Robert Altman, 81, who died Monday, is best-known for directing "M*A*S*H," "Nashville," "The Player" and "Short Cuts." But he also learned the trade by directing a few episodes of the "Route 66" television show. Quite a few other young, talented people in Hollywood cut their teeth there as well. A complete obituary is here.
Month: November 2006
PlayStation2 game includes a Route 66 cruise
According to this news release, Activision has produced a new PlayStation2 game called Harley-Davidson Race to the Rally, which allows even non-motorcycle riders to experience the open road in a Hog. Here are the features: Harley-Davidson®: Race to the Rally takes gamers from coast to coast across America exploring classic rides centric to "Harley-Davidson" and … Continue reading PlayStation2 game includes a Route 66 cruise
More details on Metro Diner’s imminent closing
I talked today to Jim Rowenhorst, owner of the Metro Diner at 3001 E. 11th St. in Tulsa, which is closing and will be eventually demolished to make way for a new University of Tulsa entrance. The diner is closing after the regular 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift on Nov. 26. The restaurant … Continue reading More details on Metro Diner’s imminent closing
The Mill preservation group asks for help
Today, I received a news release from the fledgling Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Lincoln County in Illinois about its efforts to acquire and renovate the long-neglected The Mill restaurant/tavern on Route 66 in Lincoln. Most of the details about The Mill saga in recent weeks have already been reported here. However, the news release … Continue reading The Mill preservation group asks for help
Calendar of events being updated
Although this will be an ongoing project through at least January, I've already started to update the Calendar of Events tab at the top of this Web site. I've already placed a bunch of 2007 events there. If you know of a Route 66-type festival in your town, e-mail me at route66news@yahoo.com.
More than 3,000 run in Route 66 Marathon
For a first-time event, the Tulsa World Route 66 Marathon on Sunday in Tulsa, Okla., seemed pretty polished. More than 3,000 people participated in the 26.2-mile run and half-marathon footraces, which is an unusually high number for a first-year marathon event. And you know next year's Route 66 Marathon will be even better, because organizers … Continue reading More than 3,000 run in Route 66 Marathon
Spraker Service Station demolished
Laurel Kane passed on bad news today about the historic Spraker Service Station along Route 66 in Vinita, Okla.: The Spraker Service Station in Vinita, OK, which just a few weeks ago was the subject of an email writing campaign advocating its preservation, is no more. As I drove through Vinita on my way to … Continue reading Spraker Service Station demolished
Mini road trip
For those who think regular motorcycles are too darned big, there are mini motorsports rallies. This one was on Route 66 in Arizona from Seligman to Grand Canyon Caverns. I love AC/DC, but "Shoot to Thrill" seems a tad macho for someone who rides a motor scooter.
This is a church?
The Creek County (Okla.) Board of Adjustment rejected Charles Elliott's request for zoning exceptions so he can host a motorcycle rally on his property off Route 66 near Depew, according to the Sapulpa Daily Herald. Elliott hosted one rally last year, but a second was halted by a court injunction because it violated zoning rules. … Continue reading This is a church?
Media picks up on El Vado story
The Albuquerque Journal has picked up the story about owner Richard Gonzales filing an application to demolish the historic El Vado Motel. Much of the backstory has already been covered on this site. But there's this excerpt: To get the demolition permit, Gonzales will have to show the city Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission that … Continue reading Media picks up on El Vado story