I recently received e-mails from a group, Concerned Citizens of Valle Vista & Surrounding Areas, that is opposing a proposed biodiesel plant near the subdivision of Valle Vista, about 15 miles northeast of Kingman, Ariz. The group said the plant would "potentially degrade a nice stretch of historic Route 66," and advocated relocating it "more … Continue reading Not in my Valle Vista
Category: Businesses
State budget woes may doom some rest stops
At least one cash-strapped state in which Route 66 traverses is considering shutting down its rest stops along the interstate highways, according to the Wall Street Journal. According to the article, Arizona is considering shutting down at least some of its rest stops as a cost-cutting move. An interesting excerpt: One hurdle for defenders of … Continue reading State budget woes may doom some rest stops
A last of the breed
In my first Route 66 trips, I noticed on dozens of businesses and billboards in eastern New Mexico the signs of a distinctive lettering by a sign painter. The signs were notable because of their lettering -- often a thick, squat, easily read style that I'd seen nowhere else. Some of the letters were shadowed … Continue reading A last of the breed
Students take a closer look at Route 66
The Prairie, a student-run newspaper at West Texas A&M University, has published a special issue that takes a closer look at historic Route 66, particularly in the Amarillo area. There's an overview of the road's history and a closer look at a number of businesses, including the Texas Ivy antique store, the Golden Light Cafe, … Continue reading Students take a closer look at Route 66
Popping a top on POPS beer
This flew under my radar, but POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla., introduced its own line of beer last year. That's in addition to the 500 types of sodas it sells. It offers POPS Hops Premium Select, Lager and Pilsner, all brewed by Huebert Brewing in Oklahoma City. Jennifer Eve, a spokeswoman for POPS, … Continue reading Popping a top on POPS beer
Java Stop in Dwight is closing
The Java Stop, an espresso stand on Route 66 in Dwight, Ill., that earned praise for its architectural design, is set to close by the end of the month, reports regular reader DynoDave. Via e-mail: I'm sad to report that their site says their last day of regular operation is tomorrow, Sunday the 10th. They … Continue reading Java Stop in Dwight is closing
Fran Eickhoff dedication
Members of the Route 66 Association of Missouri and family and friends of the late Fran Eickhoff gathered at the Fanning 66 Outpost and General Store in Fanning, Mo., to pay tribute to her decades of service to the Mother Road. Eickhoff died after a long battle with cancer on Aug. 7, 2008. From the … Continue reading Fran Eickhoff dedication
Why’d they name it that?
The Daily Oklahoman has a list of bridges, roads, buildings and other things that were named after prominent Sooners. Here's the ones that are relevant to Route 66: Interstate-40 Business — "Roger Miller Memorial Highway” — 1994: Between State Highway 30 in Erick and I-40 (Exit 11). Miller was a singer and songwriter. [Editor's note: … Continue reading Why’d they name it that?
Like coffee with chocolate
Longtime readers probably remember the opening of Marcia Wilson's Route 66 Fudge Shop in Cuba, Mo. This was a store that sold a line of candy bars to help maintain the town's famous murals. There's good news and bad news about the fudge shop. The bad news is Wilson had to close her storefront and … Continue reading Like coffee with chocolate
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