Many, many Route 66 enthusiasts know about the landmark Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Smithsonian Magazine once called the 1939 establishment "the last, best and friendliest of the old-time motels." But the Texas Old Route 66 Association recently went through the files of longtime Texas Route 66er Delbert Trew and found an intriguing … Continue reading Did another Blue Swallow Motel exist near Shamrock, Texas?
Tag: Delbert Trew
Ruth Trew retires from Devil’s Rope Barbwire Museum after more than three decades
Ruth Trew, longtime treasurer and secretary of the Devil's Rope Barbwire Museum in McLean, Texas, recently retired after 32 years at the Route 66 landmark. Trew turns 90 years old today. She undoubtedly greeted thousands of tourists at the museum over the years. She also is known as the wife of Delbert Trew, who shepherded … Continue reading Ruth Trew retires from Devil’s Rope Barbwire Museum after more than three decades
Take a look at ABC’s “Nightline” feature on Route 66 in 1992
While looking for something else, I stumbled upon this 20-minute feature about Route 66 that aired July 3, 1992, on ABC News "Nightline" program. It's a wonderful segment. You'll see a number of businesses and people who've since departed almost 30 years later. You'll also see a younger-looking Michael Wallis, Angel Delgadillo and Delbert Trew. … Continue reading Take a look at ABC’s “Nightline” feature on Route 66 in 1992
Couple buys Jericho, plans to beautify and stabilize motor-court ruins
A couple from Amarillo has purchased the remnants of the deserted old Route 66 village of Jericho, Texas. They plan to clean up and beautify the motor-court site and want to eventually build new motor courts for overnight travelers at a nearby tract. Blair and Blanca Schaffer recently announced the purchase with posts a new … Continue reading Couple buys Jericho, plans to beautify and stabilize motor-court ruins
PBS station interviews Delbert Trew, a figure in Route 66’s renaissance
Do yourself a favor and watch this delightful 13-minute interview with Texas Panhandle rancher Delbert Trew and his wife by a local PBS station. The talk reveals a lot of Trew's homespun sense of humor. Trew probably is best-known for shepherding the founding of the Devil's Rope and Route 66 Museum in McLean, Texas, which … Continue reading PBS station interviews Delbert Trew, a figure in Route 66’s renaissance
A closer look at McLean, Texas
The Once Upon a Town project -- a collaborative film effort that explores historic towns in Texas -- recently completed an eight-minute film about the Route 66 community of McLean, Texas. You'll see longtime Route 66 advocate Delbert Trew interviewed, along with a lot of nice drone-aircraft footage of McLean. https://youtu.be/1MIws0cvizk The Devil's Rope Museum … Continue reading A closer look at McLean, Texas
The darker side of Route 66
The Autry Museum in Los Angeles recently uploaded a few more videos of interviews with longtime residents of Route 66. The museum is preparing for its "Route 66: The Road and the Romance" exhibit that starts June 8. But there's nothing particularly romantic about these clips. As a good museum should, these delve into the … Continue reading The darker side of Route 66