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
Category: History
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
Rendezvous turns 21
John Weeks, features editor of the Redlands (Calif.) Daily Facts, talks about the very first Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino in 1990: On Sunday, the actual day of the Rendezvous, additional show cars showed up, and by the time spectators started to arrive there were about 300 gleaming pre-1967 automobiles on hand, most of … Continue reading Rendezvous turns 21
Using video to promote print
We've been seeing this a lot more in recent years, and it will continue to grow more popular -- using video to promote books. In this case, it's Cheryl Eichar Jett for her upcoming books from Arcadia Publishing, "Route 66 in Springfield" and "Route 66 in Madison County." Both books will be in stores on … Continue reading Using video to promote print
City, historical society fight over building
The City of Claremore, Okla., and the Rogers County Historical Society are in a spat over the use of a recently vacated building, reported the Claremore Daily Progress. The city wants the former Fire Administration Building at 121 N. Weenonah Ave. to be used as the new space for Department of Public Safety driver's licensing … Continue reading City, historical society fight over building
Book review: “Route 66 St. Louis”
In the preface to her new book, Norma Maret Bolin says the purpose of her previous work, "The Route 66 St. Louis Cookbook," was to raise funds for a more expansive historical recounting of Route 66 in the Gateway City. If you'll excuse the pun, Bolin really got cooking with her enormous new volume, "Route … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 St. Louis”
Springfield applies for grant for Bel-Aire Motel rehab
The City of Springfield, Ill., is applying for a grant to repair the long-declining Bel-Aire Motel and eventually convert it into a Route 66 museum, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. The grant sought for the Bel-Aire is $1 million from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The city plans to cover the other $600,000 for the … Continue reading Springfield applies for grant for Bel-Aire Motel rehab
County seeks grant to restore wooden Route 66 bridges
The Desert Dispatch reports that San Bernardino County in California is seeking a federal grant to restore old bridges on the National Old Trails Road -- an early alignment of Route 66. The county applied for a $52 million stimulus grant to replace 130 bridges that were built between 1929 and 1931 on the old … Continue reading County seeks grant to restore wooden Route 66 bridges