A lot of videos have made their way on the Internet about Elmer Long and his unique Bottle Tree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, Calif. But this one by KCET-TV, a community station in Los Angeles, is the best. The interview delves into Long's background. And, much to my relief, Long says his sons will continue … Continue reading A visit to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Category: Art
Miniature created of 4 Women on the Route station
Willem Bor strikes again. The craftsman from the Netherlands, who has made miniature models of numerous Route 66 landmarks, created a new one of 4 Women on the Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, which now is known as Cars on the Route. According to the Joplin Globe, the miniature was hand-delivered by fellow countryman and … Continue reading Miniature created of 4 Women on the Route station
Longtime Route 66 museum curator Wanda Queenan dies
Wanda Queenan, 91, longtime currator of the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Oklahoma, and co-owner of the now-closed Queenan's Indian Trading Post on Route 66 on the edge of town, has died, according to her daughter. Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton, Oklahoma, is in charge of arrangements. I'll post more information about the funeral … Continue reading Longtime Route 66 museum curator Wanda Queenan dies
National Trust wants Painted Desert facility restored
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is lobbying to preserve and restore the nearly 50-year-old Painted Desert Community Complex inside the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The complex is the only building designed by acclaimed architect Richard Neutra in the National Park Service system. The building was brought a then-unusual Mid-Century Modern style to the park. … Continue reading National Trust wants Painted Desert facility restored
New statues coming to Route 66 in Illinois
A series of new statues and wayside kiosks will be erected in nine towns along Route 66 in Illinois, according to a news release. The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway project was paid for by grants from National Scenic Byway Program and the Illinois Office of Tourism. The new kiosks and statues add to the 31 wayside exhibits and … Continue reading New statues coming to Route 66 in Illinois
Albuquerque asks for proposals for De Anza Motel
The City of Albuquerque recently requested proposals to redevelop the historic De Anza Motor Lodge after two plans fell flat in recent years. However, one prominent business group is recommending a partial teardown of the motel. A group of Albuquerque business owners put together a list of recommendations of what it would like to see … Continue reading Albuquerque asks for proposals for De Anza Motel
Traveling Route 66 exhibit planned for Europe
Three men are planning an unprecedented traveling Route 66 exhibit that will be taken around Europe -- which is a hotbed of enthusiasm for the Mother Road. The men planning the exhibit are Jim Farber, who helped shepherd the current "Route 66: The Road and the Romance" exhibit at the Autry National Museum at Los … Continue reading Traveling Route 66 exhibit planned for Europe
Red Oak II now offering overnight stays
Red Oak II, a vivid re-creation of a now-vanished town by folk artist Lowell Davis, recently started offering overnight stays in cabins reclaimed from a former Route 66 motel in Duquesne, Missouri, reported the Joplin Globe in a feature story about Davis and his complex near Carthage, Missouri. Also, a former mayor who resides at Red Oak II … Continue reading Red Oak II now offering overnight stays
Bob Waldmire art featured at Harley-Davidson Museum exhibit
The artwork of Bob Waldmire, the famed and beloved Route 66 artist who died of cancer in 2009, is featured in a current show at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. "The American Road," which began June 14, "takes visitors on a journey highlighting the evolution of the quintessential American road trip from its early beginnings in … Continue reading Bob Waldmire art featured at Harley-Davidson Museum exhibit
A history of Cadillac Ranch
On Sunday, the Amarillo Globe-News published a well-researched story about the history of the Cadillac Ranch art installation just off Route 66. Cadillac Ranch marked its 40th anniversary June 21 -- four days after owner Stanley Marsh 3 died at age 76. The story provides behind-the-scenes details about how Cadillac Ranch came about. I urge … Continue reading A history of Cadillac Ranch