A three-minute promotional trailer for Unoccupied Route 66's latest documentary, "The California Promise," was placed online a few days ago. This segment shown here deals primarily with the Mojave Desert ghost town of Bagdad. https://youtu.be/wYae2Q9aIYg More about the upcoming film: Join host Nick Gerlich as he explores the Mohave Desert on an old section of … Continue reading Trailer for “The California Promise” documentary released
Month: March 2017
A new version of “Route 66”
This video of new material being previewed by musician Inda Eaton surfaced a few days ago. This song is titled "Route 66," but it bears little resemblance to the 1946 classic tune written by Bobby Troup and popularized by Nat King Cole. The key line -- "the road, it changes you" -- probably will hold … Continue reading A new version of “Route 66”
Trump budget contains no money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit — for now
President Donald Trump's proposed budget for the 2018 fiscal year contains no federal money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit -- news that caused anxiety with some city officials and ART supporters. Mayor Richard Berry remains confident the $119 million ART project to convert nine miles of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) into dedicated bus lanes will receive its $69 … Continue reading Trump budget contains no money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit — for now
Chuck Berry, R.I.P.
Word came over Saturday afternoon that Chuck Berry, the Father of Rock 'n' Roll, died at his home near Wentzville, Missouri, west of St. Louis, at age 90. Local authorities didn't give a cause of death, but Chuck's son said his father had ailed from pneumonia in recent weeks. Berry was best-known writing and performing … Continue reading Chuck Berry, R.I.P.
A trip down Oklahoma’s Route 66, circa 2009
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently began uploading videos to Vimeo, including this 17-minute trip down Route 66 in the Sooner State. It's not a recent video, as I noted a few things that apparently have changed since it was shot. The big totem pole at Totem Pole Park near Foyil has been repainted in … Continue reading A trip down Oklahoma’s Route 66, circa 2009
A chat with Meramec Caverns owner Les Turilli
The Washington Missourian newspaper recently sat down with Les Turilli Sr., owner of Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri, who talked about its troubles in 2016 and the cave's storied history. Meramec Caverns, which has been open to the public since 1933, doesn't sit on Route 66. Instead, it's about three miles from the Mother Road. … Continue reading A chat with Meramec Caverns owner Les Turilli
Mitchell Caverns will reopen later this year
Mitchell Caverns, a Route 66 attraction in California's Mojave Desert until state budget cuts forced its closing six years ago, is slated to reopen in May or June. A spokesman for the California parks system told The Press-Enterprise it doesn't have a firm date for reopening because "we still have some work to do" in … Continue reading Mitchell Caverns will reopen later this year
New fundraiser launched for The Mill in Lincoln
The Mill restaurant in Lincoln, Illinois, will reopen as a local museum April 29, but organizers for the Route 66 landmark seek to raise money for final restoration expenses before the big event. This week, a Crowdrise fundraiser was launched by the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County. Here's what it says: The Mill … Continue reading New fundraiser launched for The Mill in Lincoln
66 Drive-In in Carthage changes owners
The 66 Drive-In theater in Carthage, Missouri, is changing owners for the first time in about 30 years. Fortunately, the new proprietors are familiar with how the place is run. The Carthage Press reports the the longtime owners of the Route 66 landmark, Mark and Dixie Goodman, have sold it to former local sheriff's deputy … Continue reading 66 Drive-In in Carthage changes owners
Oatman Road near Topock to be closed four days for bridge work
Oatman Road near Topock, Arizona, will be closed for four days starting today while an innovative new bridge is built over a flood-prone wash. The Arizona Department of Transportation and Mohave County are constructing a prefabricated bridge over Sacramento Wash on Oatman Road (aka Route 66) one mile north of Interstate 40, according to a … Continue reading Oatman Road near Topock to be closed four days for bridge work