Mother Road notebook

A few brief news items from Route 66: Reviews of Grand Canyon Skywalk have become so bad, its operators have hired a lawyer to send letters that threaten legal action against critics, reports East Valley Living. A prominent First Amendment attorney has scoffed at Skywalk's alleged intimidation efforts. Money quote from a nearby landowner: "We … Continue reading Mother Road notebook

Miami’s historic Marathon station

Here's a photo of the 1929 Marathon service station in Miami, Okla., that I mentioned a couple days ago. The City of Miami wants to restore it. Amanda Davis at the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau was kind enough to e-mail a photo of it. Apparently a Marathon station this old is very rare. It's … Continue reading Miami’s historic Marathon station

Dwight gas station becomes a welcome center

A few days ago, we noted a dedication ceremony for the completed restoration of the historic Ambler's Texaco Station on Route 66 in Dwight, Ill. Now, as the Bloomington Pantagraph reports, the Ambler's station no longer pumps gas, but has settled into a new role as a welcome center for Route 66 travelers and other … Continue reading Dwight gas station becomes a welcome center

Historic gas station will reopen as a B&B

Terri Ryburn's parents drove Route 66 from Bloomington, Ill., to California when she was 5 years old. She never forgot that exciting experience. She since has driven the length of the road several times. Her history doctorate focused on Route 66 tourism efforts. She's written several books about the Mother Road. Now she's the owner … Continue reading Historic gas station will reopen as a B&B

Red Carpet weekend pronounced a success

Local officials say that the first Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor weekend, scattered 90 miles over a dozen towns, was a success, reported the Pontiac Daily Leader. "I think it was a very successful run," said Pontiac Mayor Scott McCoy, who drove the entire corridor, with his son on Saturday and his wife on … Continue reading Red Carpet weekend pronounced a success