In 1999, Chicago-based writer Tim Steil and photographer Jim Luning embarked on a trip together down Route 66 to collect material that produced an excellent book, "Route 66." Steil also wrote an online journal during the trip, which I recommend you read. Steil and Luning are returning to the Mother Road next month, on the … Continue reading Return to the road
Category: Books
Rock Cafe prepares for reopening
KOTV in Tulsa has a very good article about the impending reopening Friday of the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., after a devastating fire a year ago. The particularly newsworthy parts in the story are about owner Dawn Welch, near the end: Welch has written a cookbook, "Dollars to Donuts" and is due out November … Continue reading Rock Cafe prepares for reopening
Novel takes place on Route 66
Jane Sutton wrote a book, "The Ride," part of which takes place on the Mother Road. Hot Indie News has this description: Barbie Anderson approached that fateful Thursday much as she had the other 8,395 days of her marriage. However, on that morning, one phone call begins a sequence of events that turns her mundane … Continue reading Novel takes place on Route 66
Details released about Oklahoma Pop museum
A news conference on Tuesday revealed all of the details about a proposed Oklahoma Pop museum in Tulsa, devoted to the history of the state's music and its popular culture. You can read more about it here. It was mentioned a few days ago that Route 66 would be part of the museum. Bob Blackburn, … Continue reading Details released about Oklahoma Pop museum
Kingman group raising money to restore signs
The fledgling Route 66 Association of Kingman has begun a silent auction as a fundraiser to restore neon signs that once graced the Mother Road in Kingman, Ariz. Kingman roadie Jim Hinckley passed along this information via e-mail: The organization has acquired and stored the City Cafe and Imperial Motel sign. A beautiful old Packard sales … Continue reading Kingman group raising money to restore signs
Calling all scribes
Gondwana Press, based in Edmond, Okla., is holding a Route 66 Writing Contest through August. The details from the press release: Submit stories about Route 66, 3000 to 5000 words, any genre - short story, essay, poetry, etc., with up to 2 pictures (optional). Prize includes $50 per story and publication in Gondwana Press' upcoming … Continue reading Calling all scribes
Book review: “City Ubiquitous”
Andrew Wood is an associate professor in communication studies at San Jose State University. He's also a dyed-in-the-wool roadie. He's written two books about two-lane highways, "Motel America" and "Road Trip America." His Motel Americana site is an excellent thumbnail guide to vintage lodging. And Wood's blog, Woodland Shoppers Paradise, has become a catch-all for … Continue reading Book review: “City Ubiquitous”
Book review: “The Route 66 St. Louis Cookbook”
First-time author Norma Maret Bolin's "The Route 66 St. Louis Cookbook" has the words "St. Louis" in slightly larger type than the rest of the title of the book's cover. This is telling. Her book (paperback, 174 pages, $19.95) is considerably more focused on famed restaurants of the entire St. Louis area than just those … Continue reading Book review: “The Route 66 St. Louis Cookbook”
Artist to publish drawings, recipes from Route 66
Artist David Alan Badger of Havana, Ill., plans to publish seven books of his drawings, history and recipes from scenic byways in Illinois, including Route 66, reported the Peoria Journal Star. Badger, who has been drawing for more than 20 years, said the books will help bring attention and tourism to the towns along the … Continue reading Artist to publish drawings, recipes from Route 66
A response by “Road Trip USA” author
Jamie Jensen, author of the "Road Trip USA" and "Road Trip USA Route 66," sent an e-mail with his response of my review of his "Road Trip USA Route 66" book that was recently published: Here it is: I was looking forward to talking to you about my Road Trip USA books, and was sorry … Continue reading A response by “Road Trip USA” author