Longtime Route 66 enthusiast Dries Bessels recently published a Dutch Route 66 guidebook as a fundraiser for the Dutch Route 66 Association. The book, which is in the Dutch language, contains more than 700 photographs and is 220 pages. Bessels wrote in an email: The book is a perfect complement for Jerry McClanahan's EZ Guide … Continue reading Dutch Route 66 guidebook published
Category: Books
Professors honored for preserving vintage neon-sign drawings
Two professors from the University of New Mexico were given a state preservation award for saving hundreds of old drawings from the state's oldest neon-sign company. Many of them mock-ups of signs eventually were installed on Route 66. The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division honored Ellen Babcock and Mark Childs in the Heritage Publication division … Continue reading Professors honored for preserving vintage neon-sign drawings
Book review: “The Route 66 Adventure Handbook” (fifth edition)
Bigger and better. That's the takeaway from Drew Knowles' fifth edition of his "Route 66 Adventure Handbook." Knowles keeps adding new things to new editions of his book, which comes out every five years or so. Knowles' first "Route 66 Adventure Handbook" in 2001 contained 240 pages. Subsequent editions swelled to 272, 384 and 431 … Continue reading Book review: “The Route 66 Adventure Handbook” (fifth edition)
Book review: “Route 66 Splendor: An Adult Coloring Book”
At least one Route 66 adult coloring has hit the market, and more probably will to take advantage of the craze. But they will be hard-pressed to surpass Jo Ann Kargus' newly published "Route 66 Splendor: An Adult Coloring Book." According to a report earlier by CNN and other media outlets, therapists and researchers have … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Splendor: An Adult Coloring Book”
Surprise wedding at Route 66 Neon Festival
Those who attended the Arcadia Route 66 Neon Fest headquartered last weekend at Jim Ross' house off old Route 66 near Arcadia, Oklahoma, got a surprise -- the wedding of two longtime roadies,officiated by a third longtime roadie. Ross and Shellee Graham -- both who have photographed and researched Route 66 for at least 20 … Continue reading Surprise wedding at Route 66 Neon Festival
“Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures” contains major revisions, additions
A few weeks ago, author Phyllis Chandler Grey informed me by email she was publishing a revised paperback version of her 2016 children's book "Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures." I said the new volume probably didn't warrant a story, because minor revisions are made to books all the time. It's routine in … Continue reading “Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures” contains major revisions, additions
Two prominent Kingman figures named to Arizona hall of fame
Late actor Andy Devine and artist-author Bob Boze Bell, both whom had long and enduring links to Kingman, Arizona, and Route 66, were named to the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame a few weeks ago. Late western author Zane Grey also was inducted. The Kingman Daily Miner reported about the inductions a few days ago: … Continue reading Two prominent Kingman figures named to Arizona hall of fame
Book review: “Route 66 Barn Find Road Trip”
It's a book I'm a bit surprised hasn't been done before -- a few chums travel down Route 66 searching for "barn finds" of classic cars. In case you're not familiar with the term, "barn find" is a long-neglected classic car or motorcycle discovered stored in outbuildings or barns. Many of these vehicles are rare or … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Barn Find Road Trip”
Book review: “Route 66 Roadside Signs and Advertisements”
"Route 66 Roadside Signs and Advertisements" leaves little doubt it exists primarily as an image-driven book. After all, you have to show all these neon signs, banners and billboards that made an indelible impression on generations of Route 66 travelers and contributed to the road's colorful history. The book contains hundreds of photographs by Route 66 … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Roadside Signs and Advertisements”
Book review: “Route 66 Postcard Coloring Book”
Folks may think the new "Route 66 Postcard Coloring Book," published by the folks at the Legends of America website, is tailor-made for children and nobody else. However, coloring books for adults became a craze in the last few years. According to a report earlier this year by CNN, therapists and researchers touted the mental-health benefits of adults … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Postcard Coloring Book”