Bob Deck, longtime co-owner of the historic Deck's Drug Store in Girard, Ill., that later became Doc's Soda Fountain, died Thursday at a hospital in Springfield, according to an obituary by Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes. He was 82. This recent video, produced by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, captures the memorable atmosphere of Doc's Soda … Continue reading Longtime co-owner of historic Girard drugstore dies
Category: History
Home movies of Tucumcari, circa 1960
The Historic Tucumcari page on Facebook posted this 15-minute home movie, circa 1960, from the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M. Locations in the film include the Tri-Angle Café, Tucumcari Memorial Park cemetery, Harry's Cafe, and the train station. Does anyone know whether Harry's or the Tri-Angle were on 66? https://youtu.be/C0nJ6d6KInA Regardless, the film is … Continue reading Home movies of Tucumcari, circa 1960
C-SPAN takes a look at Route 66 in Albuquerque
Cable channel C-SPAN posted this video yesterday that examines the history of Route 66 and the preservation of its historic properties, especially in Albuquerque. Longtime New Mexico Route 66 advocate Johnnie Meier and Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director Kaisa Barthuli star in this clip. https://youtu.be/MpKZNhuU69M The video is part of C-SPAN's Local Content Vehicles … Continue reading C-SPAN takes a look at Route 66 in Albuquerque
Another promo for “American Giants” series
Stone Baker is planning a series of videos on YouTube titled "American Giants," about his obsession with fiberglass statues (aka Muffler Men) that graced roadsides during the 1960s and '70s. Baker posted another promotional video for the series, set to begin this spring. You'll see several Muffler Men along Route 66 in Illinois in this … Continue reading Another promo for “American Giants” series
Does Route 66 through central New Mexico need “rebranding”?
A panel that's working to re-energize Route 66 from Moriarty, N.M., to the Rio Puerco west of Albuquerque wants to designate it as "Retribution Road," reported the Mountain View Telegraph. The "retribution" part comes from the diabolical deed of Gov. A.T. Hannett in the late 1920s. When he lost re-election, he gained his revenge on … Continue reading Does Route 66 through central New Mexico need “rebranding”?
Grand Canyon Cafe will be in film about history of Chinese food
The historic Grand Canyon Cafe in Flagstaff, Ariz., will be one of the subjects of a documentary about the rise of Chinese food in the United States, reported the Arizona Daily Sun. A crew from WD Films, which is producing "The Search for General Tso," will visit the Route 66 restaurant to interview senior citizens … Continue reading Grand Canyon Cafe will be in film about history of Chinese food
Exploring obscure remnants of Route 66
Nick Gerlich, a marketing professor at West Texas A&M, explores obscure or near-forgotten stretches of the Mother Road. This video he produced will prove fascinating to Route 66 researchers. He examines remnants of the old road at Exit 15 of Interstate 40 in the far western Texas Panhandle, near the ghost town of Boise. https://youtu.be/DR9k8ez0M40 … Continue reading Exploring obscure remnants of Route 66
Galena’s “Murder Bordello” being resurrected
A long-abandoned former bordello on Route 66 in Galena, Kan., owned by a serial-killer madam is being restored and will reopen next month as a site for guided tours. Russ Keeler, who operates After Midnight Paranormal Investigations, or AMPI, in Siloam Springs, Ark., persuaded the home's co-owners in January to spend thousands of dollars to restore … Continue reading Galena’s “Murder Bordello” being resurrected
Home movies of a 1950 road trip
A reader alerted me about this home-movie footage of a family vacation in 1950 that was preserved by the Prelinger Archive. The Route 66 material doesn't start until about the three-minute mark, when the family starts to cross the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. You'll also see footage along the Mother Road in … Continue reading Home movies of a 1950 road trip
Documentary about Route 66 will air Friday on European TV
For our European readers, Oscar-nominated director Katja Esson's five-part "Backroads" documentary is airing this week on the European television Arte channel, including the "Route 66 in the South West" segment on Friday. According to Arte's online channel guide, the program will air at 6:25 p.m. local time. Translated from German, the description of the program … Continue reading Documentary about Route 66 will air Friday on European TV