The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, will open a temporary railroad history exhibit the same day Union Pacific's historic Big Boy locomotive stops in the city on Oct. 14. According to the Claremore Progress newspaper, the Claremore museum will host "American Treasures: The Railroad Museum of Oklahoma," displaying about 150 artifacts … Continue reading Gun museum in Claremore to host railroad exhibit as Big Boy locomotive arrives on Oct. 14
Uranus Missouri owner’s film to debut in Waynesville on Oct. 16
Don't look now, but Louie Keen, owner of the Uranus Missouri complex along Route 66 in St. Robert, Missouri, is getting into the movie biz. Keen and co-executive producer JR Anthony will debut "Uranus Attacks" at B&B Theatres Waynesville Patriot 12 (map here) in nearby Waynesville, Missouri, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 16. Based on the trailer, … Continue reading Uranus Missouri owner’s film to debut in Waynesville on Oct. 16
Artist provides modified sculptures for Tulsa’s Cry Baby Hill
The artist who created a controversial sculpture for Tulsa's Cry Baby Hill has submitted revised concepts of his initial design. According to the Tulsa World and other area media outlets, Ken Kelleher of New Hampshire provided a more bicycle-centric look to his proposed 21-foot-tall "Cry Baby Cry" statue. The new variations show the same figure … Continue reading Artist provides modified sculptures for Tulsa’s Cry Baby Hill
Status report given on 14 neon signs on Route 66 in Albuquerque that received grants
Two neon signs along Albuquerque's Route 66 that received improvement grants are finished and two more are nearly done, according to a report by a TV station in the city. The Imperial Inn Motel sign at 701 Central Ave., which received a nearly $60,000 grant, and the Route 66 Barber sign at 5303 Central Ave., … Continue reading Status report given on 14 neon signs on Route 66 in Albuquerque that received grants
Barbecue restaurant opening in Wrinks Market building in Lebanon
Smokin Jones BBQ is moving into the historic Wrinks Market building along Route 66 in Lebanon, Missouri, a few weeks after its previous tenant announced it was closing. According to the Laclede County Record, Smokin Jones also will offer fresh-made salads, plus pies made by Wrinks' pie maker. Food will be sold to-go. Mike Jones … Continue reading Barbecue restaurant opening in Wrinks Market building in Lebanon
Restoration work begins on century-old jail in El Reno
Renovation work recently started on the century-old Canadian County Jail in El Reno, Oklahoma, so it eventually can reopen as a museum. Preservation El Reno, a nonprofit organization, is busy replacing the stone building's roof before starting on interior work, according to KOCO-TV in nearby Oklahoma City. The station reported: The estimated million-dollar project is … Continue reading Restoration work begins on century-old jail in El Reno
Police report, attorney general complaints filed against former NM Route 66 Association president
Officers for the Route 66 Association of New Mexico filed a report with Albuquerque Police and complaints to the state's attorney general against former president Melissa Beasley-Lee, alleging fraud and the spending of the nonprofit organization's funds for personal use. Route 66 News obtained the Albuquerque Police Department report and complaints to the New Mexico … Continue reading Police report, attorney general complaints filed against former NM Route 66 Association president
Jamil’s Steakhouse in Tulsa moving to a new location
Jamil's, one of the last of the old Lebanese-American steakhouses in Tulsa, is moving from 51st Street to the Farm Shopping Center in the city. The Tulsa World reported the change in locations will occur later this year. Jamil's Steakhouse announced its imminent move a couple of weeks ago. Jamil's will be in the former … Continue reading Jamil’s Steakhouse in Tulsa moving to a new location
Jobe’s Drive-In restaurant in El Reno reopens for first time in nearly a decade
Jobe's Drive-In, a Route 66 restaurant in El Reno, Oklahoma, for over 60 years, recently reopened for the first time in nearly a decade. The restaurant, which dates to 1958, has been renamed Jobe's Country Boy Drive-In. Here's an image from its grand reopening a few weeks ago: Local contractor Eric Hughes, a fan of … Continue reading Jobe’s Drive-In restaurant in El Reno reopens for first time in nearly a decade
Arizona Libraries receives grant to digitize old newspapers along Route 66 corridor
Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, with the University of Arizona Libraries, recently landed a $319,588 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to digitize 100,000 pages of historical Arizona newspapers, especially along Route 66. According to Hoodline.com: In anticipation of Route 66's centennial in 2026, the project has set its sights on … Continue reading Arizona Libraries receives grant to digitize old newspapers along Route 66 corridor