The National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to gather a total of 2,026 stories about Route 66 in time for the highway’s centennial in 2026. “Route 66 is more than just a road; it’s a tapestry of diverse cultures and histories. We want to showcase the people and places that make Route 66 special,” the … Continue reading National Trust for Historic Preservation wants your Route 66 stories
Anthony Reichardt recently uploaded videos he shot during the early to mid-1990s at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and Wigwam Motel in Rialto, California. Reichardt has uploaded dozens of videos from that era on his 1959 Cadillac on Route 66 channel. They hold a lot of historic value, as not a lot of videos … Continue reading A look at the Wigwam Motels almost 25 years ago
Here’s an obituary you don’t read every day — an Arizona woman who died earlier this month worked not for one, but two bona fide Route 66 icons during her lifetime. Dorthy “Dottie” Ann Hatch Hansen, 83, of St. Johns, Arizona, died Oct. 19. She was born in Pinedale, Arizona, but spent most of her … Continue reading Woman worked for two Route 66 icons in Arizona
“Pop 66,” a collection of Wes Pope’s black-and-white pinhole-camera images taken over a 20-year period on Route 66, contains plenty of intrigue. But it’s Pope’s text that elevates the book (hardcover, 115 pages, Press Syndication Group) into part travelogue, part family history.and part biography. Subtitled “A Dreamy Pop Can Odyssey Along Route 66,” part of the … Continue reading Book review: “Pop 66”
National Public Radio’s “Weekend Edition Saturday” program spent about four minutes on Route 66 and the uncertain fate of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which expires in 2019. The segment by NPR affiliate KNAU focuses on Holbrook, Arizona, which features Joe and Aggie’s Cafe and the Wigwam Motel, both along the Mother Road. The … Continue reading Route 66 featured on NPR’s “Weekend Edition Saturday”
The Arizona Republic newspaper recently published several articles about the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and revealed details about the Route 66 landmark even longtime roadies may not know. It’s worth reading the articles in full, starting here. But a few things stood out, plus a couple of observations from me: — The motel closed … Continue reading Deep background on the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
If you wondered whether famed pop-culture enthusiast Charles Phoenix included Route 66 attractions in his latest book, “Addicted to Americana” (180 pages, hardcover, illustrated, Prospect Park Books), all you have to do is glance at its cover. It contains an image of the Desert Hills Motel neon sign in Tulsa and a tepee from one … Continue reading Book review: Charles Phoenix’s “Addicted to Americana”
Thanks to a Route 66er on Facebook, I stumbled onto the Blue Miller’s Never Quite Lost weblog, which takes deep historical dives into assorted landmarks on Route 66. Never Quite Lost — subtitled “The Road Goes On Forever” — launched in November 2015. New posts arrive every few months or so, but they almost always … Continue reading Make sure you read the Never Quite Lost blog
The NAACP last week issued a Missouri travel advisory, warning travelers and residents about possible discrimination and attacks against minorities in the state. The Missouri NAACP circulated a travel advisory in June, and the issue recently was taken up by the national organization — the first time the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People … Continue reading A closer look at NAACP’s Missouri travel advisory
A 68-page “American Indians and Route 66” guide for tourists recently was published, along with its companion website. “American Indians and Route 66” is a partnership between the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which awarded a cost-share grant for the publication. Lisa Hicks Snell, a member of the … Continue reading “American Indians and Route 66” guide published
