KBAQ radio in Phoenix has been broadcasting a series titled "Hearing the Century: Voices of Arizona's Arts Past and Present" during the state's centennial. A recent broadcast focused on early 20th-century architect Mary Colter, widely recognized as one of the greatest of the Southwest. A longtime architect and designer for the Fred Harvey Company, Colter's … Continue reading Queen of the Southwest
Category: Books
Kickstarter campaign begun for U.S. 40 book
Frank Brusca, a longtime researcher of U.S. 40, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help finish a book about the historic highway he's been working on for decades. This is a little off-topic, but Route 66 fans often are fans of other historic highways, including U.S. 40, aka the National Road. Brusca also has inspired … Continue reading Kickstarter campaign begun for U.S. 40 book
Book review: “A Route 66 Companion”
Roadies leafing through David King Dunaway's "A Route 66 Companion" (University of Texas Press, soft cover, 162 pages) may get a jolt of bittersweet nostalgia. That's because the pages are sprinkled with intricate pen-and-ink drawings of Bob Waldmire, the beloved Route 66 artist and roving hippie who died of cancer in late 2009. Waldmire's artwork … Continue reading Book review: “A Route 66 Companion”
A plug for Route 66’s best guidebook
Dan Rice, owner of the 66-to-Cali souvenir store on the Santa Monica Pier, explains his endorsement of Jerry McClanahan's "EZ66 Guide for Travelers" guidebook of Route 66. https://youtu.be/BHQomCqypgU It's an important to note that McClanahan maintains a Web page that contains regular updates to the guidebook. It's recommended that you consult that page before heading … Continue reading A plug for Route 66’s best guidebook
The Motels of Route 66 project will spawn a book and film
Simon Cantlon, an Emmy-nominated producer of digital media for the entertainment industry, has launched The Motels of Route 66 project that will spawn a documentary film and a book. Cantlon created this video that explains his project: https://youtu.be/YoezV5IWF90 According to his website: The Motels of Route 66 project will capture the spirit of these motels, … Continue reading The Motels of Route 66 project will spawn a book and film
Book review: “Polaroid Photos from Route 66”
Polaroid photography was immensely popular decades ago, but corporation that made it eventually stopped its production as its use faded. But a small but enthusiastic group continues to keep the original Polaroid format alive because of its unique look and unpredictable qualities. If that description seems to match the boom, bust, and small revival of … Continue reading Book review: “Polaroid Photos from Route 66”
How Michael Wallis ended up in Oklahoma
Michael Wallis, author of the best-selling and Pulitzer-nominated "Route 66: The Mother Road," gave a presentation Friday during Tulsa Town Hall. His speech covered a lot of ground on Oklahoma history, including mentions of Woody Guthrie and the infamous Tulsa Race Riot. But this part of the exemplary Tulsa World article is worth excerpting: His first real … Continue reading How Michael Wallis ended up in Oklahoma
Shimmering in the night
Here's a short-but-sweet new video of the great neon sign at the Supai Motel, along Route 66 in Seligman, Ariz. https://youtu.be/V7BistQ0xv4 The video was created by Andrew Wood, a professor at San Jose State University and a longtime roadie. He owns the Motel Americana website, and published "City Ubiquitous," in which Route 66 played a … Continue reading Shimmering in the night
Book review: “32 Minutes in May”
Like me, I suspect many will encounter mixed feelings while reading the first comprehensive book about the deadly tornado that ravaged Joplin, Mo., on May 22, 2011. But on further reflection, there are good reasons to buy "32 Minutes in May -- The Joplin Tornado" (142 pages, hardback, Pediment Publishing, $34.95) -- other than a portion … Continue reading Book review: “32 Minutes in May”
Book review: “Oklahoma Route 66” (second edition)
Longtime readers of Route 66 News know I've often cited Jim Ross' "Oklahoma Route 66" guidebook when reporting on the Mother Road's history or its obscure alignments in the Sooner State. Though that volume was published back in 2001, it remains one of the most indispensable Route 66 guides. However, getting hold of a copy … Continue reading Book review: “Oklahoma Route 66” (second edition)