A look back at the 66 Park In Theatre

The YouTube account of hudson501 posted another gem in the past week. This one features a look at the long-gone 66 Park In Theatre in Crestwood, Mo., from September 1991. https://youtu.be/guZo-7778L4 The poster explains how this remarkable footage was obtained: I stopped along the south side of Watson Road (old Missouri US 66) to take … Continue reading A look back at the 66 Park In Theatre

Midpoint to … where?

A story a few days ago in the Mountain View Telegraph detailed about how local officials and volunteers in Moriarty and Edgewood, N.M., want to play their Route 66 history. The story often cites Roger Holden, who served as Edgewood's parks and recreation director: Replacing a few stolen signs is high on the list of … Continue reading Midpoint to … where?

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame induction from 1991

A few days ago, a YouTube account called hudson501 posted a video from the 1990s of the long-gone Coral Court Motel in St. Louis and the now-closed Tri-County Truck Stop in Villa Ridge, Mo. Today, the account-holder uploaded a video of the induction of the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame on June 8, 1991. … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame induction from 1991

“American Giants” video series coming to YouTube

This looks like fun. Stone Baker soon will launch "American Giants," a series of online films about Muffler Men -- the tall fiberglass figures that graced roadside America during the 1960s and '70s. Baker uploaded a teaser video about his project: https://youtu.be/MUCZyAs0fAo The unique Gemini Giant at the Launching Pad restaurant on Route 66 in … Continue reading “American Giants” video series coming to YouTube

Memories of the Coral Court and Tri-County Truck Stop

A YouTube account by the name of Hudson501 uploaded this video from 1991 of the Coral Court Motel in St. Louis and the Tri-County Truck Stop in Villa Ridge, Mo. -- both of them Route 66 landmarks. The art deco-inspired Coral Court met its demise with a wrecking ball in 1995, and the truck stop … Continue reading Memories of the Coral Court and Tri-County Truck Stop

Springfield chamber honors owner of Route 66 Rail Haven hotel

The Springfield, Mo., Area Chamber of Commerce honored Gordon Elliott as its 2013 Springfieldian during its annual meeting Friday, according to a news release. For those who don't know who Elliott is, his Route 66 connection will become quickly apparent. To the news release: As CEO of Elliott Lodging and Oak Ridge Properties, Elliott owns and … Continue reading Springfield chamber honors owner of Route 66 Rail Haven hotel

Crown Candy Kitchen marks 100th year

The Crown Candy Kitchen restaurant in St. Louis is marking its 100th year north of downtown St. Louis. More incredibly, it's been owned by the same family the entire time. Crown Candy Kitchen isn't on Route 66. But it's such a historic landmark, many Route 66 travelers seek it out anyway. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch … Continue reading Crown Candy Kitchen marks 100th year

A look at retro tobacco ads

Frank Kocevar of Historic Seligman Sundries in Seligman, Ariz., put together this video about vintage cigarette advertisements, including radio clips, from the 1940s and '50s. It's startling to see doctors and nurses touting the health benefits of smokes. Cigarette advertising ended on television by 1970. https://youtu.be/1ySHMwf8ZRY Kocevar says that some of the images of memorabilia … Continue reading A look at retro tobacco ads

Confirmed: Depew was first town bypassed by U.S. 66

About six months ago, Frank Gifford of rt66pix.com found strong preliminary evidence that indicated Depew, Okla., was the first official Route 66 town bypassed by a later alignment of the Mother Road. This past week, Gifford said he has confirmed that Depew was indeed the first Route 66 community bypassed, in 1928. He calls Depew "the original … Continue reading Confirmed: Depew was first town bypassed by U.S. 66

The saga of the Avery family and East Meets West statue

Someone has put together a short but clever video about Cyrus "The Father of Route 66" Avery and the East Meets West statue in Tulsa that was dedicated last fall. https://youtu.be/KX9NoBDqf3s You can view a detailed slideshow about the statue in this earlier Route 66 News post here.