Madonna of the Trail

Larry Harnisch, who writes a history blog, The Daily Mirror, for the Los Angeles Times, has an interesting post about the Madonna of the Trail monument that was erected in 1929 on Foothill Boulevard, aka Route 66, in Upland, Calif. Harnisch writes: These monumental statues were meant to venerate the pioneer spirit, but today, some … Continue reading Madonna of the Trail

Chicago chicken trip

The Chicagoland area is blessed with not one, but two, great fried-chicken restaurants on Route 66. WLS-TV took a trip down the Mother Road to check out these places -- Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook and White Fence Farm in Romeoville. Both places are more than 50 years old. And they're less than 10 … Continue reading Chicago chicken trip

A toast to Strafford restaurant

On Thursday, the owners of Bev's Country Kettle restaurant in Strafford, Mo., served wine and beer with its usual fare of hamburgers, pork chops and tenderloin. This shouldn't sound like a big deal. But it was the first time that an eating establishment in the Route 66 town had served alcohol with meals in 53 … Continue reading A toast to Strafford restaurant

Return to Route 66 — Part 7

Jim Luning has posted Part 7 of a video series of his and Tim Steil's trip on Route 66 earlier this summer -- on the 10th anniversary of their first trip to research their "Route 66" book. This video focuses more on Steil and how he's changed since that first journey.

Zoning panel approves biodiesel plant near Kingman

The Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday approved an amendment to the county's general plan and a zoning use permit that would clear the way for a biodiesel plant north of Kingman, Ariz., on Route 66, reports the Kingman Daily Miner. Only one commissioner voted against the proposal. It will now go before … Continue reading Zoning panel approves biodiesel plant near Kingman

Tornado strikes Williamsville

A tornado ravaged the Route 66 town of Williamsville, Ill., on Wednesday afternoon, destroying or damaging at least two dozen homes and businesses. No loss of life has been reported so far. One of the casualties is the Route 66 Antique Mall (photo of the damage is here). According to the Springfield Journal-Register: Jack Caldwell, … Continue reading Tornado strikes Williamsville

Biofuels plant decision may be today

The Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner has a pretty good overview about a proposed biofuels plant that would be located near the Valle Vista subdivision off Route 66 north of town. The county's Planning and Zoning Commission may decide today whether to allow a permit for the plant. Proponents say the plant will create jobs and … Continue reading Biofuels plant decision may be today

“Road Trip” recap

I'd hoped by now to have watched Monday night's episode of "The Great American Road Trip." However, Firefox won't allow the episodes to be viewed, my IE browser is balking at loading anything, and I was at the McCartney show last night. However, this post from Reality TV Magazine does a good job at recapping … Continue reading “Road Trip” recap

Mother Road montage that wasn’t

The Paul McCartney concert in Tulsa last night was one of the best I've seen, and the postings I've read from other attendees on Twitter, Facebook and other Internet sites concur. However, there's this excerpt in a report from The Oklahoman that I need to mention: After recalling his recent driving tour of Route 66, … Continue reading Mother Road montage that wasn’t

Hello from Sweden

Here's a pretty good rock version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66," performed by the Backbeats of Sweden.