On Friday, I paid a lunchtime visit to the newly resurrected Route 66 icon, Wrink's Market of Lebanon, Mo. Even though longtime Route 66 aficionados will see changes in Wrink's that indicate the convenience store remains a work in progress, I noticed two things that should gladden their hearts: Terry Wrinkle, one of the sons … Continue reading Lunchtime at Wrink’s Market
Category: Businesses
Notes from the road
I got a call a few days ago from Bill Kinder, co-owner of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., informing me that all of his motel's neon lights have been repaired. The motel's neon (and others along Route 66 in Tucumcari) were damaged this spring by a severe hailstorm. Missouri Route 66er Tonya Pike … Continue reading Notes from the road
Wrink’s Market seeks to ‘recreate’ dad’s legacy
Terry Wrinkle, the son of the late Glenn Wrinkle of Wrink's Market in Lebanon, Mo., was interviewed by the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader before the store reopens sometime next week as a deli, diner, florist and convenience store. "Route 66 was more than a highway across the country," said Terry Wrinkle, son of the store's longtime … Continue reading Wrink’s Market seeks to ‘recreate’ dad’s legacy
County gives grant for Route 66 garage sale
The finance committee of Logan County, Ill., awarded a $4,000 grant to the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County to help with next year's 37 Miles of Smiles, also known as the Route 66 garage sale, reported the Lincoln Courier. "It was really a remarkable first-time event," Ladd said. "Being that it was a … Continue reading County gives grant for Route 66 garage sale
Lady Bird’s mixed legacy for Route 66
I loathe to speak ill of the dead, except for the biggest scoundrels. Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson who died at age 94 on Wednesday, certainly wasn't a scoundrel. But the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, which restricted billboards along our nation's highways, proved to be damaging to Route 66 businesses … Continue reading Lady Bird’s mixed legacy for Route 66
Pontiac panel approves two Route 66 murals
The Planning and Zoning Board for the city of Pontiac, Ill., approved variances for two Route 66-themed murals, reported the Pontiac Daily Leader. One of them is on a brick wall behind the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum at 110 W. Howard St. The second is on a wall at Diaz Sign Art … Continue reading Pontiac panel approves two Route 66 murals
Company revives Burma Shave jingles for apparel
Here's an interesting press release that should intrigue roadies: WHITTIER, Calif. -- Eagle II Motorsports Nostalgia Drag Racing Team announced today that they have been granted special permission from the holder of the Burma Shave registered trademark, to use the name and roadside jingles of the once famous shaving products line, for use in their … Continue reading Company revives Burma Shave jingles for apparel
City of Rialto may tear down Orange Bowl
The residents of Rialto, Calif., are tired of long-abandoned properties that attract vagrants, vandalism and weeds. Among the targeted "eyesores" are the Orange Bowl and an old Shell station along Foothill Boulevard, aka Route 66, reports the San Bernardino County Sun. The current owner of the Orange Bowl says he has gained two retail tenants … Continue reading City of Rialto may tear down Orange Bowl
Aztec Hotel to be refurbished
The Pasadena Star-News reports that the lobby and bar of the historic Aztec Hotel on Route 66 in Monrovia, Calif., will undergo a $100,000 renovation in the coming weeks. That already had been reported here. However, today's story contains more details about a 20-day liquor-license suspension of the hotel's bar, The Brass Elephant. ABC cited … Continue reading Aztec Hotel to be refurbished
Miss Goodwrench
Here's a rarity: a full-service gas station. This one, Groneman's Service Center, is on Route 66 in Vega, Texas. Here's a bigger rarity: a girl who works at a full-service station. Heather Newton, 16, a soon-to-be junior at the local high school, is employed at Groneman's. Here's an excerpt from a story by the Amarillo … Continue reading Miss Goodwrench