Fire heavily damaged the main office building and one room Friday afternoon at the long-closed Paradise Motel on the western edge of Tucumcari, New Mexico. The fire didn't damage the motel's distinctive neon sign, its garage or much of the rest of the complex. But the blaze doesn't portend well for the motel's already-grim future. … Continue reading Fire damages Paradise Motel in Tucumcari
Month: September 2017
Tucumcari Motel sign emerges from the ashes
The last time most people saw the old Tucumcari Motel sign near downtown Tucumcari, New Mexico, the long-closed business was destroyed by a suspected arson fire about three years ago. Because it stood about 20 feet from the building, the fire left the neon sign for the motel unscathed. Locals hauled away the sign a few … Continue reading Tucumcari Motel sign emerges from the ashes
A running holiday on Route 66
Salomon TV recently uploaded this well-produced video of ultra-marathon runner Max King taking what he described as a "running holiday" on Route 66 in California, Arizona and New Mexico. Salomon TV describes itself as providing "the best outdoor content, directly to you. Get inspired and see the stories of our athletes and friends around the world. … Continue reading A running holiday on Route 66
Is Route 66 immune from the international travel slump?
Fewer international travelers came to the United States during the first quarter of 2017. But two Route 66 landmarks that keep visitor records reported stable or higher numbers for the year to date over the previous year. U.S. Department of Commerce data show a decrease of 4.2 percent of international visitors during the first three … Continue reading Is Route 66 immune from the international travel slump?
Dozens protest plan to demolish Classen Circle
Representatives from Braum's got an earful from dozens of people Monday night who protested the Oklahoma company's plan to demolish historic Classen Circle in Oklahoma City to make way for one of its restaurants. However, Braum's reps said the company would move forward with the plan after meeting with its officials to report the details … Continue reading Dozens protest plan to demolish Classen Circle
George Strait concert booked in Tulsa with a Route 66 twist
The BOK Center in Tulsa announced Monday that country-music superstar George Strait would perform a concert there June 2, 2018. But it's not just any concert. Strait retired from touring a few years ago and plays only a handful of dates annually. He's booked only two shows in 2018, so this will be a hot … Continue reading George Strait concert booked in Tulsa with a Route 66 twist
Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument
Ryan Zinke, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, recommended shrinking six national monuments after a review ordered by President Donald Trump. But the Mojave Trails National Monument wasn't one of them, nor did Zinke recommend any other changes to the Southern California site in his memo. The Zinke's report to the president wasn't supposed to … Continue reading Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument
Co-owner of Irv’s Burgers in West Hollywood dies
Sean Hong, co-owner of irv's Burgers in West Hollywood, California, died Sept. 3 of an unexpected medical issue. The death led to the temporary closing of the Route 66 restaurant until Sept. 25, according to a post on the restaurant's Facebook page. Hong's private funeral is Thursday. WeHoville.com reported: A sign posted on the door … Continue reading Co-owner of Irv’s Burgers in West Hollywood dies
Angel Delgadillo appears in “We Blew It” documentary
Angel Delgadillo, known as the Guardian Angel of Route 66, makes a prominent appearance in the French-directed documentary "We Blew It," that examines the long-lasting effects of the turbulent 1960s. "We Blew It," directed by Jean-Baptiste Thoret, gets its title from a line uttered by Peter Fonda near the end of the now-classic 1969 counterculture film … Continue reading Angel Delgadillo appears in “We Blew It” documentary
Leon Russell’s Church Studio named to National Register
Church Studio in Tulsa, once owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Leon Russell, recently earned a designation to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation became effective Sept. 8, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. It had been widely expected after its National Register submission to Washington … Continue reading Leon Russell’s Church Studio named to National Register