Here's an article from the Alton (Ill.) Telegraph about nearby Edwardsville being named host of the national Route 66 Festival in 2008, which has already been reported here and several other newspapers. Here's the quote from the story that bugged me, however: "It’s going to put us on the map," said Carol Foreman, director of … Continue reading What’s right — and wrong — with Edwardsville
Category: History
Interstates are efficient, but not quirky
Mark Hughes of the Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News writes about the 50th anniversary of the interstate highway system. Despite the success of the interstate, he says, travelers never will get much romanticism from it. Ken Smith, senior editor of RoadsideAmerica.com, explains why tourists are as attracted as ever to the quirky roadside attractions on our nation's … Continue reading Interstates are efficient, but not quirky
You’d better go to the Smithsonian soon
That's because its National Museum of American History, which includes Route 66 in its "America on the Move" exhibit, will close Sept. 4 for two years for major renovations, according to WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C. The "America on the Move" has an actual full-width section of Route 66 from western Oklahoma built in 1932. The … Continue reading You’d better go to the Smithsonian soon
Stater Bros. grocery chain celebrates 70th anniversary
Stater Bros., a grocery chain based on Southern California, is marking its 70th year. The San Bernardino Sun published a story about the chain's history and interviewed its CEO, Jack Brown. This story is going on Route 66 News because Stater Bros. is the major sponsor of the Route 66 Rendezvous. In fact, the event … Continue reading Stater Bros. grocery chain celebrates 70th anniversary
“Let’s get a corn dog”
Charles Storch of the Chicago Tribune caves in to his cravings for a corn dog and ends up writing an exemplary article about the Cozy Dog Drive-In on Route 66 in Springfield, Ill. Not only does he touch on the Birthplace of the Corn Dog's past, present and likely future, but he also talks to … Continue reading “Let’s get a corn dog”
Steak ‘n Shake may land on historic register
The Steak 'n Shake at St. Louis Street and National Avenue in Springfield, Mo., may soon be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reports the Springfield News-Leader. This particular franchise was built in 1962, and its owner, Gary Leonard, has made it a point to keep the retro-looking restaurant looking spiffy. The article … Continue reading Steak ‘n Shake may land on historic register
A visit to Acoma Pueblo
Catherine Watson recounts her visit to the ancient American Indian city of Acoma Pueblo, a few miles south of Route 66 in the New Mexico desert. She not only toured the city, but she also descended from the mesa via an old footpath -- the same one that residents have used for centuries. Go read … Continue reading A visit to Acoma Pueblo
Lunch at Lucille’s Roadhouse
While briefly at a hotel in Weatherford, Okla., on Wednesday, I chatted with a young man behind the front desk. He'd mentioned he worked evenings at the new Route 66-themed restaurant in town, Lucille's Roadhouse. I asked him what's the best thing on the Lucille's menu. He grinned. "The fried onion burgers. Definitely," he said. … Continue reading Lunch at Lucille’s Roadhouse
A look at the planned Route 66 Station
I've acquired computer artist's renderings of the Route 66 Station park, which will be in the 3900 block Southwest Boulevard in Tulsa, in a current vacant lot cross the road from Daniel Webster High School. Route 66 Station will be funded by the Tulsa County Vision 2025 sales tax. I'm told it should be bidded … Continue reading A look at the planned Route 66 Station
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge nominated to National Register
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which once carried Route 66 from Madison, Ill., to north St. Louis, has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, reports digitalBurg.com of Warrensburg, Mo. The nominations will be considered by the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation on Aug. 11 in St. Joseph. The image above … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge nominated to National Register