The man behind the Big Cross in Groom, Texas

The nearly 200-foot-tall cross that stands between Route 66 and Interstate 40 in Groom, Texas, is the vision of one man. According to a recent article by the Boston Globe, that man is Steve Thomas, who recently retired and sold the oil and gas business he operated for about 35 years. He now spends most … Continue reading The man behind the Big Cross in Groom, Texas

“Two for the Road” episode on PBS-TV features the Texas Panhandle

A PBS-TV show titled "Two for the Road" recently aired a special episode that features the Texas Panhandle, of which a prominent portion includes Route 66 country. The show generously showcases the Route 66 towns of Shamrock, McLean, Groom, Amarillo, Vega, Adrian and Glenrio, along with Palo Duro Canyon, a popular side trip south of … Continue reading “Two for the Road” episode on PBS-TV features the Texas Panhandle

Long-term plan: Build a replica of 66 Courts

David Wickline plans to eventually build replica of the 66 Courts motel and attached Magnolia gas station that once stood on Route 66 in Groom, Texas. Wickline, who lives in Ohio, announced it late Tuesday with a Facebook post linking to a GoFundMe page for the project. He hopes to raise $50,000. Wickline said in … Continue reading Long-term plan: Build a replica of 66 Courts

More 1993 footage from Route 66

Anthony Reichardt has posted more videos from a 1993 journey he took on Route 66 in a 1959 Cadillac. The first is a visit with the legendary Lucille Hamons at Lucille's near Hydro, Oklahoma, a few years before her death in 2000 and subsequent closure of the gas station. The station, built in 1929, remains … Continue reading More 1993 footage from Route 66