Possible closure endangers unique postal stamp

Last week, we reported that more than a dozen towns along Route 66 may see their post offices closed as a cost-cutting move. That list included the western Arizona town of Oatman. But here's a unique angle from the Mohave Daily News on the possible closure of the Oatman post office: While nearly all post … Continue reading Possible closure endangers unique postal stamp

Coliseum Ballroom in Benld destroyed by fire

The historic Coliseum Ballroom, located on an older alignment of Route 66 in Benld, Ill., was destroyed by fire Saturday night, according to several media outlets in the St. Louis area. The fire started about 9:15 a.m. According to KSDK-TV in St. Louis, 16 fire departments responded to battling the blaze. The station reports that … Continue reading Coliseum Ballroom in Benld destroyed by fire

Northern Arizona sees a surge in tourism

We're starting to see a pattern here ... Northern Arizona -- namely the city of Flagstaff and surround Coconino County -- saw record levels of tourism in 2010, while the rest of the state declined, reported Arizona Public Media. And Route 66 takes part of the credit. Travelers spent $948 million in Coconino County in … Continue reading Northern Arizona sees a surge in tourism

Zillions of Route 66 photos in two minutes

This clip serves as an impressive demonstration of Pummelvision, which turns still photos into fast-paced videos. https://vimeo.com/26975112 Here's another example: https://vimeo.com/26973119 The next time you shoot 2,000 images on your next Route 66 trip, you know what to do.

It’s demolition, not salvation

This report from KOB-TV about the demolition of the abandoned State Fair Mercado Motel on Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in Albuquerque irked me a bit. https://youtu.be/2ORphUSaJSE Listen, I understand that Route 66 tourism remains a cottage industry, and that only so many vintage motels can operate in the Duke City. I also realize that … Continue reading It’s demolition, not salvation

A video review of “The Art of Cars”

The book, "The Art of Cars," was published about the same time the first Disney-Pixar "Cars" movie was released in 2006. This is a new review of the book, and the video format shows the book's illustrations and exceptional design as well as anything I've seen. https://youtu.be/Sjwnb6bRm9I The fellow who reviews this book runs a … Continue reading A video review of “The Art of Cars”

A visit to Bill Shea’s station

Here's a feature from KHQA-TV in Quincy, Ill., about Bill Shea's gas station and petroliana collection (some of which is quite valuable) along Route 66 in Springfield, Ill. https://youtu.be/8hvEFd-HhTY I'm glad to see this. I believe this is the first YouTube video that's been posted about Shea and his station.

State honors Arizona Route 66 passport program

The Arizona Route 66 passport program received the prestigious Governor's Tourism Award during the Governor's Conference on Tourism earlier this month in Phoenix, reported the Williams-Grand Canyon News. The Arizona Historic Route 66 Passport, spearheaded by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona (Association) on behalf of the Route 66 communities, received the distinguished Cooperative … Continue reading State honors Arizona Route 66 passport program

Joliet museum sees 50% jump in tourism

The Joliet Area Historical Museum in Joliet, Ill., reports a 50 percent rise in visitors since the 2008-2009 fiscal year, according to the Chicago Tribune. Guess what gets a good portion of the credit for the increase: About 16,000 people visited the museum, located at 204 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet, in 2008-09, compared … Continue reading Joliet museum sees 50% jump in tourism

Williams may get a railroad museum next year

Tucked into this Arizona Republic story about a railroad buff is this intriguing excerpt: For years, Al Richmond has been collecting - schedules, pamphlets, photos, even locomotives - things that would tell railroad's story as it unfolded in Arizona. [...] To appreciate what happened as the rails made their way across Arizona in the late … Continue reading Williams may get a railroad museum next year