Inn in Albuquerque likely will reopen to overnight guests next month
The long-moribund Imperial Inn in east downtown Albuquerque probably will reopen to overnight travelers sometime next month after city officials hailed a $7 million redevelopment of the Route 66 motel. The Imperial, located at 701 Central Ave. (aka Route 66), now has 56 guest rooms, 16 residential suites and 4,400 square feet of commercial space … Continue reading Imperial Inn in Albuquerque likely will reopen to overnight guests next month
Herring Hotel in Amarillo designated to National Register of Historic Places
The nearly century-old but shuttered Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo recently was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation went into effect on Jan. 25, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. The National Register nomination form can be read here. In 2022, several media outlets reported about a … Continue reading Herring Hotel in Amarillo designated to National Register of Historic Places
Fort Reno officers’ quarters gets $50,000 grant to replace windows
The nearly 90-year-old officers' quarters building at the Fort Reno Visitor’s Center and Museum near El Reno, Oklahoma, recently received a $50,000 grant to replace its old windows. The Yukon Progress, based in nearby Yukon, Oklahoma, reported the officers' quarters at the fort initially was built in 1876, and then rebuilt in 1936. The grant … Continue reading Fort Reno officers’ quarters gets $50,000 grant to replace windows
Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa marks its centennial with announcement of special shows
The iconic Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa will celebrate its 100th year with several big shows throughout 2024, including a tour-opening concert of Alison Krauss and Robert Plant in June. A news conference earlier this week announced the Krauss-Plant show on June 2, along with Tulsa hometown heroes Hanson in December and Jason Isbell and the … Continue reading Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa marks its centennial with announcement of special shows
This is the 100th anniversary when a Pasadena diner reputedly introduced the cheeseburger
This month marks the 100th anniversary when a restaurant along future Route 66 in Pasadena, California, reputedly introduced the cheeseburger. The Rite Spot restaurant in the 1500 block of West Colorado Boulevard offered an "Original Hamburger with Cheese" for 15 cents in January 1924, according to the Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau. As the tale … Continue reading This is the 100th anniversary when a Pasadena diner reputedly introduced the cheeseburger
Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago
The iconic Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- nearly was destroyed by a severe storm and some bad decisions by a contractor 41 years ago. That factoid was revealed during a Santa Monica Daily News story about walking tours offered at the 115-year-old pier: Back in the … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago
Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership issues its fourth-quarter report
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership recently released its report on its activities for the fourth quarter of 2023. Bill Thomas, chairman of the partnership, summarized highlights from the report in an email: The Route 66 Road Ahead State Associations Advocacy Working Group is discussing an informational piece that celebrates the upcoming Centennial and which … Continue reading Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership issues its fourth-quarter report