This Land Press, based in Tulsa, recently put together this audio story about the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, combining clips from the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program and narration by musician and historian Tom Naples. What's eerie about this program is that Oklahoma -- and much of the U.S. -- also is going through a … Continue reading Tales from the Dust Bowl
Category: History
Litchfield wants more data about Route 66 museum before giving money
The City Council of Litchfield, Ill., wants more information from the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center before it honors a request for a $20,000 donation, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. Museum officials initially requested $100,000 in motel tax funds from the city. But Mayor Tom Jones and other councilors reduced that amount, and … Continue reading Litchfield wants more data about Route 66 museum before giving money
Cozy Dog will be subject of Food Network program
The Cozy Dog Drive-In, a fixture along Route 66 in Springfield, Ill., for six decades, soon will host a camera crew from the Food Channel to show how the restaurant's cozy dogs are prepared, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register in a story about tourism in the city. According to the newspaper, filming will take place on … Continue reading Cozy Dog will be subject of Food Network program
Litchfield Route 66 museum asks for hotel tax funds
Board members for the under-construction Litchfield Route 66 Museum and Welcome Center in Litchfield, Ill., requested $100,000 in hotel-tax funds from the city for equipment and supplies, reported The Journal-News. However, a city committee trimmed that possible grant to $20,000, and it still has to be approved by the full council. Officials undoubtedly balked at … Continue reading Litchfield Route 66 museum asks for hotel tax funds
Was Depew the first Route 66 town to be bypassed?
The jury's still out on exact dates and other historical data. But a roadie has compiled compelling information that indicates Depew, Okla., was the first incorporated Route 66 town to be bypassed -- way back in 1928. When U.S. Highway 66 was certified in 1926, the road made a horseshoe-shaped loop through downtown Depew on … Continue reading Was Depew the first Route 66 town to be bypassed?
The story behind Ambler-Becker Texaco
Here's the latest of the Route 66 Stories video series for Illinois. This one's an interview with Phil Becker, longtime operator of the Ambler-Becker Texaco station in Dwight. https://youtu.be/dBYY2Ze05x0 The station no longer operates as a gas station, but has been converted into a visitors center.
A hike into Amboy Crater
A few years ago, Emily (aka Redforkhippie) and I hiked up Tucumcari Mountain in Tucumcari, N.M., to get up close and personal with one of Route 66's most prominent landmarks. During a recent vacation, we took the same approach to Amboy Crater, an extinct volcano about two miles west of the tiny Route 66 burg of … Continue reading A hike into Amboy Crater
Book review: “Life on Route 66”
The wife-and-husband team of Claudia and Alan Heller bring enthusiasm and knowledge to their new book "Life on Route 66: Personal Accounts along the Mother Road to California" (History Press, 158 pages, paperback, e-book available). But it's the people who experienced Route 66 during its heyday -- and their stories -- who make "Life on … Continue reading Book review: “Life on Route 66”
A virtual tour of Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow
This so-called virtual tour of Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow, Calif., was surprisingly informative. It's produced by Backroadswest.com. The first portion goes from Victorville to Helendale: https://youtu.be/g2A77snkD6E The second part goes from Helendale to Barstow: https://youtu.be/jJNUbqWr6WE Backroadswest also put up a Route 66 page about this section.
Historic L.A. jail might be converted into a rooftop garden
Here's a novel idea for a huge, old building -- the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation may convert the historic Lincoln Heights Jail into a rooftop agricultural garden, reported KCET. The corporation is looking at a bunch of designs. But this one captured the most attention: Happily kayaking Angelinos can be seen making their way down the … Continue reading Historic L.A. jail might be converted into a rooftop garden