A longtime friend and a family member aim to keep Henry's Rabbit Ranch along old Route 66 in Staunton, Illinois, going through at least the highway's centennial in 2026. Bob Caldieraro, who knew founder Rich Henry for decades, said he and Henry's sister, Michelle, reopened Henry's Rabbit Ranch about two weeks after his death at … Continue reading Acquaintances seek to keep open Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton
Donated paint from Benjamin Moore helps spruce up Galena Mining & Historical Museum
Paint donated by Benjamin Moore Paints through a National Trust for Historic Preservation program helped brighten up the Galena Mining and Historical Museum along Route 66 in Galena, Kansas. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and new manager of the National Trust's Preserve Route 66 Initiative program, recently posted this video of … Continue reading Donated paint from Benjamin Moore helps spruce up Galena Mining & Historical Museum
CORE of McLean officially takes possession of village’s historic water tower
A historic preservation group based in the Route 66 town of McLean, Illinois, announced it has assumed ownership of the village's historic water tower after saving it from the wrecking ball. CORE of McLean stated on a Facebook post last week it officially took ownership of the water tower on Sept. 10. The organization stated … Continue reading CORE of McLean officially takes possession of village’s historic water tower
The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier marks 25 years; restaurant dates back more than a century
The Lobster, right next to the iconic Santa Monica Pier neon sign, recently marked the 25th anniversary of its rebirth, though the seafood restaurant itself dates back more than a century. To celebrate the milestone, The Lobster will showcase a special menu during National Seafood Month in October, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press. … Continue reading The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier marks 25 years; restaurant dates back more than a century
Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced nine projects through the Route 66 Black Experiences Grants program that were awarded $5,000 each. The 2024 recipients and the cities where they are based are: Choctaw Freedman Citizenship Footprints Inc. in Oklahoma City Black Business Alliance in Bloomington, Illinois Threatt Filling Station Foundation in Luther, Oklahoma Jack … Continue reading Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program
Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2025
The Route 66 Association of Illinois seeks nominees for the 2025 induction into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame. The association began recognizing people and places along Route 66 almost 35 years ago The Hall of Fame honors “those people and places along Route 66 whose blend of hardy individualism and grassroots community spirit … Continue reading Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2025
Rainbow Bridge near Baxter Springs in line for funding to repaint it
One way or another, it appears the Marsh Arch Bridge, aka Rainbow Bridge, on old Route 66 near Baxter Springs, Kansas, will be repainted before the highway's centennial in 2026. According to the Galena Sentinel-Times, Gearhead Curios owner Aaron Perry and Machelle Smith of the Route 66 Association of Kansas recently approached the Cherokee County … Continue reading Rainbow Bridge near Baxter Springs in line for funding to repaint it
Route 66 Association of Kansas to offer its own Route 66 Passport
This week, the Route 66 Association of Kansas will offer its own version of a Route 66 Passport. The Galena Sentinel-Times in Galena, Kansas, is publishing the passports for the association. The 32-page publication includes a map of the route in Kansas, plus photos, hours of operation, phone numbers and other information about Route 66 … Continue reading Route 66 Association of Kansas to offer its own Route 66 Passport
Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla will close for good on Sept. 30
We've known for a few weeks the historic Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Missouri, would close this fall. Now we have a firm date: The Totem Pole will shutter for good on Sept. 30. The Phelps County Focus published a story about the imminent retirement of longtime owners Tim and Alice Jones, who have … Continue reading Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla will close for good on Sept. 30
Nonprofit group buys long-closed Millennium Hotel in St. Louis
The nonprofit Gateway Arch Park Foundation announced last week it is under contract to buy the landmark but long-vacant Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis. The hotel, located between the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium on Fourth Street, was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. For years, it was a big focal point … Continue reading Nonprofit group buys long-closed Millennium Hotel in St. Louis