Roy Martinez Jr. began in January 2009 to build a miniature version of the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs, as depicted from the hit 2006 animated film "Cars," as part of a model train set. Except for some shrubbery and foliage he'll add later, Martinez reports that his own version Radiator Springs is … Continue reading The cutest little town in Carburetor County
Category: Businesses
A refreshing stop at Russell’s
During trips this past year to eastern New Mexico, we noticed the construction of a massive truck stop and travel center at the Endee exit, off Interstate 40. A few weeks ago, Russell's Truck & Travel Center opened. We stopped there during a recent journey to Tucumcari, and we were pleasantly surprised by what we … Continue reading A refreshing stop at Russell’s
Gallop to Gallup
Because The Huffington Post is primarily serves as a political site, I ordinarily don't surf there. But this decidedly nonpartisan post by travel writer Karen Tina Harrison serves as good overview of the Route 66 town of Gallup, N.M. It contains plenty of photos, and shout-outs to El Rancho Hotel and Richardson's trading post. Harrison … Continue reading Gallop to Gallup
Tire store on Route 66 marks 75th year
This is pretty amazing. Bay's Tire Service, at 112 E. Osage St. in Pacific, Mo., recently marked its 75th year at the same location and the same family ownership, reported the Washington Missourian. According to the story: Lee and Hazel Miles Bay purchased a farmhouse at present-day 112 E. Osage St. on the new Route … Continue reading Tire store on Route 66 marks 75th year
Route 66 cost-share grants announced
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program on Friday announced in its quarterly newsletter its annual cost-share grants for historic Route 66 businesses and landmarks. Most of the information comes from the newsletter or news release, except where I added links and other information. The recipients are: Historic Seligman Sundries, Seligman, Ariz. -- With its distinct false front, … Continue reading Route 66 cost-share grants announced
Auction set for Tuesday of 66 Bowl’s contents
A big auction to sell off the contents of the historic 66 Bowl in Oklahoma City has been set for Tuesday, according to KWTV. The list of items on the block will include the bowling alley's iconic neon sign. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at 66 Bowl, and will include online bidding … Continue reading Auction set for Tuesday of 66 Bowl’s contents
Family feud
The Arizona Republic published a fascinating but ultimately sad story about family members' fight over the Gilbert Ortega Sr. estate. Ortega began his silver and turquoise empire as a Route 66 in Lupton, Ariz., by selling American Indian trinkets during the 1960s. That eventually grew to an estimated $40 million enterprise, with jewelry and Indian … Continue reading Family feud
Obscure compared to what?
A report today from the Heartland Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit group that advocates free-market solutions, recommended that the State of Illinois abolish its Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Heartland Institute says the deficit-wracked state would save millions of dollars by abolishing the agency (although the group doesn't specify how much savings would be generated … Continue reading Obscure compared to what?
Pop a top on Dublin Dr Pepper
American Profile magazine posted an effervescent story about the Dr Pepper plant in Dublin, Texas -- the only Dr Pepper bottler left that still uses Imperial cane sugar from the original 1885 recipe instead of the now-common corn syrup. It's called Dublin Dr Pepper, and folks drive from many miles around to get it because … Continue reading Pop a top on Dublin Dr Pepper
66-to-Cali owner has a story to tell
Most of you already know about Dan Rice, owner of the 66-to-Cali souvenir shack at the Santa Monica Pier who was the guiding force behind getting an "End of the Trail" Route 66 marker erected at the pier. However, a book coming out in the winter is going to tell another side of Rice's story: … Continue reading 66-to-Cali owner has a story to tell