Joel Baker has posted on YouTube the sixth episode of his “American Giants” series, a personal exploration of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/ru7Dm4y_mJ4 The episode concentrates on Muffler Men found in the Chicago suburbs of Crystal Lake and Libertyville. I must say, the series has been far more entertaining, interesting, and professionally produced than … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 6
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.
Downtown Plainfield named to National Register of Historic Places
Downtown Plainfield, Ill., which hosts not one, but two historic highways, was named to the National Register of Historic Places, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. Plainfield's Downtown Historic District is bounded by Lockport, Main and Division streets. The listing was effective Sept. 18, but the NPS didn't send out the … Continue reading Downtown Plainfield named to National Register of Historic Places
“I hate the Okies”
The folks with the National Steinbeck Center recently completed a trip on Route 66 before the 75th anniversary of the publication of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." The group has posted a slew of videos in the last few days. But this stands out because it's a gut-punch of how the Great Depression and … Continue reading “I hate the Okies”
Carthage unveils new welcome sign
The City of Carthage, Mo., on Friday unveiled a new welcome sign that features a Route 66 shield and a symbol of the city, a maple leaf, according to a news release from the city. Local artist Rachel Wilson designed the sign, which is on the Carthage Memorial Hall lawn at 407 S. Garrison St. … Continue reading Carthage unveils new welcome sign
Palms Grill will close temporarily after Oct. 25
The historic Palms Grill Cafe on Route 66 in downtown Atlanta, Ill., will temporarily close after Oct. 25 because current manager Ronda McBride has contracted cancer and needs to focus on her health and treatments, according to a news release. The restaurant will be open for special occasions and periodic dinner programs by the Atlanta … Continue reading Palms Grill will close temporarily after Oct. 25
Crowdsourcing with The King
I have to admit, this is a pretty cool way for the City of Springfield, Mo., to highlight its crowdsourcing effort to revitalize its College Street Corridor, aka Route 66. Help Us Save Red's! from SGF CityView on Vimeo. More about the video and what it's trying to do: Did you ever get your kicks … Continue reading Crowdsourcing with The King
Government shutdown ends; national parks along Route 66 reopen
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday night that ended the 16-day partial shutdown of the federal government. As a result, parks, campgrounds, historic sites, and services along Route 66 that are maintained by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service reopened Thursday morning. The Grand … Continue reading Government shutdown ends; national parks along Route 66 reopen
La Fonda finishes renovations
The historic La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, N.M., recently finished extensive renovations and showed off the results with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and open house Tuesday, according to the Sante Fe New Mexican newspaper. Upgraded furnishings, windows and color motifs, as well as improvements to the landmark hotel’s rooftop bar were on display, along with … Continue reading La Fonda finishes renovations
Groundbreaking for Devil’s Elbow Bridge repairs set for Oct. 24
The Pulaski County Commission will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, to commemorate the long-awaited start of renovations for the 90-year-old Devil's Elbow Bridge on Route 66 in Devil's Elbow, Mo., according to a news release. It will take about 10 months to renovate the bridge, so travelers should keep that … Continue reading Groundbreaking for Devil’s Elbow Bridge repairs set for Oct. 24
Roadie will lead a “Breaking Bad” tour on Saturday
Nick Gerlich, a West Texas A&M marketing professor who is a big fan of Route 66 and the acclaimed "Breaking Bad" television drama, will lead a "Breaking Bad" motor tour of Albuquerque on Saturday. The tour will include more than 30 locations in Albuquerque where "Breaking Bad was filmed, including more than a dozen on … Continue reading Roadie will lead a “Breaking Bad” tour on Saturday