The city of Pontiac, Ill., has received five Route 66 Heritage Trail wayside exhibits for several sites around the city, according to a news release from Pontiac Tourism. The Route 66 Heritage Trail exhibits are a project of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Commission. The new Pontiac wayside exhibits are made of stainless steel … Continue reading Wayside exhibits soon will be installed in Pontiac
Category: History
Kingman may convert rail depot into museum
The under-renovation railroad depot in Kingman, Ariz., may be converted into a local railroad museum, according to the Kingman Daily Miner today. The Kingman City Council today will consider authorizing the city to enter into a formal agreement with the Mohave County Historical Society to fund the development and operation of a railroad museum at … Continue reading Kingman may convert rail depot into museum
Holbrook courthouse will receive historical assessment
The courthouse in downtown Holbrook, Ariz., will undergo a historical assessment so it can receive proper cosmetic and structural repairs, according to a story in the Tribune-News. Navajo County is partnering with the city and the National Scenic Byways program to spend a total of $10,000 for the assessment. Navajo County’s historic courthouse qualifies for … Continue reading Holbrook courthouse will receive historical assessment
Book review: “Greetings from Route 66”
The new book "Greetings from Route 66" (Voyageur Press, hardcover, 240 pages, $30) at first glance looks as though it might be a terrific addition to a roadie's library. It was written by several authors who are Route 66 enthusiasts, and it's packed with eye-pleasing pages. However, I give it only a mixed review, at … Continue reading Book review: “Greetings from Route 66”
Tulsa hotel added to National Register
The Casa Loma Hotel in Tulsa, which is being renovated, was listed to the National Register of Historic Places effective Sept. 3, according to an e-mail Friday from the National Park Service. The building at 2600 block of East 11th Street (aka Route 66) was built in 1927 as the Max Campbell Building. It was … Continue reading Tulsa hotel added to National Register
Journal of a 1927 road trip
In 1927, Axel and Beda Sterner and two relatives drove from New York City to Los Angeles by car, with a good portion of their journey along U.S. 66, which was less than one year old. Sterner wrote a journal about his experiences each night along the trek. These musings might have been forgotten if it … Continue reading Journal of a 1927 road trip
“Route 66” television series marks 50th anniversary
On this day in 1960, the first episode of the "Route 66" television show aired on CBS. Although the drama would last just four seasons and seldom took place on the Mother Road, you can chalk up "Route 66" as a big reason the real Route 66 became the legend it is today. "Route 66" … Continue reading “Route 66” television series marks 50th anniversary
Presentations set for California Route 66 project
The California Preservation Foundation and the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program have announced several informational presentations across the state about their joint project about Route 66. From the news release: The informational presentations on the status of the California Route 66 study will be held October 12-14, 2010. CPF and NPS are encouraging the public to attend … Continue reading Presentations set for California Route 66 project
Petroglyphs vandalized near Williams
Forest rangers are looking for someone who spray-painted several ancient petroglyphs east of Route 66 near Williams, Ariz., reported the Prescott Daily Courier. A hiker discovered Aug. 26 that vandals had defaced one of the detailed rock art panels at Keyhole Sink off Route 66 east of Williams. This is a popular archaeological site accessible … Continue reading Petroglyphs vandalized near Williams
The little-known tragedy of the Blue Hole
The Sept. 16 print issue of the Guadalupe County Communicator newspaper, based in Santa Rosa, N.M., published a long but gripping story about the town's Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is a spring-fed sinkhole about 80 feet deep, with a water temperature in the 60s year-round. For decades, it's been a popular draw for scuba … Continue reading The little-known tragedy of the Blue Hole