A brush fire destroyed two homes Saturday in the Route 66 town of Godley, Ill., including one structure that reputedly was a brothel used by notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone, reported the Joliet Herald News. Kalvin Noonan, who owned the homes, said the fires started when township workers burned debris nearby. Noonan said the property … Continue reading Fire destroys former reputed brothel used by Al Capone
Category: History
A ghost on the borderlands
Nick Gerlich, who's been exploring old alignments of Route 66 in Texas and New Mexico, produced a new video about the ghost town of Glenrio, on the Texas and New Mexico border. Glenrio, due to its direct access off Interstate 40 via Exit 0, isn't as obscure as Gerlich's other recent explorations. But that doesn't … Continue reading A ghost on the borderlands
Springfield museum exhibit will focus on Route 66, its patriarch
An exhibit dedicated to John Woodruff and the highway he helped guide to fruition, Route 66, will debut April 28 at History Museum on the Square in downtown Springfield, Mo. According to a news release from the museum: The exhibit titled “Woodruff ’s Dream: The Mother Road through Springfield -- The Route 66 Exhibit” will be on display at the … Continue reading Springfield museum exhibit will focus on Route 66, its patriarch
Key figure in Our Lady of the Highways Shrine dies
Loretta (Marten) Ludek, 74, who was instrumental in founding the Our Lady of the Highways Shrine along old Route 66 near Raymond, Ill., died Tuesday at her home in Anderson, Ind., according to an obituary by Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home. The Our Lady site explains Loretta's role in getting the statue there: In June of 1958, … Continue reading Key figure in Our Lady of the Highways Shrine dies
Longtime co-owner of historic Girard drugstore dies
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
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