The "Route 66 in Illinois" presentation by Joe Sonderman and Cheryl Eichar Jett -- who co-wrote a book by the same name -- during the Miles of Possibility conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, contained a few tidbits of information even veteran roadies might not have known, such as: An explosion in 1942 at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant … Continue reading “Route 66 in Illinois”
Category: Events
“Route 66 Bicycle Tourism”
By Emily Priddy Route 66 communities looking for ways to attract tourists with a fondness for mom-and-pop businesses might want to start courting cyclists. S.J. Morrison, director of marketing and planning for Madison County Transit in Illinois, said trail users in his area spend an average of more than $30 each at restaurants, gas stations … Continue reading “Route 66 Bicycle Tourism”
“Cultural Heritage Tourism: Why People Travel Route 66”
A marketing professor revealed a little-known word -- anemoia -- he'd discovered only in the past year that probably explains why many people explore Route 66. Nick Gerlich, a professor at West Texas A&M and an avid explorer of old Route 66, explained during his presentation Oct. 31 at the Miles of Possibility Conference in Edwardsville, Illinois, that anemoia … Continue reading “Cultural Heritage Tourism: Why People Travel Route 66”
“The Hidden Voices of Route 66”
David Dunaway's keynote speech, "The Hidden Voices of Route 66," to begin the Miles of Possibility: The Edwardsville Route 66 Conference on Oct. 27 at the Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville, Illinois, set a candid tone for much of the weekend's presentations. Using audio clips from his "Across the Tracks: A Route 66 Story" audio program and excerpts … Continue reading “The Hidden Voices of Route 66”
Gateway Arch marks 50th year
Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Gateway Arch, the best-known symbol for the city of St. Louis. Indeed, it's one of the most famous monuments in the world, and although it isn't on Route 66, it remains a popular destination for tourists who are traveling the Mother Road. Much of the … Continue reading Gateway Arch marks 50th year
Cucamonga Service Station reopens as a museum
The century-old Cucamonga Service Station along Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, California, opened a new chapter in its existence as a museum during a grand reopening Wednesday, according to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. The Route 66 IECA gathered about $100,000 from fundraisers to help restore the station. And the group keeps making improvements to … Continue reading Cucamonga Service Station reopens as a museum
Auctions of Shea’s Gas Station Museum begin
A series of auctions of the Shea's Gas Station Museum in Springfield, Illinois, began Saturday, according to the State Journal-Register newspaper. The gas-station museum's longtime owner, Bill Shea, died at age 91 in December 2013. The Shea family requested offers for the museum, but apparently had no takers. Shea's son, Bill Shea Jr., said it was sad to … Continue reading Auctions of Shea’s Gas Station Museum begin
Grand opening for Cucamonga Service Station set for Wednesday
A grand opening is set for Wednesday for the historic Cucamonga Service Station along Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The big event in the 9600 block of East Foothill Boulevard will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday. The Route 66 IECA has spent years and organized many fundraisers to restore the century-old gas station. The group plans to use … Continue reading Grand opening for Cucamonga Service Station set for Wednesday
Route 66-themed fiesta to replace Grants Fire & Ice Rally
A Route 66-themed fiesta is slated to replace the Fire & Ice Bike Rally in Grants, New Mexico, weeks after the mayor cast a tie-breaking vote to cancel the downtown motorcycle event after 15 years. The Cibola County Beacon reported the new festival will take place in the third weekend of July 2016, with a … Continue reading Route 66-themed fiesta to replace Grants Fire & Ice Rally
Car show Saturday offers peek at Sapulpa museum
A car show scheduled for Saturday will offer a look at the progress of the soon-to-open Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. According to a news release Automobile enthusiasts are invited to show off their cars and motorcycles during the day-long event that will feature updates and a progress report on the … Continue reading Car show Saturday offers peek at Sapulpa museum