A number of books, websites and even an application to the National Register of Historic Places tell a tragic story of Ted F. Jones, former owner of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. It was reported for years that Jones, a prominent eastern New Mexico rancher, owned the Route 66 motel through much of … Continue reading So what really happened to the Blue Swallow Motel’s former owner?
Category: History
Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store
Galena's Bordello in Galena, Kansas, recently was purchased by an English couple and has been converted into an antiques store. KSN-TV reports David and Vicky Horbury have changed the name to Bordello Antiques: They sell all antiques that are imported from their home country. They say they fell in love with the people and Route … Continue reading Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store
Class project helps identify Civil War tombstones in Odell cemetery
As Memorial Day approaches, do yourself a favor and read this amazing story from the Chicago Tribune about a schoolteacher who guided his students to identify worn tombstones of once-forgotten Civil War soldiers at a cemetery overlooking Route 66 in Odell, Illinois. The Tribune also created a video about the Operation Gravestone project, which likely will make … Continue reading Class project helps identify Civil War tombstones in Odell cemetery
Book review: “The Zeon Files”
"The Zeon Files" provides a colorful glimpse of Albuquerque's past with dozens of a company's working drawings of neon signs that once graced the Route 66 corridor decades ago. But what's most striking is the drawings are revealed as detailed and precise as any architectural rendering. The people who made these signs weren't just blue-collar guys who'd learned the trade of fire, electricity … Continue reading Book review: “The Zeon Files”
Route 66 part of Devore Interchange Project not quite finished
Friday marked the finish of a huge part of the $324 million Devore Interchange Project in Southern California. However, the part that would have reconnected a two-mile section of Route 66 for the first time in decades won't be finished for another month or two. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the interchange was held Friday that … Continue reading Route 66 part of Devore Interchange Project not quite finished
Joplin’s Jewish temple soon will mark its centennial
The United Hebrew Congregation of Joplin, Missouri, will hold an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. June 12 to mark the 100th anniversary of its uniquely designed Jewish temple, situated on Route 66. Historic Murphysburg Preservation Inc., a group dedicated to preserving the historic Murphysburg residential district in Joplin, is partnering with the congregation for … Continue reading Joplin’s Jewish temple soon will mark its centennial
A long-ago chat with Juan Delgadillo at the Snow Cap Drive-In
Anthony Reichardt recently posted another video from the early 1990s, when he and a pal drove Route 66 in a 1959 Cadillac. In it, Reichardt chats with Juan Delgadillo, late owner of the Snow Cap Drive-In restaurant in Seligman, Arizona, who put away the gags and other practical jokes for a few minutes. It's interesting, … Continue reading A long-ago chat with Juan Delgadillo at the Snow Cap Drive-In
Los Angeles may preserve ‘Green Book’ properties
Los Angeles and the Getty Conservation Institute are exploring the possibility of rehabbing and protecting about 50 properties once listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book. A few of the properties may be designated as L.A. Historic-Cultural Monuments, reported the Los Angeles Times. The Green Book was created by Victor H. Green, a postal service worker from Harlem, N.Y., … Continue reading Los Angeles may preserve ‘Green Book’ properties
Reporter walking length of Oklahoma City’s Route 66
Brianna Bailey, a reporter for The Oklahoman newspaper, has begun a fascinating examination of Route 66 in Oklahoma City -- she's walking a mile a day on the Mother Road. Here's a video by the newspaper from Day 1, along Lincoln Boulevard: I did not know Gov. Frank Keating, who held office during the 1990s, … Continue reading Reporter walking length of Oklahoma City’s Route 66
Trailer for “The Missouri Maze” film released
Filmmaker KC Keefer and host Nick Gerlich of Unoccupied Route 66 recently released this trailer for "The Missouri Maze," an area of the Show Me State where Route 66 was rerouted several times. The ruins of John's Modern Cabins near Newburg, Missouri, play a prominent role, although other landmarks of the region also appear. https://youtu.be/E_91r4gqDe0 "The Missouri … Continue reading Trailer for “The Missouri Maze” film released