This film documents a couple of Brits, film director Andy Harrison and photographer Natalie Pluck, taking in a Route 66 trip. I like this film very much, mostly because it seems to be simply willing to go its own way. 66 Mainstreet, Americana from Andy Harrison on Vimeo. A few things to note before you view … Continue reading “66 Mainstreet, Americana”
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.
Hello from Moscow
I bet you haven't heard this one. It's Ned Wright, singing Bobby Troup's "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" in 1955 in Moscow as part of The Everyman's Opera Concerto. It's a lot jazzier than you might think it is. Wright, by the way, was one of the first Americans allowed to perform behind the … Continue reading Hello from Moscow
Proposed Chicago park may include Route 66 museum
View Larger Map A small lot on the corner of Wabash Avenue and Adams Street in downtown Chicago that's planned as a Chicago Symphony Orchestra Park may include a small Route 66 museum to recognize its location on Route 66, according to a story in DNAinfo. The so-called pocket park would sit just west of the … Continue reading Proposed Chicago park may include Route 66 museum
Owner of troubled Bel-Aire Motel dies
Gopal Motwani, owner of the historic but troubled Bel-Aire Motel on Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in Springfield, Illinois, died Saturday near his home in Naples, Florida, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. After putting the motel up for sale for $750,000 -- plus $114,000 in fines for 700 code violations -- this summer, Motwani told the newspaper he … Continue reading Owner of troubled Bel-Aire Motel dies
Johnny Rockets to open four types of Route 66-themed restaurants
The Johnny Rockets restaurant chain plans to open four types of Route 66-themed prototype restaurants -- including drive-ins, food trucks and drive-in theaters -- as soon as this year, according to a news release Monday from the company. The restaurant stated: Established in 1926 as one of America's original highways, Route 66 became the major path … Continue reading Johnny Rockets to open four types of Route 66-themed restaurants
Route 66 coloring book published
The "Route 66 Coloring Book," in conjunction with American Road magazine, was published a few weeks ago by creator Rich Newman, writers Dave and Laura Newman, and illustrator Abby Smith on the Coloring Books USA imprint. Here's a description of the book: Route 66 is one of the country's most traveled routes stretching from Illinois … Continue reading Route 66 coloring book published
The rebirth of Tulsa’s 11th Street
KTUL-TV in Tulsa recently did this story about the "rebirth" of 11th Street in town, known as Tulsa's Route 66. KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather We've dutifully reported about many of these businesses -- including Ike's Chili -- moving to the more-prominent alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa. I was a bit saddened … Continue reading The rebirth of Tulsa’s 11th Street
Plainfield considers new Route 66 signs
The village of Plainfield, Illinois, is considering new signage -- including ones marking Route 66 (seen above) -- as a rebranding effort for the town, reported The Herald-News. The new designs would encourage commemoration of the “legacy” of the historic Route 66, which runs along Route 59 through the village. The Route 66 signs could … Continue reading Plainfield considers new Route 66 signs
“Route 66” performed on Indonesia TV
Bobby Troup's estate got another dose of cha-ching Friday. On a show called "Rising Star Indonesia," contestant Reyna Qotrunnada performed his best-known song. https://youtu.be/cdgDKj131No Yes, her English during the song is a clumsy, but do remember it's not her mother tongue. But it seemed a lot of people in the audience recognized it. It's amazing … Continue reading “Route 66” performed on Indonesia TV
Class of 2014 for Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame announced
Author Marian Clark of Tulsa and the late J.M. Davis of Claremore will be inducted Oct. 18 into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, according to a release from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. The ceremony is slated for 2 p.m. and will be free to the … Continue reading Class of 2014 for Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame announced