Before going in-depth with this review of James R. Powell's "The 1928 Bunion Derby," prospective customers should know right away it is not a turn-by-turn guidebook to the infamous 3,423-mile Trans-American Footrace from Los Angeles to New York City -- much of it on Route 66. In short, it's about one-third of that. It's easy … Continue reading Book review: “The 1928 Bunion Derby”
Category: History
Old Gillett Farm on Elkhart Hill to be auctioned in August
The historic and enormous Old Gillett Farm on top of Elkhart Hill just east of Elkhart, Illinois, will be sold at auction in August. The house isn't on Route 66. But driving down the Mother Road, it's hard to miss Elkhart Hill. It rises 200 feet above the surrounding prairie and reportedly is the tallest hill between … Continue reading Old Gillett Farm on Elkhart Hill to be auctioned in August
The enduring fascination with Oklahoma Joe’s in Albuquerque
One of the most popular comment threads in the nearly 12-year history of Route 66 News is the one about Oklahoma Joe's, a restaurant along Route 66 that also became a tavern popular with University of New Mexico students. It also was known as Okie's or Okie Joe's. At last count, more than 220 comments … Continue reading The enduring fascination with Oklahoma Joe’s in Albuquerque
Round Barn to celebrate 25th anniversary of its reopening
The Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, on Sunday, June 11, will mark the 25th anniversary of the rehabilitation and reopening of the historic structure along Route 66. The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. that day with live music, a car cruise-in, special guest speakers and the POPS food truck on the premises serving … Continue reading Round Barn to celebrate 25th anniversary of its reopening
More 1990s video from Route 66 in a 1959 Cadillac
Anthony Reichardt recently uploaded more videos to YouTube from his travels on Route 66 during the early to mid-1990s in a 1959 Cadillac. At the least, the videos are valuable for historic reasons. Some of the places Reichardt visited have disappeared or changed radically. The first video is a chat with Glaida Funk of Funks … Continue reading More 1990s video from Route 66 in a 1959 Cadillac
Tulsa will add markers to historic Route 66 sites
The city of Tulsa recently issued a request for a proposal from prospective contractors to place historical markers or plaques near Route 66 sites. The request by the city is here; the proposal must be submitted by June 14. In summary, the RFP says: The City of Tulsa seeking professionally qualified individuals and firms to … Continue reading Tulsa will add markers to historic Route 66 sites
Staffers’ favorite parts of the Route 66 exhibit at the Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis recently launched a video series about the current "Route 66: Main Street Through St. Louis" exhibit. Staffers with the museum are asked about their favorite parts of the show. Here are their answers: https://youtu.be/luXK_W5gIOo https://youtu.be/ZvTMTKVPOi8 https://youtu.be/PYNuRNa1za8 And here is a 30-second trailer about the exhibit itself. https://youtu.be/CgY0tM7gxBo The Route … Continue reading Staffers’ favorite parts of the Route 66 exhibit at the Missouri History Museum
Book review: “The Route 66 Adventure Handbook” (fifth edition)
Bigger and better. That's the takeaway from Drew Knowles' fifth edition of his "Route 66 Adventure Handbook." Knowles keeps adding new things to new editions of his book, which comes out every five years or so. Knowles' first "Route 66 Adventure Handbook" in 2001 contained 240 pages. Subsequent editions swelled to 272, 384 and 431 … Continue reading Book review: “The Route 66 Adventure Handbook” (fifth edition)
University gets grant for Women of Route 66 project
Missouri State University received a grant to help gather oral histories for "The Women on the Mother Road in Missouri” project. According to a news release from the university, the $2,500 grant will be used in conjunction with a similar project: Anne Baker, interim head of special collections and archives at MSU, will work with … Continue reading University gets grant for Women of Route 66 project
Route 66 festival returns to Lebanon after seven-year hiatus
The Lebanon Route 66 Festival in Lebanon, Missouri, will return next month after a seven-year break, including a concert and gathering at the historic Munger Moss Motel. The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society and the Lebanon Parks and Recreation Department are shepherding the festival, which is scheduled for June 16-17. The festival's theme will be … Continue reading Route 66 festival returns to Lebanon after seven-year hiatus