Route 66 soon will lose a historic bridge near Marshfield

The century-old Route CC bridge over the Niangua Branch river on Route 66 east of Marshfield, Missouri, will be closed permanently this week to make way for a new bridge. That's the word from Route 66 preservationists and a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation: The bridge replacement will require Route CC to … Continue reading Route 66 soon will lose a historic bridge near Marshfield

Historic bridge sits a short distance from Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick

When a longtime Route 66 researcher discovers a historic gem just a short distance from the route, that tends to get your attention. Jerry McClanahan, Route 66 artist and author or co-author of the "Here It Is!" map series and "EZ66 Guide for Travelers" (Amazon links), posted this photo of his classic car on the … Continue reading Historic bridge sits a short distance from Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick

‘World’s largest Route 66 sign’ planned in Wellston won’t be the world’s largest

Longtime Route 66 researcher and artist Jerry McClanahan flagged an article in a local newspaper that reported Wellston, Oklahoma, is planning what reputedly would be the "world's largest" Route 66 sign. In a Facebook post, McClanahan posted a photograph of an Oct. 8 article from The Lincoln County News, based in Chandler, Oklahoma, that stated … Continue reading ‘World’s largest Route 66 sign’ planned in Wellston won’t be the world’s largest

Program features Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan, Round Barn volunteer Mr. Sam

The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, which contains a network of PBS stations across the state, recently aired a 28-minute "Gallery America" segment about Route 66 artist and researcher Jerry McClanahan and effervescent Arcadia Round Barn volunteer "Mr. Sam" Gillaspy. The program is well-produced. Check it out below: McClanahan's art gallery just off Route 66 in … Continue reading Program features Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan, Round Barn volunteer Mr. Sam

County may rehabilitate an original stretch of Route 66 west of El Reno

Canadian County, Oklahoma, is looking at updates for a 12-mile stretch of original Route 66 west of El Reno, prompting concerns from historic preservationists. ROUTE Magazine flagged a story from the El Reno Tribune about the possible project from Fort Reno to the Cherokee Trading Post. The newspaper talked to county commissioner Jack Stewart: According … Continue reading County may rehabilitate an original stretch of Route 66 west of El Reno

How about Harley and Annabelle Russell for the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame?

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association a few days ago sent out an email asking for nominations -- one living and one deceased -- for the upcoming Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame inductions, held every two years. The Hall of Fame ceremony will be June 20 at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Here … Continue reading How about Harley and Annabelle Russell for the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame?

Oklahoma City station features Route 66 researcher and artist Jerry McClanahan

KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City recently ventured to Chandler, Oklahoma, to do a 2 1/2-minute feature about Route 66 artist and researcher Jerry McClanahan at his shop there. The best part from the video's transcript: Just outside sits an idling 1954 Chevy station wagon, not so different from the cars his father used to drive on … Continue reading Oklahoma City station features Route 66 researcher and artist Jerry McClanahan

Lake Overholser Bridge in OKC closed to traffic after problem found

The Lake Overholser Bridge in Oklahoma City recently was closed to vehicular traffic after an inspector found a problem in the historic Route 66 span. Longtime Route 66 advocate Kathy Anderson posted this message on Facebook from Melvena Heisch, a recently retired Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Officer: All, just heard back from the City Planning … Continue reading Lake Overholser Bridge in OKC closed to traffic after problem found

Federation discontinues “Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide”

The National Historic Route 66 Federation a few months ago quietly discontinued publication of its "Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide" book after almost 20 years. Federation Chairman David Knudson announced the decision in a brief post on the semi-private Route 66 yahoogroup last week. The 17th and last edition of the spiral-bound "Route 66 … Continue reading Federation discontinues “Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide”

Is the Big Texan Steak Ranch on Route 66?

The answer: Yes. It sits on an obscure and short-lived alignment of Route 66 from the 1920s. More on this later. While recently reporting the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, likely will begin building a bigger complex soon, I wrote this bit: Although the Big Texan no longer sits on Route 66, it began on Amarillo Boulevard … Continue reading Is the Big Texan Steak Ranch on Route 66?