A few days ago, I received an e-mail from Corkey Mayberry of Park Hills, Mo., asking me to solve a mystery. In September 1955, he and his wife were on a Route 66 trip. The couple stopped to have their picture taken at a sizable stone monument in Texola, Okla., marking the spot of the … Continue reading What happened to the Texola monument?
Category: History
Notes from the road
Roadies who've explored Route 66 in Clinton, Okla., may remember the 15-foot-tall fiberglass American Indian mascot, aka Muffler Man, who graced the front of David Howe Motors for years. The Howe Indian disappeared after a recent ownership change. But we're pleased to report the mascot has turned up at Indian Trading Post and Art near … Continue reading Notes from the road
The story of the 11th Street Bridge
In less than two minutes, this video by the Journal-Record explains the history and significance of the 11th Street Bridge in Tulsa, now known as the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge:
The lost Bob Waldmire interview
Route 66 enthusiast Ron Hart interviewed Mother Road hippie and artist Bob Waldmire for about 30 minutes during the National Route 66 Festival in Clinton, Okla., in 2007. Hart said he'd misplaced the video until recently, and decided to post it online this week. It's a fairly typical (if unpredictable) conversation with Bob that's sometimes … Continue reading The lost Bob Waldmire interview
Accounting the past to plan for the future
This story Monday by the Press-Enterprise explains as well as any the importance behind an ongoing comprehensive study of Route 66 in California. An excerpt: The report can then be used to help property owners apply for state and federal historic grants or listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Rather than each site … Continue reading Accounting the past to plan for the future
Book review: “Things to Look Out for on Route 66 in St. Louis”
It became apparent while reading Kip Welborn's self-published book that it's not just a guidebook about Route 66 in St. Louis. It's also a love letter to his city. It's that enthusiasm about the Mother Road and his town that lifts "Things to Look Out for on Route 66 in St. Louis" (60 pages, spiral-bound … Continue reading Book review: “Things to Look Out for on Route 66 in St. Louis”
The end … and the beginning
Today, 25 years ago, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials officially decertified U.S. 66 as a federal highway. In essence, U.S. 66 ceased to exist. Although few would have thought so at the time, decertification became a good thing for the Mother Road in the long run. It's a counterintuitive thought, but … Continue reading The end … and the beginning
The Mother Road’s can-do spirit
It's really worth reading this op-ed piece by Beverly Kelley for the Ventura (Calif.) County Star. A sample: Willingness to tackle a job despite impossible odds is the operational definition of the American “can-do” spirit. It’s the same confident courage that a bride donning something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue exhibits, even … Continue reading The Mother Road’s can-do spirit
Fire guts bathhouse in historic Tucumcari park
A fire Saturday night all but destroyed the historic main building at Tucumcari Metropolitan Park, aka 5 Mile Park, along old Route 66 west of Tucumcari, N.M. Richard Talley at the Motel Safari reported in an e-mail: The walls seem to still be standing, but with no roof now, after a few rains, everything left … Continue reading Fire guts bathhouse in historic Tucumcari park
Presentation dates set for California Route 66 study
The California Preservation Foundation, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and hired consultants Mead & Hunt have set a series of dates this month along Route 66 for presentations on a forthcoming comprehensive historical study of Route 66 in California. According to a news release from the foundation: “We are encouraging all Route 66 enthusiasts, … Continue reading Presentation dates set for California Route 66 study