A marker on Route 66 that tells of one of Oklahoma's historic land runs remains unrepaired about two years after someone broke it. KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City reports that, as usual, the problem is a lack of money: The Run of 89 East Boundary marker sits near the corner of Route 66 and North Indian Meridian. The … Continue reading Oklahoma Land Run marker remains broken after two years
Category: History
A history of The Tropics restaurant
Tami Goodrich, whose family owned The Tropics in Lincoln, Illinois, for 40 years, recently gave a presentation that delved deep into the history of the Route 66 restaurant. The New Herald News published a long article about Goodrich's presentation at the Palms Cafe Grill in Atlanta, Illinois, including a slide show. Many people already know … Continue reading A history of The Tropics restaurant
An interview with Laurel Kane
In 2012, Afton Station matriarch Laurel Kane was interviewed by Simon Cantlon and Justin Nathanson for their "Motels on Route 66" documentary film. The duo still are working on their movie. However, with the announcement of Kane's death last week, they decided to quickly edit that footage and release to the world. "We are deeply saddened … Continue reading An interview with Laurel Kane
Jackson Boulevard Bridge marks 100th birthday
The Jackson Boulevard Bridge in Chicago, which carried Route 66 until the 1950s, marks the 100th anniversary of its opening today. The North Loop News dug up history on the draw bridge over the Chicago River, which still is used today. --- The bridge replaced a swing bridge built in 1888. A photo of it … Continue reading Jackson Boulevard Bridge marks 100th birthday
Coliseum Ballroom film will previewed at tribute show
A documentary film about the Coliseum Ballroom in Benld, Illinois, will be previewed at a Feb. 20 tribute show for the former Route 66 landmark. According to the State Journal-Register in Springfield, Illinois: "Memories of the Coliseum Ballroom," which will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center, will feature music by former members of Frankie … Continue reading Coliseum Ballroom film will previewed at tribute show
This shows why black people aren’t nostalgic about Route 66
Interest in the history of Route 66 largely is fueled by the memories of people who traveled the Mother Road from 1946 to the mid-1960s. It's nostalgia. Black people don't share nostalgia as enthusiastically. I surmised it was because Jim Crow laws kept African-Americans at least uncomfortable or, at worst, fearful for their lives until the civil-rights … Continue reading This shows why black people aren’t nostalgic about Route 66
More about that church in Amboy
Earlier in the month, we reported the steeple at the long-closed church in Amboy, California, would be restored after the elements finally toppled it in 2013. Specifics about the history of the St. Raymond Church in Amboy were scant, save for vague second- and third-hand information. I wrote the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino, … Continue reading More about that church in Amboy
A profile of Bagdad Cafe’s owner
A lot of people -- especially Europeans -- know about the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, and its draw as the setting for the 1987 film "Bagdad Cafe." But not many know about Andree Pruett, owner of the Route 66 restaurant for about 20 years. The Victorville Daily Press published a profile of Pruett. … Continue reading A profile of Bagdad Cafe’s owner
What is the best version of the “Route 66” song?
Hundreds of versions exist of Bobby Troup's song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," better known simply as "Route 66," that he wrote during a cross-country trip on that highway after World War II. Route 66 News has posted dozens of versions of the "Route 66" song. It's time to take stock and see which version … Continue reading What is the best version of the “Route 66” song?
Book review: “2 for $6 on Route 66”
If you want to know what it's like to run a motel on the Mother Road, Debra Whittington's "2 for $6 on Route 66" provides a vivid glimpse. Specifically, the book (140 pages, self-published, soft cover, $10) offers a glimpse from behind the desk of the now-gone Pony Soldier Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The Whittington … Continue reading Book review: “2 for $6 on Route 66”