If you live in northern California, here's something for you to check out. Route 66 enthusiast Mark Reiff converted the front yard of his Woodland, Calif., home into a virtual museum of gas-station memorabilia. And he drives a fabulous-looking tow truck, too. You can see it all in this video by the Sacramento Bee.
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.
Frankie Valli dines at the Ariston Cafe
Here's a delightful item in the A La Carte food and dining column of the Springfield (Ill.) Journal Register: When Frankie Valli performed Wednesday at Sangamon Auditorium, he mentioned that he had eaten dinner the previous evening at the ARISTON CAFE in Litchfield. The statement prompted a round of applause. The Four Seasons crooner said … Continue reading Frankie Valli dines at the Ariston Cafe
Downtown Miami named to National Register
The downtown district of Miami, Okla., has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, according to a weekly e-mail sent by the National Park Service on Friday. The district is roughly bounded by Main Street (aka Route 66), Central Avenue and SE A Street. That includes the block where the historic Coleman Theatre … Continue reading Downtown Miami named to National Register
“California Stars”
Here's a marvelous but bittersweet performance by Wilco of a Woody Guthrie poem, from about 10 years ago. I say bittersweet because that's former band member Jay Bennett on lead guitar, who died in his sleep two weeks ago. And, yes, I've been around the block enough to remember Bennett during his Titanic Love Affair … Continue reading “California Stars”
One more traveler
The big news Thursday in Tulsa was that Mayor Kathy Taylor unexpectedly announced that she would not be seeking re-election this fall. A report by KRMG radio contains this little snippet: She's a bit coy about her plans for life after office but does say she'll take a vacation down Route 66 with her husband … Continue reading One more traveler
Exhibit explores Route 66 and U.S. 41
For you roadies out east, the Booth Western Art Museum in the Atlanta suburb of Cartersville, Ga., soon will be hosting an exhibition by artist Chuck Middlekauff that explores Route 66 and U.S. 41, which goes from Chicago Michigan to Miami, Fla. Middlekauff, as noted by the image of the sign of the Sands Motel … Continue reading Exhibit explores Route 66 and U.S. 41
What the Kingman association wants to do
Tim McDonnell, president of the newly revived Kingman Route 66 Association of Kingman, Ariz., sent an image of this vintage photo of Duke's Packard dealership that once operated in town. The association's plan is to repair the neon on the sign, put it back on the original building, and paint murals on the walls and … Continue reading What the Kingman association wants to do
“Never doubt Dawn Welch”
Dave Cathey, the Food Dude for The Oklahoman, has a really good article and video about Rock Cafe owner Dawn Welch and the reopening of her historic Route 66 restaurant in Stroud, Okla., after a devastating fire. A choice excerpt: On opening day, the restaurant didn’t have nachos because the cheese warmer wasn’t ready. It … Continue reading “Never doubt Dawn Welch”
Ford issues Route 66 challenges
Ford's Fiesta Movement site has issued challenges to a bunch of young, hip "agents" who are spending six months behind the wheel of a 2011 Ford Fiesta and posting videos of their adventures on the site. Here's one of the challenges: It’s a long stretch of classic American road, but it doesn’t show up on … Continue reading Ford issues Route 66 challenges
POPS nominated for a Nickelodeon award
POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla., is a nominee for a Nickelodeon Parents Pick Award, and the ultimate winner is chosen via an online vote. POPS has been nominated for Best Tourist Spot in the Oklahoma City area. The other nominees are the Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, the Paseo … Continue reading POPS nominated for a Nickelodeon award