A three-minute promotional trailer for Unoccupied Route 66's latest documentary, "The California Promise," was placed online a few days ago. This segment shown here deals primarily with the Mojave Desert ghost town of Bagdad. https://youtu.be/wYae2Q9aIYg More about the upcoming film: Join host Nick Gerlich as he explores the Mohave Desert on an old section of … Continue reading Trailer for “The California Promise” documentary released
Category: History
Chuck Berry, R.I.P.
Word came over Saturday afternoon that Chuck Berry, the Father of Rock 'n' Roll, died at his home near Wentzville, Missouri, west of St. Louis, at age 90. Local authorities didn't give a cause of death, but Chuck's son said his father had ailed from pneumonia in recent weeks. Berry was best-known writing and performing … Continue reading Chuck Berry, R.I.P.
A trip down Oklahoma’s Route 66, circa 2009
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently began uploading videos to Vimeo, including this 17-minute trip down Route 66 in the Sooner State. It's not a recent video, as I noted a few things that apparently have changed since it was shot. The big totem pole at Totem Pole Park near Foyil has been repainted in … Continue reading A trip down Oklahoma’s Route 66, circa 2009
Warmer weather decreases sap harvest at Funks Grove Maple Sirup
An unseasonably warm winter decreased the annual sap harvest by a third at Funks Grove Maple Sirup near Shirley, Illinois. The co-operator of the fabled Route 66 business also said climate change may mean a permanent change in when maple sap is harvested at the nearly 200-year-old farm. I recently saw a report a warmer-than-usual winter led … Continue reading Warmer weather decreases sap harvest at Funks Grove Maple Sirup
Deep background on the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
The Arizona Republic newspaper recently published several articles about the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and revealed details about the Route 66 landmark even longtime roadies may not know. It's worth reading the articles in full, starting here. But a few things stood out, plus a couple of observations from me: --- The motel closed … Continue reading Deep background on the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
“Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures” contains major revisions, additions
A few weeks ago, author Phyllis Chandler Grey informed me by email she was publishing a revised paperback version of her 2016 children's book "Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures." I said the new volume probably didn't warrant a story, because minor revisions are made to books all the time. It's routine in … Continue reading “Route 66: In Search of Ghosts and Treasures” contains major revisions, additions
Founder of Billy Ray’s Catfish & BBQ restaurant dies
Billy Ray Cooper, founder and owner of Billy Ray's Catfish & BBQ along Route 66 in southwest Tulsa, died Monday, reported the Tulsa World. He was 65. The restaurant's Facebook page posted this message Tuesday: It is with heavy hearts we share the news that our founder, friend, and beloved family member Billy Ray Cooper fulfilled … Continue reading Founder of Billy Ray’s Catfish & BBQ restaurant dies
Route 66-themed sculptures dedicated in Tulsa’s Howard Park
Tulsa officials this week dedicated three Route 66 sculptures chiseled out of Indiana limestone at Tulsa's historic Howard Park. Utah sculptor Patrick Sullivan painstakingly chiseled into the three massive blocks by hand over a period of months. The limestone columns range from eight to 10 feet tall. The $90,000 project was funded by the Vision … Continue reading Route 66-themed sculptures dedicated in Tulsa’s Howard Park
Midwest Terminal Building in St. Louis added to National Register
The Midwest Terminal Building in St. Louis, better known as the Globe-Democrat Building or the Globe Building, was added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. The National Register listing was effective Jan. 23, according to the email. The building sits at 700-720 N. Tucker Blvd. … Continue reading Midwest Terminal Building in St. Louis added to National Register
Route 66 exhibit opens Saturday at Hoover Presidential Library in Iowa
If you live in Iowa or close to it, it may interest you to know of a Route 66 exhibit coming Saturday at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in Hoover's hometown of West Branch, east of Iowa City. "America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66" will be on display at the museum from Jan. 28 … Continue reading Route 66 exhibit opens Saturday at Hoover Presidential Library in Iowa