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
Category: History
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
Memories of the Aztec Motel
The Weekly Alibi, an alternative newspaper in Albuquerque, today uploaded this short documentary shot in 2001 about the Aztec Motel that once stood on Central Avenue (aka Route 66). https://youtu.be/FWFTG6lCPJw According to the Alibi, the film was screened at the 2001 Flicks on 66 Wild West Digital Shootout. Filmmakers were Kirsten Browne, Jen Lipow, Niels Dugan … Continue reading Memories of the Aztec Motel
A trip through Cajon Pass
This speeded-up video by FreewayTitan shows Interstate 15 as it goes through Cajon Pass from San Bernardino to Hesperia in southern California. https://youtu.be/PC9gocVXMm8 The clip delves into a lot of the history of Cajon Pass, including Route 66.
A history of Ann’s Chicken Fry House
Here's a video interview of Al Burchett, longtime owner of Ann's Chicken Fry House in Oklahoma City. https://youtu.be/hGe3o0msb_w Al talks a lot about the restaurant's 40-year history, including its Route 66 connection. As he explains, he's one of the first in the region to use the Mother Road as a selling point.
Newberry Springs will receive a historical marker
The small Route 66 town of Newberry Springs, Calif., will receive a historical marker Sunday from a fraternal organization at The Barn on Route 66 bar, reported the Desert Dispatch newspaper of nearby Barstow. The members of E. Clampus Vitus, aka The Clampers, are building the monument. The fraternity, which consists of history buffs, has erected … Continue reading Newberry Springs will receive a historical marker
Illinois county may apply for grant to build visitors center at history museum
A committee for McLean County, Ill., supports applying for a half-million-dollar grant that would establish at visitors center at the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. The $522,000 project moved to the front of the line when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced in March that it has $15 million available … Continue reading Illinois county may apply for grant to build visitors center at history museum
CBS News revisits Cadillac Ranch
Three weeks ago, I revisited a video in 1975 where CBS News correspondent Charles Kuralt investigated the Cadillac Ranch art installation, just off Route 66 near Amarillo, Texas. Here's that original Kuralt story. Cadillac Ranch was just a year old: Kuralt's story vaulted Cadillac Ranch into national prominence, and it's remained there since. Thirty-seven years … Continue reading CBS News revisits Cadillac Ranch