The Portales News-Tribune in New Mexico scored an interview with a man who actually helped build Route 66. The man is Elmer Jones. He is 95 years old. He is the only member left from Portales' Class of 1931. As a young man in Childress, Texas, Jones, with his brother Allen, drove a team and … Continue reading Living link to Route 66’s early history
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.
Company revives Burma Shave jingles for apparel
Here's an interesting press release that should intrigue roadies: WHITTIER, Calif. -- Eagle II Motorsports Nostalgia Drag Racing Team announced today that they have been granted special permission from the holder of the Burma Shave registered trademark, to use the name and roadside jingles of the once famous shaving products line, for use in their … Continue reading Company revives Burma Shave jingles for apparel
Will Catsup Bottle Summerfest return?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Amanda St. Amand wandered over to the informal gathering this past weekend near the World's Largest Catsup Bottle (it's actually a water tower) in Collinsville, Ill., after the namesake's annual festival was canceled several weeks ago. In essence, the festival got the ax during a dispute between the nonprofit Downtown Collinsville … Continue reading Will Catsup Bottle Summerfest return?
City of Rialto may tear down Orange Bowl
The residents of Rialto, Calif., are tired of long-abandoned properties that attract vagrants, vandalism and weeds. Among the targeted "eyesores" are the Orange Bowl and an old Shell station along Foothill Boulevard, aka Route 66, reports the San Bernardino County Sun. The current owner of the Orange Bowl says he has gained two retail tenants … Continue reading City of Rialto may tear down Orange Bowl
“Route 66” remix
Here's a video for a remix of Depeche Mode's version of "Route 66." The footage is all over the place, but it's well-produced. There also is a clip near the end of the song's original composer, Bobby Troup, performing.
Aztec Hotel to be refurbished
The Pasadena Star-News reports that the lobby and bar of the historic Aztec Hotel on Route 66 in Monrovia, Calif., will undergo a $100,000 renovation in the coming weeks. That already had been reported here. However, today's story contains more details about a 20-day liquor-license suspension of the hotel's bar, The Brass Elephant. ABC cited … Continue reading Aztec Hotel to be refurbished
Miss Goodwrench
Here's a rarity: a full-service gas station. This one, Groneman's Service Center, is on Route 66 in Vega, Texas. Here's a bigger rarity: a girl who works at a full-service station. Heather Newton, 16, a soon-to-be junior at the local high school, is employed at Groneman's. Here's an excerpt from a story by the Amarillo … Continue reading Miss Goodwrench
Book review: “The Lincoln Highway”
Michael Wallis and Michael S. Williamson's new book, "The Lincoln Highway" (320 pages, $39.95), earns the highest praise I can think of: It made me want to jump in the car and see that 3,400-mile historic road for myself. The book, subtitled "Coast to Coast from Times Square to the Golden Gate," likely will spur … Continue reading Book review: “The Lincoln Highway”
Properties for sale update
People come surfing to Route 66 News quite often, looking for a business or property to buy on Route 66. However, finding the post with the listings on it is a bit of a challenge. It's not as visible as I would have liked. So, in recent days, a new page called "For Sale," as … Continue reading Properties for sale update
Book about Cajon Pass published
John Hockaday says he's no writer. He says he's just a rancher who became fascinated by Cajon Pass, which passes through his property in Southern California. "I'm just an old construction worker who likes history," he told the San Bernardino County Sun. He must like history a lot. He and his wife began compiling old … Continue reading Book about Cajon Pass published