The 50th anniversary of the U.S. interstate highway systems has been observed for a few months now. However, I've found that most media accounts of the interstate's history, impact and future have been shallow. Until now. Patrick May of the San Jose Mercury-News published a remarkably comprehensive report about the interstates' impact on California. Naturally, … Continue reading Interstates hit a wall
Category: History
Pretty petrified
The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is celebrating its centennial this year. The Arizona Republic has a story about the park's history and its magnificent scenery.
Is the Tri-County Truck Stop haunted?
The historic Tri-County Truck Stop on old Route 66 in Villa Ridge, Mo., is known by roadies for its good grub, especially its country ham, not paranormal activity. But Missouri Paranormal Research this month conducted what appears to be two extensive investigations of the truck stop for ghostlike activity. If nothing else, you can read … Continue reading Is the Tri-County Truck Stop haunted?
“America on the Move” photos
Road warrior Tim Steil was in Washington, D.C., last week with his kid to see the Smithsonian's "America on the Move" exhibit before that part of the museum closes Sept. 4 for a two-year renovation. He e-mailed me a few photos from it. Here's a 1930s section of Route 66 from western Oklahoma. Steil wrote: … Continue reading “America on the Move” photos
What’s right — and wrong — with Edwardsville
Here's an article from the Alton (Ill.) Telegraph about nearby Edwardsville being named host of the national Route 66 Festival in 2008, which has already been reported here and several other newspapers. Here's the quote from the story that bugged me, however: "It’s going to put us on the map," said Carol Foreman, director of … Continue reading What’s right — and wrong — with Edwardsville
Interstates are efficient, but not quirky
Mark Hughes of the Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News writes about the 50th anniversary of the interstate highway system. Despite the success of the interstate, he says, travelers never will get much romanticism from it. Ken Smith, senior editor of RoadsideAmerica.com, explains why tourists are as attracted as ever to the quirky roadside attractions on our nation's … Continue reading Interstates are efficient, but not quirky
You’d better go to the Smithsonian soon
That's because its National Museum of American History, which includes Route 66 in its "America on the Move" exhibit, will close Sept. 4 for two years for major renovations, according to WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C. The "America on the Move" has an actual full-width section of Route 66 from western Oklahoma built in 1932. The … Continue reading You’d better go to the Smithsonian soon
Stater Bros. grocery chain celebrates 70th anniversary
Stater Bros., a grocery chain based on Southern California, is marking its 70th year. The San Bernardino Sun published a story about the chain's history and interviewed its CEO, Jack Brown. This story is going on Route 66 News because Stater Bros. is the major sponsor of the Route 66 Rendezvous. In fact, the event … Continue reading Stater Bros. grocery chain celebrates 70th anniversary
“Let’s get a corn dog”
Charles Storch of the Chicago Tribune caves in to his cravings for a corn dog and ends up writing an exemplary article about the Cozy Dog Drive-In on Route 66 in Springfield, Ill. Not only does he touch on the Birthplace of the Corn Dog's past, present and likely future, but he also talks to … Continue reading “Let’s get a corn dog”
Steak ‘n Shake may land on historic register
The Steak 'n Shake at St. Louis Street and National Avenue in Springfield, Mo., may soon be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reports the Springfield News-Leader. This particular franchise was built in 1962, and its owner, Gary Leonard, has made it a point to keep the retro-looking restaurant looking spiffy. The article … Continue reading Steak ‘n Shake may land on historic register