A professor and his students at Missouri State University performed months of research into the historic Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Mo. The Springfield News-Leader reports that the result of that research is a 96-page book, "The Gillioz 'Theatre Beautiful': Celebrating Springfield's Theatre History, 1926-2006." The book won't be available until next month, but details on … Continue reading A look back at the Gillioz Theatre’s history
Category: Books
An Okie’s story
Betty Henshaw and her family once lived in Hominy, Okla., where they picked cotton. In 1947, the family pulled up stakes and drove west on Route 66 to find a better living in California -- as many other Okies did. Henshaw recalled her memories in a manuscript, which was quickly picked up by Texas Tech … Continue reading An Okie’s story
Book review: “Images of 66”
I've never met David Wickline that I can recall. Many other roadies haven't, either. But Wickline's stature among Route 66 aficionados has skyrocketed in recent weeks. That's due to the recent publication of his softcover book, "Images of 66," which contains a staggering 386 pages and thousands of color photos of sights along the Mother … Continue reading Book review: “Images of 66”
Book review: “Once Upon a Highway”
Because "Once Upon a Highway: Route 66 in Oklahoma" (162 pages, New Forums, $36.95) is written and illustrated by an architect, you would expect drawings of intricately designed buildings, such as the Coleman Theatre Beautiful and the First United Methodist Church in Clinton, that latter which was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. But what makes … Continue reading Book review: “Once Upon a Highway”
Chicago Tribune reviews two Route 66 books
The second volume of "Route 66 Lost and Found" and the "Route 66 Adventure Handbook" both were reviewed by the Chicago Tribune.
Offbeat tourist stops on Route 66
Drew Knowles, author of the "Route 66 Adventure Handbook," gave USA Today his 10 favorite offbeat attractions on the Mother Road, including one in Illinois that's a bit obscure. Go read the list.
New book guides you to California movie scenes
"Hollywood Escapes," written by Harry Medved and Bruce Akiyama, guides movie buffs to old movie locations all over Southern California, reports the Hollywood Reporter. Incidentally, Medved has co-written some great movie books, like "The Golden Turkey Awards" and "The Fifty Worst Films of All Time (and How They Got That Way)." "Hollywood Escapes" includes directions … Continue reading New book guides you to California movie scenes
New book about Oklahoma Route 66 is out
An enticing coffee-table book about Oklahoma's Route 66 was recently published by New Forums Press. It's "Once Upon a Highway: Route 66 in Oklahoma" by Oklahoma State University architecture instructor John Womack. Womack's book contains more than 150 of his detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations of Route 66 sights in the Sooner State. Womack's illustration … Continue reading New book about Oklahoma Route 66 is out
Popularity of road trips strong despite gas prices
Voice of America reports: Surveys show that half of all Americans still prefer the car for summertime vacation travel — instead of a plane, bus, or train — despite rising gasoline prices. There appears to be a resurgent nostalgia for the great American road trip, a motorized odyssey that’s long been part of the popular … Continue reading Popularity of road trips strong despite gas prices
Route 66 trips better for the environment?
According to an Associated Press book review, the answer is yes. The book is Lonely Planet's "Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime" ($19.95), which lists 82 trips that have a lesser impact on the environment. For Americans who may be interested in exploring their own country in an environmentally responsible way, the book outlines several … Continue reading Route 66 trips better for the environment?