We've reported about the growing numbers of Chinese tourists traveling Route 66. A few days ago, Chinese winners of a General Motors contest to travel the Mother Road drove through Kingman, Ariz. Naturally, when you're behind the wheel for long stretches in an unfamiliar land, you start to think about the contrasts of your homeland. … Continue reading Interesting observation from a Chinese tourist
Category: History
“Shadows on 66” trailer
A few days ago, the folks who produced the upcoming "Shadows on 66" paranormal series posted this trailer for the first episode, which features Galena's Murder Bordello. https://youtu.be/DGDmIOEMYxg The episode will be available Sept. 13 via download or DVD from iTunes or the "Shadows on 66" website. Other Route 66-related episodes reportedly are coming in … Continue reading “Shadows on 66” trailer
Route 66 is subject of “America: Fact vs. Fiction” episode
An episode Wednesday of the "America: Fact vs. Fiction" program on the Military Channel will include Route 66 as its subject matter, according to an email from one of the show's creators. Joel Sturdivant interviewed "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis as part of the episode. The 30-minute show, subtitled "Roadside Stories," will … Continue reading Route 66 is subject of “America: Fact vs. Fiction” episode
Springfield museum relights its neon sign Thursday
The History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Mo., is hosting a "Moon Over the Mother Road" ceremony Thursday night to mark the relighting of Barth's Department Store neon sign on the roof of the museum. It's a private fundraiser, but enough side streets will be open during the ceremony that most people will see … Continue reading Springfield museum relights its neon sign Thursday
Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant on Route 66 in Needles, Calif., marked its 35th anniversary on Aug. 1, according to the Needles Desert Star, although a restaurant has been on that site for longer than that. The restaurant used the day for various special meals and drinks to commemorate 35 years. Customers also could get added … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year
Big Texan restaurant will be subject of documentary
The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and its colorful history will be the subject of a documentary by a Tennessee-based filmmaker, reported the Amarillo Globe-News. Audrey Kalivoda of Mesquite 90 Productions has been gathering footage at the 53-year-old restaurant the past several weeks. Co-owner Bobby Lee hired Kalivoda to make the film, which promises … Continue reading Big Texan restaurant will be subject of documentary
Totem Pole Trading Post marks 80th year
The Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Mo., is marking its 80th year on Route 66, although the current longtime owner may not hold it for much longer, reported the Rolla Daily News. A bit of history from the newspaper: "We are the last original mom and pop store left on this historic road," said owner Tim Jones who … Continue reading Totem Pole Trading Post marks 80th year
“American Giants,” Episode 3
Joel Baker has posted on YouTube the third episode of his "American Giants" series, which delves into the history of giant fiberglass figures, aka Muffler Men. This episode's focus is the Muffler Man on Route 66 in Atlanta, Ill. https://youtu.be/QIJ-71dVb-M You'll see footage of the Muffler Man being dismantled in Cicero, Ill., and being moved … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 3
Spring River Inn sign in Riverton will be restored
The old neon sign for the long-gone Spring River Inn restaurant in Riverton, Kan., has vanished, but eventually will reappear completely restored, reported the Joplin Globe. Renee Charles, president of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association and one of the principal owners of Cars on the Route in nearby Galena, is raising funds to have the … Continue reading Spring River Inn sign in Riverton will be restored
Three minutes with Bob Waldmire
Bob Hall, who worked at KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, has been uploading some of his old reports to YouTube this week. Here's a well-produced one from 1989 about Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. https://youtu.be/IDKDMWZ76WY Waldmire died in 2009 at age 64 from abdominal cancer. However, his legendary 1972 Volkswagen minibus still can be seen at … Continue reading Three minutes with Bob Waldmire