Periodically, I get e-mails from the good folks at Roadside America, informing me about updates to the site. The latest edition has few new reader tips that should be of interest to Route 66 fans: The big cross just off Route 66 in Edmond, Okla. It's big, but not nearly as huge as the one … Continue reading Roadside America updates
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Down at the ol’ Rabbit Ranch
It's always a treat to visit to Henry's Rabbit Ranch, located on old Route 66 in Staunton, Ill. Not only is proprieter Rich Henry an affable host, but it's fun to pet the ever-mellow Montana, one of his 37 pet rabbits, and see the new stuff Henry has acquired or planned. Henry's has a well-stocked … Continue reading Down at the ol’ Rabbit Ranch
Restoring the Meadow Gold sign
Greater Tulsa Reporter Newspapers has a story about the ongoing restoration and re-erection of the historic Meadow Gold neon sign on 11th Street (Route 66) in Tulsa. Much of the information has already been reported, but the article fleshes out new material about the sign's restorer, Claude Neon Federal Signs, and its work: The sign … Continue reading Restoring the Meadow Gold sign
The Oscar-nominated song “Our Town”
Today, Randy Newman's song, "Our Town," performed by James Taylor, was nominated for an Academy Award for Original Song. Here is the song and its key scene from the hit Pixar animated movie, "Cars." "Our Town" is available on the "Cars" soundtrack. And, yes, the album and song both are available on iTunes.
“Cars” receives two Oscar nominations
The Disney/Pixar animated movie "Cars," which takes place on Route 66, was nominated for two Academy Awards today. One nomination was for Animated Feature Film. The other nominees were "Happy Feet" and "Monster House." The other nod was for "Our Town," written by Randy Newman and performed by James Taylor, for Original Song. Three of … Continue reading “Cars” receives two Oscar nominations
Angels of the road
Peter Shelton of the Telluride Watch tells the tale of selfless mechanics on Route 66 who helped get his broken-down vehicle running again -- one time in Holbrook, Ariz.; the other time in Victorville, Calif. It's a good read.
Bent Door has a new Web site
Ramona Kiewert, the new co-owner with her husband Roy of the historic Bent Door in Adrian, Texas, e-mailed me to inform everyone that they moved the Bent Door's Web site to a new URL on WordPress.com, which is blog-hosting site and home to Route 66 News. The new URL is here. So please update your … Continue reading Bent Door has a new Web site
Historic hotel reverts to city ownership
The Eagle Hotel in Wilmington, Ill., described as the oldest hotel on all of Historic Route 66, has reverted to city ownership after its holder wasn't able to reopen it by a Jan. 15 deadline, according to the Daily Journal. The hotel, built in 1836, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and … Continue reading Historic hotel reverts to city ownership
Review: “Songs from the Mother Road”
When I received a copy of The Road Crew's "Songs from the Mother Road," I was startled to see a positive review from country star Marty Stuart on the CD package. Having followed Stuart's career for at least 20 years, his endorsement heightened my anticipation of hearing the album. However, I have to conclude that … Continue reading Review: “Songs from the Mother Road”
The power of the orange 76 ball
This story from the Wall Street Journal that a reader pointed out doesn't have any Route 66 content, save for the soon-to-be-apparent roadside nostalgia. But this group's protests over ConocoPhillips' decision to remove the "76" orange balls from old Union 76 gas stations that the corporation acquired proves to be illustrative on how grassroots efforts … Continue reading The power of the orange 76 ball