This segment about Route 66 in Amarillo stars Bob "Crocodile" Lile of Lile Art Gallery and a host of other people from that Texas Panhandle city. https://youtu.be/nBCbXJRSd4U The video was produced by Larry Lemmons and aired on KVII-TV in Amarillo on Thursday. Music is by The Road Crew.
Category: History
“Blacktop”
This song by Alan Jackson comes from his new bluegrass album, which is drawing praise from a lot of corners. https://youtu.be/xe0CZxfS-fw The lyrics sound like something you'd hear from an old rancher who grew up near Jericho Gap (aka dirt-road Route 66) in the Texas Panhandle. (Image of the Jericho Gap by TheRogue, via Flickr)
History-minded fraternity honors El Trovatore Motel
The Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, on Sept. 28 dedicated a granite and bronze plaque in the shape of the state of Arizona to the historic El Trovatore Motel in Kingman, Ariz. E Clampus Vitus is a fraternal organization that's dedicated to the study and preservation of the American West. It has erected … Continue reading History-minded fraternity honors El Trovatore Motel
“American Giants,” Episode 5
Joel Baker has posted the fifth episode of his "American Giants" series, an exploration of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/jgax82lhl0s This episode focuses on a couple of Muffler Men in Crystal Lake, Ill.
“The American Dream and the American Drive”
Longtime roadie Kathy Anderson produced this film for the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Okla. Using Route 66 as a springboard, it shows how highways evolved in the United States. You'll probably see a few familiar faces: The American Dream, The American Drive from Kathy Anderson on Vimeo. Anderson explained more of the … Continue reading “The American Dream and the American Drive”
“American Giants,” Episode 4
Joel Baker has uploaded the fourth episode of his "American Giants" series, which delves into the history of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/LrlDvV7hgDQ Baker explained why this particular episode was shortened: Because I could not reach the owner of the Gemini Giant, I removed the second half of the episode that covered the … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 4
Longevity on Route 66 runs in her family
Those familiar with the history of Route 66 know of the late Lucille Hamons and her Lucille's gas station near Hydro, Okla., that she ran for nearly 60 years. But you may not be familiar with one of Lucille's daughters, Delpha Dene Martin, who soon will enter her 50th year of running a business on … Continue reading Longevity on Route 66 runs in her family
Will Rogers Memorial Museum marks 75th anniversary
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Okla., is marking its 75th year this week. Rogers remains probably the most famous Oklahoman, despite nearly eight decades passing after his death in an Alaska plane crash. The "Diamond Jubilee" event is set from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the museum with performances by the Tulsa … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum marks 75th anniversary
Springfield museum extending Route 66 exhibit
If you missed the Route 66 exhibit at the History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Mo., you're in luck. This week, the museum announced, because of popular demand, "Woodruff's Dream: The Mother Road through Springfield" will be extended to Feb. 2. According to KOLR-TV: The Museum's special Route 66 has been on display since … Continue reading Springfield museum extending Route 66 exhibit
Michael Wallis to speak about segregated road travel
This could be interesting. Michael Wallis, author of "Route 66: The Mother Road," will give a lecture tomorrow at the Tulsa Historical Society titled "No 'Good Old Days' for Everyone" -- using the "Negro Motorist Green Book." As automobile use became more prolific in the 1930s, many Americans enjoyed traveling the U.S. for leisure. While … Continue reading Michael Wallis to speak about segregated road travel