Redforkhippie reported to me that while driving Tuesday night on Admiral Place, aka Route 66, in Tulsa, she noticed that the celebrated Ike's Chili House has reopened after a hiatus of several months. She said there was a prominent "Open" sign, and cars were parked all over the place in front of the restaurant, located … Continue reading Ike’s Chili House has reopened
Category: History
Route 66 Corridor grants announced
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, run by the Nationa Park Service, has announced its annual recipients of cost-share grants totaling $117,102. The news release does a good job detailing the recipients and for what purpose, so I'm quoting it verbatim and adding links where applicable: 1) Atlanta, Illinois – Palms Grill Café. Grant … Continue reading Route 66 Corridor grants announced
A closer look at “Ultragate”
The Riverfront Times in St. Louis has a more in-depth look at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which once carried Route 66, and artist James Woodfill's sprucing-up of the bridge, which he has called "Ultragate."
Mount Olive and Mother Jones
The Associated Content site has listed a "history detour" about Mount Olive, Ill., and its most famous resident, union activist Mother Jones. She is buried just off old Route 66 in the Union Miners Cemetery, and a monument also was erected there in her honor. The article also mentions the restored Soulsby Station on 66.
Why did George Maharis leave “Route 66”? — Part 2
Karen Funk Blocher has written on her Outpost Mavarin blog the second and final installment about why George Maharis left the "Route 66" show at the height of its popularity in 1963. In short, she reports that Maharis asked for a scaled-back shooting schedule that season because he was recovering from two bouts of hepatitis. … Continue reading Why did George Maharis leave “Route 66”? — Part 2
A close encounter with Bonnie & Clyde
Columnist Hank Billings of the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader passed on the tale of a reader's chance meeting with outlaws Bonnie & Clyde on Route 66. It's a good story.
Interstates hit a wall
The 50th anniversary of the U.S. interstate highway systems has been observed for a few months now. However, I've found that most media accounts of the interstate's history, impact and future have been shallow. Until now. Patrick May of the San Jose Mercury-News published a remarkably comprehensive report about the interstates' impact on California. Naturally, … Continue reading Interstates hit a wall
Pretty petrified
The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is celebrating its centennial this year. The Arizona Republic has a story about the park's history and its magnificent scenery.
Is the Tri-County Truck Stop haunted?
The historic Tri-County Truck Stop on old Route 66 in Villa Ridge, Mo., is known by roadies for its good grub, especially its country ham, not paranormal activity. But Missouri Paranormal Research this month conducted what appears to be two extensive investigations of the truck stop for ghostlike activity. If nothing else, you can read … Continue reading Is the Tri-County Truck Stop haunted?
“America on the Move” photos
Road warrior Tim Steil was in Washington, D.C., last week with his kid to see the Smithsonian's "America on the Move" exhibit before that part of the museum closes Sept. 4 for a two-year renovation. He e-mailed me a few photos from it. Here's a 1930s section of Route 66 from western Oklahoma. Steil wrote: … Continue reading “America on the Move” photos