A news release came out today of Jim Jenner of Paccom Films essentially hawking his Route 66 documentaries. But Jenner certainly has one thing right -- Pixar's "Cars" film "could be the biggest thing to hit the highway in many years." "It may be a cartoon, but Pixar has done a terrific job in helping … Continue reading Filmmaker says “Cars” may fuel a renaissance
Month: June 2006
Galaxies shine during Mother Road tour
The Kansas City chapter of the Ford Galaxie Club of America made a stop in Bloomington, Ill., on Sunday on their way west down Route 66 to California. Here's the story from the Bloomington Pantagraph. For more about the Galaxie club's tour, go to its Web site here.
Thunderbird Motel neon sign sells for $24,000
The Thunderbird Motel's neon sign, which once graced Route 66 in Miami, Okla., sold for $24,000 at the Dingman Ford estate auction in New Hampshire this past weekend, reports the Boston Globe.
“Cars” news roundup for June 11
The Enid (Okla.) News and Eagle interviewed Dawn Welch of the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., and author Michael Wallis about their roles in "Cars" and Route 66. Incidentally, business at Welch's restaurant has reportedly gotten "crazy" since the film's opening, so go there during off-peak hours if you can. There's also a side story … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 11
Bloggers chime in about “Cars”
Instead of just movie reviews about the film "Cars," I looked for bloggers who provided a different perspective about the film. Billy Belk of The Sacred in the Secular talks about the film (caution: it gives away the ending) and came away with this moral: Unlike the Nascar world for which it is based, Cars … Continue reading Bloggers chime in about “Cars”
Route 66 shields being painted on New Mexico roads
The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce, based in New Mexico, has begun painting Route 66 shields on the roadway, including more obscure alignments like the one that runs south of Albuquerque to Los Lunas, according to the Valencia County News-Bulletin. The road stencils can be seen here. The main reason the group is painting the … Continue reading Route 66 shields being painted on New Mexico roads
Long line of cars for “Cars”
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog drove to the 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Mo., on Friday night to see the premiere of Pixar's "Cars." The above photo is what he first encountered on the highway leading to the theater. The Lope reported that 200 cars had to be turned away. But Ace got in. Go … Continue reading Long line of cars for “Cars”
Open city
The Route 66 town of Elkhart, Ill., is only 450 people, and the townsfolk are concerned that it will eventually lose its grade school. So Elkhart is holding an open house this weekend for the entire town in the hopes it will entice more people to move there. Just about every business and public building … Continue reading Open city
“Cars” news roundup for June 10
The New York Times has an article about Pixar's research of Route 66 for "Cars," including Mother Road consultant Michael Wallis talking about "Okie hood ornaments" made during the trip. The Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, Ill., expect to see a boost in visitors from "Cars," reports WHOI-TV in Creve Coeur, … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 10
Funks Grove rest stop named best in Illinois
Normally, a interstate rest stop wouldn't get much attention on this site. But the Funks Grove rest stop on Interstate 55, near Funks Grove, Ill., is an exception. The Illinois Department of Transportation named it the best of the 30 in the state, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. Here's why it's getting attention on this … Continue reading Funks Grove rest stop named best in Illinois