Chris and Katie Robleski of Fading Nostalgia recently used their night photography talents to shoot the inside of the Majestic Theatre in East St. Louis, Illinois. The Robleskis wrote a blog about gaining access to the theater's seldom-seen interior. Their 26-minute podcast goes not only into the decaying but beautiful Majestic Theatre and the troubled history … Continue reading Getting inside the Majestic Theatre of East St. Louis
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.
Outtakes from the Route 66 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue
The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue featuring Route 66 was published almost a year ago, but this video I haven't seen made its way to YouTube a couple of days ago. You'll see a lot of Route 66 landmarks, and plenty of footage of the late Gary Turner, owner of Gay Parita gas station west of … Continue reading Outtakes from the Route 66 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue
Hawkins Mill in Springfield being torn down
The 75-year-old Hawkins Mill, a landmark in Springfield, Missouri, soon will be torn down to make way for an unspecified new development. KVTV-TV in Springfield reported: Originally Hawkins Mill, it opened along College Street/U.S. Route 66 in 1940. Kansas Expressway was eventually constructed just yards west of the structure. The mill eventually became an familiar … Continue reading Hawkins Mill in Springfield being torn down
66 Corridor project appears to be dead
During the gap between the Christmas and New Year's holidays, federal officials apparently nixed a long-simmering 66 Corridor interstate proposal, aka Interstate 66, that would have linked Paducah, Kentucky, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Associated Press first broke the story. The 66 Corridor plan had bounced around for more than two decades. This part of the story … Continue reading 66 Corridor project appears to be dead
A profile of Bagdad Cafe’s owner
A lot of people -- especially Europeans -- know about the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, and its draw as the setting for the 1987 film "Bagdad Cafe." But not many know about Andree Pruett, owner of the Route 66 restaurant for about 20 years. The Victorville Daily Press published a profile of Pruett. … Continue reading A profile of Bagdad Cafe’s owner
Reconnected Route 66 in Cajon Pass may open soon
A part of the Interstate 15/215 interchange project that would reconnect a portion of old Route 66 in San Bernardino County, California, was slated to be finished by May. But a new report in the Victorville Daily Press indicates it will reopen early this year. To the south, Route 66 proceeds three-quarters of a mile … Continue reading Reconnected Route 66 in Cajon Pass may open soon
What is the best version of the “Route 66” song?
Hundreds of versions exist of Bobby Troup's song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," better known simply as "Route 66," that he wrote during a cross-country trip on that highway after World War II. Route 66 News has posted dozens of versions of the "Route 66" song. It's time to take stock and see which version … Continue reading What is the best version of the “Route 66” song?
Book review: “2 for $6 on Route 66”
If you want to know what it's like to run a motel on the Mother Road, Debra Whittington's "2 for $6 on Route 66" provides a vivid glimpse. Specifically, the book (140 pages, self-published, soft cover, $10) offers a glimpse from behind the desk of the now-gone Pony Soldier Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The Whittington … Continue reading Book review: “2 for $6 on Route 66”
Steeple on church in Amboy will be restored
The steeple of a church in the desert Route 66 town of Amboy, California, will be restored by mid-month, according to the former manager of Roy's in Amboy. Carlos Aceves also said by text message last week the roof of the long-closed St. Raymond Church in Amboy also will be repaired this month. I began … Continue reading Steeple on church in Amboy will be restored
Natalie Cole, R.I.P.
Natalie Cole, a daughter of music legend Nat King Cole who became a music star in her own right, died Thursday of heart failure. She was 65. Cole earned several platinum albums and nine Grammy awards during her career, but she probably will be best known for her smash-hit "Unforgettable" album, where studio wizardry allowed her to … Continue reading Natalie Cole, R.I.P.