From Pops to POPS

To help restore a vintage Route 66 neon sign, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association is hosting a poker run on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event begins at the site of the defunct Pop Hicks restaurant at North Third and Gary Boulevard in Clinton, Okla., and goes east on Route 66 to POPS in Arcadia, Okla. … Continue reading From Pops to POPS

“Route 66” in the country

Pam Perry sings more of a country-music version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance in Kentucky, which has a long history of its own.

Book review: “Macoupin County on Route 66”

"Macoupin County on Route 66," with text and photo compilations by Dennis Garrels, is yet another historical volume about the Mother Road by Arcadia Publishing. That includes "Route 66 in California" and the recently published "Route 66 in Chicago." "Macoupin County on Route 66" (96 pages, $19.95) covers Macoupin County, Ill., which boasts not one, … Continue reading Book review: “Macoupin County on Route 66”

Return to the road

Last year, cancer survivor Rodger Fox of Jacksonville, Ill., and a small group of other motorcycle riders drove all of Route 66 for the Ride for the Relay cancer-research fundraiser. Fox had so much fun, he's doing it again. This year's 12-day Ride for the Relay, which will generate money for the Tri-County Relay for … Continue reading Return to the road

Send Owen Wilson a card

In case you haven't heard, it's been reported that actor Owen Wilson was hospitalized on Sunday. Through his publicist, Wilson on Monday requested privacy so he can recuperate. And his parents and brothers were with him at the hospital, so it appears he's getting the support he needs from family. Wilson will always earn a … Continue reading Send Owen Wilson a card

Can anyone translate?

Levi provides a video report about POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla. But I have no idea what he thinks, because his thoughts are expressed in American Sign Language. So ... can anyone give a rough translation of what he's saying? The video also contains a few still photographs of what's inside POPS.

Poolside kicks

This is a band of apparent high-schoolers called Just in Time 2, which according to the YouTube poster is based in Great Britain. The singer misses a cue, and a few sour notes are heard. But the piano player sounds like he's been taking lessons from Johnnie Johnson, and it's hard to resist the sense … Continue reading Poolside kicks

View from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

If you've never walked on what is now a pedestrian and bicycle trail on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge that connects Madison, Ill., over the Mississippi River to St. Louis, these two videos by the same person should suffice for now. The bridge was a part of Route 66 for decades. The second video … Continue reading View from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Town will receive historical certification

The active Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill., will receive another feather in its cap -- the National Park Service is set to certify it for its historic preservation, reports the Lincoln Courier. It would be the 61st city in Illinois to receive this certification, which opens it up for preservation grants and other aid. … Continue reading Town will receive historical certification

Tulsa project wins grant for observation deck

About $400,000 in Oklahoma Centennial funds will be used to help build the Red Fork Derrick observation deck at the Route 66 Station park in west Tulsa, reports the Tulsa World. The replica of the Tulsa County's first oil well will reportedly be as high at 150 feet tall. However, other reports indicate it will … Continue reading Tulsa project wins grant for observation deck