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
Category: History
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”
Steeple on church in Amboy will be restored
The steeple of a church in the desert Route 66 town of Amboy, California, will be restored by mid-month, according to the former manager of Roy's in Amboy. Carlos Aceves also said by text message last week the roof of the long-closed St. Raymond Church in Amboy also will be repaired this month. I began … Continue reading Steeple on church in Amboy will be restored
A glimpse of Route 66 in Villa Ridge in 1994
Dan Uscian recently uploaded video footage from 1994 of three Route 66 business in near Villa Ridge, Missouri -- the Tri-County Truck Stop, the Gardenway Motel and the Diamonds restaurant. https://youtu.be/DeHqJ70YEc8 The Diamonds and Gardenway are closed. The Tri-County Truck Stop closed for several years, but was reborn this year as the Diamonds Trading Post auction … Continue reading A glimpse of Route 66 in Villa Ridge in 1994
Webb City looks to have a Cardinal Route 66 Park
It appears Webb City, Missouri, will build a Cardinal Route 66 Park on the city's east side featuring donated mining equipment from nearby Joplin, according to the Joplin Globe. The park won't be named after the St. Louis Cardinals, but Cardinal Scale Co. in Webb City and a booster of the proposal. The Cardinal Route 66 Park plan, … Continue reading Webb City looks to have a Cardinal Route 66 Park
“Boomtown” film now available in DVD, streaming
The "Boomtown" film, a 41-minute documentary about the history of Tulsa that screened in theaters this summer, now is available on DVD, streaming and download. The film documents Tulsa's history, including its rise as an oil town and its key role in Route 66, with interview footage of "Route 66: The Mother Road" author and … Continue reading “Boomtown” film now available in DVD, streaming
Tulsa finds novel way to dress up Route 66 corridor
A Tulsa nonprofit group is using an intriguing way to highlight its Route 66 corridor, thanks to former state lawmaker Russ Roach and others, reported the Tulsa World. Roach, who founded the nonprofit Route 66 Development Group, has spearheaded efforts to get vinyl prints showcasing the historic highway at certain businesses. Each project is unique … Continue reading Tulsa finds novel way to dress up Route 66 corridor