This dispute is complicated. But it seems the Autry National Center wants the Southwest Museum of the American Indian to move from its historic 1914 building near the Pasadena Freeway (Route 66) to an expanded facility in Griffith Park. The Southwest Museum's supporters, Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition, don't want it to move, and … Continue reading American Indian museum is under siege
Category: History
Blogger seeks to restore Seligman Harvey House
Michael Taylor of the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program has tipped me off to a blog concerning restoration efforts of a Harvey House in the Route 66 town of Seligman, Ariz. Seligman Harvey House is written by Mary Clurman of Seligman. This Harvey House, one of many built on the railroad lines … Continue reading Blogger seeks to restore Seligman Harvey House
Nat King Cole CD and DVD coming out in May
"(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" was written by Bobby Troup, but it was Nat King Cole's performance that made that song -- and the road -- famous. It went to No. 11 on the pop charts and No. 3 on the R&B charts in 1946. That sounds somewhat modest. But it helped cement Cole's … Continue reading Nat King Cole CD and DVD coming out in May
Horn Motor Lodge in Albuquerque threatened
The historic Horn Motor Lodge (pictured here in present-day and an old postcard), on Route 66 in Albuquerque, is being threatened by development. The Sandia Theatre is also threatened. There's a proposal, called Country Club Plaza (scroll down to the lone Southwest listing to read it), to raze the properties for a mixed-use development of … Continue reading Horn Motor Lodge in Albuquerque threatened
New Mexico scenic byway receives a grant
New Mexico Business Weekly reports that the state's scenic byways have received a total of $500,000 in federal grants. At least one of the grants will go to Route 66: Bernalillo County will receive $80,100 for the construction of El Camino Real/Route 66 Urban Plaza, which will create an interpretive kiosk on Isleta Boulevard. It … Continue reading New Mexico scenic byway receives a grant
In Funks Grove, it’s spelled “sirup,” not “syrup”
The Daily Vidette, which is the student newspaper of Illinois State University, has posted a story on its online edition about Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, which is a family business near the tiny Route 66 hamlet of Funks Grove, south of Bloomington. The story explains the unique spelling of the maple product: A sign … Continue reading In Funks Grove, it’s spelled “sirup,” not “syrup”
Showtime for West Hollywood
This article from The Telegraph in London is supposed to be a sort of preview for the Academy Awards. But the story also serves as a good travel guide to the Route 66 town of West Hollywood, including old haunts like Barney's Beanery and Mel's Drive-In.
Missouri town OKs scenic byway participation
The Route 66 town of St. Robert, Mo., recently approved its participation in the National Scenic Byways Program, according to the Pulaski County Democrat. The city plans to apply for a $1.3 million grant. The city would use the funds to install a Trail of Tears Interpretive site and fitness trail, working with the National … Continue reading Missouri town OKs scenic byway participation
Michael Wallis is writing a Lincoln Highway book
This isn't about Route 66, but it should interest roadies. Michael Wallis, author of the best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road," is writing a book about America's first trancontinental road, the Lincoln Highway. Right now, Wallis is motoring down the Lincoln Highway with Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Michael Williamson, who's supplying the photos for the book, … Continue reading Michael Wallis is writing a Lincoln Highway book
The Straight Dope about Route 66
The popular The Straight Dope column, which is run by the Chicago Reader newspaper and about 14 other alternative newspapers across the country, has answered this question from a reader: "Where is Route 66?" Rico, a Straight Dope staff member, has provided the usual well-researched answer. P.S.: This week's column by Straight Dope patriarch Cecil … Continue reading The Straight Dope about Route 66