Susan Croce Kelly, well-known among Route 66 fans for co-writing "Route 66: The Highway and Its People" with photographer Quinta Scott in 1988, will publish a biography about Cyrus Avery, the so-called Father of Route 66, in 2014. The Avery book will be published by University of Oklahoma Press. Asked to describe her forthcoming volume, Kelly wrote … Continue reading Biography about Cyrus Avery coming next year
Category: History
“American Giants,” Episode 6
Joel Baker has posted on YouTube the sixth episode of his “American Giants” series, a personal exploration of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/ru7Dm4y_mJ4 The episode concentrates on Muffler Men found in the Chicago suburbs of Crystal Lake and Libertyville. I must say, the series has been far more entertaining, interesting, and professionally produced than … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 6
“I hate the Okies”
The folks with the National Steinbeck Center recently completed a trip on Route 66 before the 75th anniversary of the publication of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." The group has posted a slew of videos in the last few days. But this stands out because it's a gut-punch of how the Great Depression and … Continue reading “I hate the Okies”
Two blasts from the past
Jim Farber, who's helping the Autry National Center in Los Angeles with its upcoming "Route 66: The Road and the Romance" show, said he recently found an old photo of a family on the road at a paper show. "I did not realize until I was driving Route 66 this summer that it was taken … Continue reading Two blasts from the past
Route 66 in Amarillo
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.
“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