A woman apparently fell into the rain-swollen Vermilion River in Pontiac, Ill., on Tuesday and was swept downstream for three-quarters of a mile by the current. She was rescued by police and firefighters near the Route 66 bridge in town, and capturing it all on videotape was Mayor Scott McCoy, reports WEEK-TV. "I just so … Continue reading Route 66 rescue
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.
Springfield tavern being razed
I know next to nothing about this property, except that it was on an alignment of Route 66 in Springfield, Ill. According to the Journal-Register, the long-closed Sneaky Pete's tavern on South Sixth Street soon will be torn down to make way for redevelopment. It's been closed for nearly a decade, and has been in … Continue reading Springfield tavern being razed
El Vado Motel earns city landmark status — barely
That was a close one. The Albuquerque City Council voted 5-4 Monday night to award city landmark status to El Vado Motel, giving it some protection against being torn down to make way for luxury townhouses. The vote followed more than two hours of sometimes-disjointed discussions that Councilor Don Harris labeled "a train wreck." The … Continue reading El Vado Motel earns city landmark status — barely
Tucumcari leader Bettie Ditto dies
Bettie Ditto, the former mayor of the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., and longtime owner of the Pow Wow Inn, died at age 91 on Saturday, reports the Quay County Sun. She was so respected in the region, she was called "Mrs. Tucumcari." A former city commissioner and real estate developer, she is perhaps … Continue reading Tucumcari leader Bettie Ditto dies
Daring version
Here's a version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" that I previously was unaware. It's a scene from the 1948 movie "Three Daring Daughters." I'm not positive, but I think it's Jane Powell and Ann Todd singing. The person who posted the video won't allow it to be embedded, but you can watch it by clicking … Continue reading Daring version
Another Amarillo song
After seeing my post about George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning," longtime roadie Becky Ransom alerted me of another hit song that prominently mentions the Texas Panhandle's largest city. It is Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo," a worldwide hit in 1971 for the British singer. It was co-written by Neil Sedaka. The song … Continue reading Another Amarillo song
Closed for the winter
This time of year, a number of Route 66 businesses reduce their hours or even close because revenues become too sluggish to justify staying open. It's also an opportunity for these owners to make repairs or get some R&R. One example is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, which closes in January. It's common … Continue reading Closed for the winter
“Amarillo by Morning”
Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait sings one of his biggest hits. This video looks like it comes from a 1980s taping of "Austin City Limits." "... I ain't rich, but Lord, I'm free ..."
Councilor thinks El Vado will be preserved
The Albuquerque Tribune published a story today about the city council's meeting Monday on whether to again designate El Vado Motel a city landmark, thus protecting it from destruction. One councilor is confident the council will follow the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission's unanimous recommendation and grant the designation. Councilor Isaac Benton said he expects … Continue reading Councilor thinks El Vado will be preserved
Another Cadillac Ranch inspiration
The Cadillac Ranch on Route 66 near Amarillo, Texas, has inspired a number of imitators in recent years of various vehicles half-buried in the ground at an angle. First was the Bug Ranch on Route 66 near Conway, Texas. Last year was the Combine City near Amarillo. Now we have the Airstream Ranch near Orlando, … Continue reading Another Cadillac Ranch inspiration