Route 66 News Items
Note: Most-recently-posted items appear first. Also be sure to check our Events Calendar.
The February 2010 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 02/16/10]
The November 2009 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 11/24/09]
The September 2009 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 09/03/09]
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is sponsoring a membership drive, starting immediately and continuing until October. You can read the details in this Press Release in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 07/15/09]
The May 2009 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 05/12/09]
The Meadow Gold sign has, at long last, found its new home. Read the full article here. Also, see the photo of the sign at its original location. [posted 04/09/09]
The February 2009 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 02/17/09]
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association, together with Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and Blunck's Photography, is sponsoring a photography contest from now through October 20. View and print the flyer and entry form right here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 02/14/09]
Help Save the Pony Truss Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma—it may be endangered. Please see our friend Ron Warnick's weblog for more details about why, and what you can do to help. [posted 02/05/09]
The December 2008 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 11/26/08]
The September 2008 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 09/10/08]
The June 2008 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 06/12/08]
STROUD — A fire Tuesday gutted the historic Rock Cafe on Route 66 in Stroud. Fire Chief Berry McCammon said firefighters responded to the fire just after 11 p.m. and battled the flames for about four hours. McCammon called the restaurant a total loss. Owner Dawn Welch said she plans to rebuild the popular roadside eatery.
"I'm going to bring it back to life," she said. "I don't want the restaurant going down and a fire being the end of the story. That's not the way I want to end it."
The restaurant was built in 1936 and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. It has been featured in numerous travel guides and also on the Food Network. Welch has owned the restaurant for 15 years.
"My initial reaction was, 'I hope that the four walls stay up,' " she said. "The most important part to the historic integrity of the building is the walls." Welch said she is working with her insurance company and is coming up with a plan to revive the restaurant. She said that process could take at least a year.
"It's going to take moving mountains to be able to get that done," she said.
McCammon said the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. The state fire marshal was on the scene Wednesday to assist. McCammon had no cost estimate of the damage. The restaurant was closed at the time of the fire, and none of its 25 employees was inside.
~Lee Logan, Tulsa World [posted 05/22/08]
Read about the Rock Cafe here.
The Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Green Country Marketing Association officially dedicated a new visitor bench today [May 21] at the Miami Turnpike Information Center. The event was held in conjunction with National Tourism Week. These tourism groups donate a requested item each year to the welcome centers located within the Green Country area. An outdoor table and numerous planters have also been donated to the centers over the past year. Representatives that took part in the event included: Nancy Phillips with the Tulsa CVB & Green Country; Jackie Stewart with Green Country; Marilyn Hill with the Miami Welcome Center; Amanda Davis with the Miami CVB & Green Country; representing the Miami CVB were Carl Haynes with the Microtel Inn and Cindy Morris with the Miami Chamber of Commerce; and Susan Carlson, director of the Miami Welcome Center. [posted 05/21/08]
POPS has already gained local and national attention with its impressive list of soda pop and record-breaking sales during the first 10 months of operation. The newest attraction on the Mother Road has quickly become the newest icon, with its landmark architecture, 66-foot-tall pop bottle, windows lined floor to ceiling with thousands of sodas, and a cooler stocked with over 500 varieties of pop and beverages. On Tuesday, May 27, POPS will add to its icon status by launching a one-of-a-kind Soda Kiosk. This touch screen kiosk will let POPS guests choose from more than 700 types of soda and have it shipped anywhere in the U.S. POPS General Manager, Marty Doepke is thrilled to add another feature to the store. "As soon as we opened our doors, the soda became our signature," said Doepke, "We are very excited to offer another way for our guests to find that perfect soda for themselves or for friends and family. We expect this kiosk to be a huge hit with our customers!" POPS will celebrate the launch of their soda kiosk with a ceremonial first order by Oklahoma's First Lady, Kim Henry. [posted 05/21/08]
The Oklahoma City YardDawgz arena football league team has announced a special event on Sunday, April 27. Discounts will be offered to Oklahoma Route 66 Association members. See more details at our Calendar page. [posted 03/29/08]
The January 2008 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 02/21/08]
FOR SALE - The original neon sign from the Thunderbird Motel, Miami, Oklahoma, on old Route 66. The sign, in excellent condition, is currently seeking a good home. Asking price is $25,000.00. Interested parties should contact Richard A. Wies, Jr., at 410-557-6275, or email at momys2boys@msn.com. [posted 2/06/08]
(Miami, OK) - City Receives Funding for Historic Markers - The City of Miami has received notice that its $120,000 application to the National Scenic Byways Program U.S. Department of Transportation has been approved. The City of Miami and the Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will match the grant with $30,000 of its own funds creating a $150,000 project. This project is designed to increase national/international tourism on Route 66 to highlight and better tell the story of Miami’s section of the historic Route 66 roadbed. For a more extensive article, follow this link. [posted 12/20/07]
The December 2007 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 12/04/07]
(Miami, OK) - Twin Bridges State Park near Miami is once again hosting one of the largest displays of twinkling Christmas lights in the area.
During the Sixth Annual Twin Bridges Park of Lights, the park is transformed into an evening wonderland with bright lights and themed displays. The dazzling drive-through exhibits are provided by businesses, churches, school groups, civic organizations, and individuals.
“More than 20,000 visitors drive through the Park of Lights each year,” said Connie Payton, a Twin Bridges State Park supporter. “This event will be bigger and better than ever. We are excited about the forty displays that will take part this year.”
The Twin Bridges Park of Lights is open from Thanksgiving Day through December 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Proceeds will be used to fund park improvements.
Especially for kids, Santa himself will appear for pictures on December 15 and December 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. Pictures will be available for five-dollars each or parents can choose to take their own. Visitors can also enjoy free hot dogs and drinks.
The park is located six miles east of Fairland or five miles south of Miami at the junction of Hwy 137 and Hwy 60. For more information, call the Twin Bridges State Park at (918) 542-6969. [posted 11/20/07]
The September 2007 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 08/28/07]
The June 2007 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 05/30/07]
Big News!! The current Trip Guide (2007 Edition) can now be viewed, downloaded, and/or printed using your web browser. Since the file size for the entire 72-page guide is quite large, the editor has divided it into several sections, any or all of which you can access depending upon your travel plans, the speed and reliability of your internet connection, etc. All you need is the free PDF viewer standard in most browsers.
See it now by visiting our Online Store page. [posted 05/26/07]
Historic Route 66 cuts across Oklahoma, entering the state's northeast corner at Quapaw and exiting on the southwest corner at Texola. Halfway through its journey through the Sooner State, it meanders through the picturesque town of Arcadia, population 279. Travelers often stop at Arcadia to marvel at the Round Barn and to pause where Washington Irving explored during his travels. Now, there is another reason to stop in Arcadia: POPS, a new destination on Route 66 that will join the many great landmarks on “America's Main Street”!
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| Artist's rendition of the completed POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia. Courtesy the architects |
“The landmark architecture behind the creation of POPS reflects the hope and enthusiasm for Route 66's future role in our country and represents the spirit and individuality that made Route 66 the adventure highway many enthusiasts enjoy today,” explained award-winning Oklahoma architect, Rand Elliott, who conceived the concept. “POPS' essence is the spirit of Route 66 in today's language. The key to POPS is that visitors experience the past and leave with the sense they have discovered a new destination and adventure along the way. POPS' role as a gas station, restaurant/soda fountain and store represent a homage to the past, present and future of Route 66.”
The Grand Opening is scheduled for Summer 2007. More details are available at POPS' official web site: www.pops66.com. [~excerpted from press release; posted 05/15/07]
The May 2007 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 05/01/07]
As they rise to embrace Route 66 tourism, Bristow, Oklahoma is planning clean up days along their section of Route 66 on Saturday, April 7th and again on Saturday, April 21st. They will be sweeping sidewalks, cleaning windows, picking up trash, etc. along Route 66 that snakes through their downtown and around the corner overlaid on 4th Street to the west edge of town. Their primary focus is on Main Street. Bristow would welcome any helping hands that want to pitch in like the [earlier] cleanup days at Depew. [posted 04/05/07; submitted by Pam Reeder, 918-367-5151]
Soon to open (late summer), the Heartland of America Museum will feature area historical displays, including: an old-fashioned General Store, Barber/Beauty Shop, Newspaper office, and Bank; Native Americans, Agriculture, and early Inventions; a Blacksmith Shop, Transportation, and local community area displays. Also planned are a Military Patriotism display featuring memorabilia from all wars, a special tribute to our forefathers to preserve the pioneer spirt, and educational opportunities for our youth. Over 12000 square feet enclosed on 10 acres directly across from Route 66 & I-40 at 1600 South Frontage Rd, Weatherford, at exits 82 and 84. A drive for artifacts and financial support is ongoing. Contact: Jim Lovell, CFO, at (580)772-0426 or Marion Davidson at (580)772-6666; or, visit www.oklahomaheartlandmuseum.com [posted 03/01/07]
Works of art from the 2002 former Gov. Frank Keating's "Will Rogers" children's book have been given to Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore and will be unveiled 1:30 p.m., Friday March 16 by the artist Mike Wimmer and Kem Rogers, Will Rogers' grandson.
The 19 pieces, a gift from Anadarko Petroluem Corp. of Houston, include 18 Wimmer originals and a giclee reproduction of the Keatings from the book. The Wimmer gallery of paintings will be in a room leading to Drumgoole School, "a nice segue to the popular children¹s museum," said Steve Gragert, Museum director.
"It's an exciting opportunity for us to tell more fully the story of Will Rogers to young people in a very colorful and vivid fashion," he said.
Gov. Keating and Anadarko officials have been invited to participate in the gallery opening. The Will Rogers Museum is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 918-341-0719 or visit the website www.willrogers.com. [posted 01/08/07]
The December 2006 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 12/07/06]
Old Armory Restorers are seeking brochures, literature, and similar materials pertaining to Route 66 roadside attractions. The materials will be used for their upcoming Route 66 Interpretive Center at the soon-to-be-restored National Guard Armory in Chandler, Oklahoma. If you can provide items of this nature, please contact Mr. Howard Dickman, Chairman, at BlkC5vette@aol.com. [posted 10/12/06]
The September 2006 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 9/21/06]
Clinton, Oklahoma Chosen for 2007 Route 66 Festival: As the communities that Route 66 meandered through consist of large cities and quaint towns, the contribution that each has given to the Mother Road is often equal in value. Because of this value the Route 66 Preservation Foundation chose Clinton, Oklahoma to be the host city for the 2007 Route 66 Festival to be held from June 21-24, 2007. Embracing the idea and accepting the challenge to host an international event of this caliber, many Oklahoma-based organizations are combining forces to make this the event to remember. A hub of commerce for western Oklahoma, Clinton cherishes its Route 66 heritage, as well as its Native American heritage (home of the Mohawk Indian Lodge Store, which was established in 1892, this is Oklahoma's oldest Indian trading post and continues to sell and trade authentic Indian artifacts). In a state that truly has a significant Route 66 heritage such as Lucille's Provine Station), the Blue Whale and in Clinton one of the famous Valentine diners, Oklahoma's heritage is only enhanced by being the home of Cyrus Avery “the father of Route 66” and Will Rogers, whom the highway was dedicated to. It is said that: “Every Route 66 state has its own unique sights and special contributions to the history and lore of Route 66. But only in Oklahoma do the elements of buildings, roadside attractions, people and history come together in such overwhelming abundance.” Clinton's retention of that lore will entice you to stay and explore. Well into the planning stages it is obvious that Clinton's ability to host will include their state-of-the-art Frisco Conference Center, the Route 66 Museum and the 143-acre Acme Brick Park, which transforms a common brick company into a creative family park. Clinton has opened its door to the world-wide venue of Route 66 enthusiast and invites you to come experience the wonder of Oklahoma Route 66 for yourself. [posted 7/11/06]
The June 2006 Association Newsletter is available here in PDF form. You must have Adobe's free Acrobat Reader (probably already installed on your system) to read it. If not, you can download it from the Adobe website. [posted 6/15/06]
Lonely Planet, well-known publisher of international travel guides, recently selected Route 66 as one of the top ten road trips in the world. The list is included in a new publication called the BlueList. [posted 2/15/06]
Senator Robert Kerr, a huge proponent of Route 66 in western Oklahoma, has passed away. Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 30, 2006, at 1:30pm at the First United Methodist Church in Altus. [posted 1/29/06]
The Route 66 community of Bridgeport needs your help. The area water supply is dangerously low, and water is being trucked in from neighboring Hinton. Donations of water are being accepted and are much appreciated. Contact any of these Hinton municipal authorities: mayor's office, 405-542-6963; city clerk, 405-542-3253; fire dept., 405-542-3340. [posted 12/04/05]
