Story perspectives

Springfield Launches Route 66 Centennial, Seals Student Capsule

4/29/2026

Summary

Leaders Launch

Leaders gathered Thursday at 10 a.m. at Springfield Church to launch the Route 66 centennial.
At 4 p.m. on April 30, a Holloway America capsule sealed with student works in downtown Springfield.
Ozarks Public Television screened “Lost and Found on Route 66” on May 2 at the Fox Theatre.
Businesses on Saint Louis Street reported traffic slowdown.
The Route 66 parade aired Friday at 6 p.m. on KSPR, drawing national visitors.

Summary

Cyrus Avery Names

In April 1926 officials met at Springfield’s demolished Colonial Hotel and chose number 66 after US 60 and US 62 disputes.
Oklahoma highway commissioner Cyrus Avery promoted the “double-six” label and telegrammed Washington, D.C. to confirm it.
The decision made Springfield the birthplace of “Mother Road,” later celebrated in Steinbeck’s 1939 novel and Troup’s 1946 song.
Springfield’s African-American Heritage Trail, which marks segregation-impact sites, supports preservation groups that keep Guy Mace’s Car Museum alive.

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Leaders Launch

Leaders gathered Thursday at 10 a.m. at Springfield Church to launch the Route 66 centennial.
At 4 p.m. on April 30, a Holloway America capsule sealed with student works in downtown Springfield.
Ozarks Public Television screened “Lost and Found on Route 66” on May 2 at the Fox Theatre.
Businesses on Saint Louis Street reported traffic slowdown.
The Route 66 parade aired Friday at 6 p.m. on KSPR, drawing national visitors.

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