The nonprofit magazine In These Times recently published an in-depth article about uranium miners in the Route 66 town of Grants, New Mexico. The mines operated in Grants and Church Rock, New Mexico, from the 1950s to the 1980s. Many miners contracted cancer and other diseases from radiation exposure. The federal government under the Radiation … Continue reading The curse of Grants uranium mines
Category: History
The tunnels beneath Flagstaff
Northern Arizona University student Nikki Charnstrom last fall began to hear about tunnels that snaked under downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, including Route 66. But finding information about the Flagstaff tunnels proved more difficult. In an interview in Flagstaff Business News: “Everyone I asked said no, they didn’t know about the tunnels, so it sparked my interest in forgotten … Continue reading The tunnels beneath Flagstaff
More 1990s videos on Route 66
Anthony Reichardt has posted more than a dozen videos he shot during Route 66 trips in a 1959 Cadillac from 1992 to 1995. The latest batch includes an interview with Aleene Kay Albro, who co-owned Buffalo Ranch in Afton, Oklahoma, from 1953 to 1997. She died less than two years after this video, and Buffalo Ranch … Continue reading More 1990s videos on Route 66
La Bajada Hill may become a national monument
In the wake of Barack Obama last week designating a big chunk of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert as the Mojave Trails National Monument, pressure is building on the president to designate La Bajada Hill in New Mexico as a national monument, as well. The Christian Science Monitor, in a story Saturday about Obama's executive actions, … Continue reading La Bajada Hill may become a national monument
The ghosts of Tom Joad
Below the new and idyllic Route 66 Roadside Park in Springfield, Missouri, a campground for the homeless has sprung up in recent months. KYTV in Springfield talked to Heather Cooper, one of the homeless there: "I have post traumatic stress disorder with traumatic nightmares. I've got stage one bipolar, stage one manic depressive illness, which is … Continue reading The ghosts of Tom Joad
Oklahoma Land Run marker remains broken after two years
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
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