Filmmaker P.J. Palmer of (twenty)2 films is making a documentary movie about John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" novel after acquiring official rights from the Steinbeck estate, according to a news release. The new documentary "The Grapes of Wrath: We Shall Overcome" began filming in New York City last month interviewing James Franco, who is currently … Continue reading Filmmaker is shooting documentary about “The Grapes of Wrath”
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.
Albuquerque closes in on Route 66 revitalization plan
KOB-TV reports that the city of Albuquerque is "one step closer" to implementing a proposal revitalization plan for Route 66. Here's the station's report: A key excerpt from the report: An in-depth draft of the plan details what's ahead, including preservation of historic motels and milestones, financial perks for developers who build homes and shops … Continue reading Albuquerque closes in on Route 66 revitalization plan
Groundbreaking on Route 66 park in Springfield is tomorrow
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Route 66 roadside park in Springfield, Missouri, is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, reported KSPR-TV in Springfield. The park will be on West College Street, between Fort and Broadway. The park, which celebrates the city's role as "the birthplace of Route 66," or where the region's road officials accepted the … Continue reading Groundbreaking on Route 66 park in Springfield is tomorrow
Artist dedicates Gay Parita painting at its namesake
Artist Jerry McClanahan on Saturday unveiled a newly commissioned painting of Gary Turner's Gay Parita gas station on Route 66 west of Halltown, Missouri, at the station itself. A recent news release explained how the painting came to be: On June 6 of 2013, Curtis Gobeli, celebrating having turned 66 years of age with a dream … Continue reading Artist dedicates Gay Parita painting at its namesake
Motel where Microsoft founders lived reopens Tuesday
The Sundowner Motel, a Route 66 lodging establishment in Albuquerque where Bill Gates and Paul Allen lived while starting Microsoft, will reopen to the public Tuesday after a $5.4 million renovation into apartments, reported the Albuquerque Journal. Developer NewLife Homes, which has refurbished other Route 66 motels in Albuquerque into housing, is holding a grand … Continue reading Motel where Microsoft founders lived reopens Tuesday
Historic Tropics sign removed
ExploreLoganCounty.com on Wednesday posted on its Facebook page a photo of the Tropics sign along Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois, being removed. The tourism agency said: Although it will be missed from the landscape, the city of Lincoln (the new owner of the sign) has expressed plans to have it restored. When this will happen … Continue reading Historic Tropics sign removed
Blue Swallow Motel named a top 25 U.S. hotel by TripAdvisor
The Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari, New Mexico, recently was named one of the top 25 in the "Hotels with Exceptional Service -- United States" category in 2014 by TripAdvisor.com. The Blue Swallow was ranked No. 18 on the list and was the only Route 66 motel listed in that category. Of 822 ratings by … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel named a top 25 U.S. hotel by TripAdvisor
Second-grader takes a cruise of Route 66 in Kansas
But the girl in Galena, Kansas, wasn't doing it for mischievous reasons. KOAM-TV in Pittsburg, Kansas, has the story: KOAM TV 7
Book review: “On Reading The Grapes of Wrath”
I have bad news and good news about Susan Shillinglaw's "On Reading The Grapes of Wrath," a behind-the-scenes look on the writing and marketing of John Steinbeck's classic and controversial novel that marks its 75th anniversary this year. The bad news is Shillinglaw's book (paperback, 206 pages, Penguin) delves very little into the Joad family's journey on Route 66 ("the road … Continue reading Book review: “On Reading The Grapes of Wrath”
The darker side of Route 66
The Autry Museum in Los Angeles recently uploaded a few more videos of interviews with longtime residents of Route 66. The museum is preparing for its "Route 66: The Road and the Romance" exhibit that starts June 8. But there's nothing particularly romantic about these clips. As a good museum should, these delve into the … Continue reading The darker side of Route 66