Tommy Speaker, likely the oldest surviving businessman from the peak Route 66 era of Lebanon, Missouri, who as a child encountered outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd, died last Tuesday. He was 98. Speaker ran the now-vacant Speaker's Mobil station, an operation that had been owned by his family since Route 66 was built in the 1920s. … Continue reading Former Lebanon gas station owner who recalls briefly meeting Pretty Boy Floyd dies at 98
Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum of Sapulpa offers a new route of vintage car rides
The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, this year is offering a new route to ride in vintage automobiles. This year’s vintage cars available to ride are a 1923 Packard or a 1923 Cadillac. There will be two route options for the Packard rides and one for the Cadillac. Visitors choosing the Packard … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum of Sapulpa offers a new route of vintage car rides
Book review: “100 Things to Do on Route 66 Before You Die” (second edition)
If you think there are a lot of "100 Things to Do" books on the market, you wouldn't be wrong. A perusal of the Reedy Press website reveals more than 80 of them, detailing U.S. destinations from Amarillo to the Wisconsin Dells. And that doesn't even count the copycat books or clickbait articles. Reedy Press … Continue reading Book review: “100 Things to Do on Route 66 Before You Die” (second edition)
Production begins today on “Route 66: The Main Street of America” documentary
John Paget, director of the award-winning "Route 66: An American Odyssey" film 30 years ago, starts production today in Oklahoma on a new documentary, "Route 66: The Main Street of America." The film will be released during Route 66's centennial in 2026. The documentary recently won designation as an Official U.S. Route 66 Centennial Project. … Continue reading Production begins today on “Route 66: The Main Street of America” documentary
Nearly 100-foot-long neon sign goes live in downtown Tulsa
The Tulsa Route 66 Commission recently touted the existence of the largest neon sign that has gone through the city's Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program. It's nearly 100 feet long. And it's not vintage -- it's new. It's on the roof of Santa Fe Square, which sits on the Second Street alignment of Route … Continue reading Nearly 100-foot-long neon sign goes live in downtown Tulsa
Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost in Tulsa opening on May 18
Tulsa Route 66 booster Mary Beth Babcock this week announced the imminent opening of another venture -- the Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost that will feature another Muffler Man fiberglass statue. Babcock stated on Facebook: "Over 16 artists and shops will be under 1 roof. The ultimate mix of merch, vinyl, books and gifts. … Continue reading Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost in Tulsa opening on May 18
Rudy Gonzales, last of the old-time sign painters, dies at 90
Rudy Gonzales, who handpainted signs large and small for more than a half-century along Route 66 in New Mexico, died on April 21. He was 90. A rosary and memorial Mass for Gonzales will be held Friday at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Tucumcari, according to his obituary. Route 66 News published a feature about … Continue reading Rudy Gonzales, last of the old-time sign painters, dies at 90
Road Runner’s Retreat sign near Chambless is repainted
The sign for the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, recently was repainted, and it hasn't looked this good in decades. Next up will be the restoration of the sign's neon tubing. The Facebook account of the site provided before-and-after images: Road Runner's Retreat in late 2023 received a $17,000 cost-share grant from … Continue reading Road Runner’s Retreat sign near Chambless is repainted
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield to hold 100th-anniversary celebration on July 27
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop, located west of Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, will mark reputedly its 100th year on July 27 with classic cars and special pricing during the lunchtime hour. The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. The Springfield tourism bureau promised "more details to come" on the event. … Continue reading Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield to hold 100th-anniversary celebration on July 27
Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center wins Preserve Missouri Award
The Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center along Route 66 in Pacific, Missouri, has received a 2024 Preserve Missouri Award from the Missouri Preservation organization. The awards were announced in an email from the organization on Wednesday. The Preserve Missouri awards has recognized outstanding efforts and projects around the state since 2002. Here's what … Continue reading Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center wins Preserve Missouri Award