D.L. Ennis of the Lynchburg Virginia blog writes a remarkably thorough history about Ed Galloway and his totem pole park near Foyil, Okla. And here's something I didn't know or had forgotten -- the park is linked longtime Tulsa-area philanthropist Charles Page. This place is known best as having the world's largest totem pole. The … Continue reading A history of the Foyil totem pole park
Category: History
Third Barney’s Beanery opens next month
Barney's Beanery, an old roadhouse on Route 66 in West Hollywood, Calif., is opening its third location in Pasadena. It also will be on Route 66, on Colorado Boulevard. Barney's other location is in Santa Monica, also on 66. Burbank Weekly has the details: Barney’s Beanery Pasadena will be a near replica of the original … Continue reading Third Barney’s Beanery opens next month
Avalon pulling up steaks
The once-notorious Avalon Steakhouse, just off Old Route 66 between Tulsa and Sapulpa, served its last meal in its current building Saturday night. Avalon is moving into a new building one block north later this month, according to the Tulsa World (subscription). It's a tame place now, with an excellence in steaks to which I … Continue reading Avalon pulling up steaks
Petrified Forest facilities get a face-lift
The Holbrook (Ariz.) Tribune-News is reporting developments in store for the Petrified Forest National Park, namely: -- The Painted Desert Inn will reopen after nearly 18 months of renovations. -- "Along with the inn’s reopening in 2006, the park will open a Route 66 pullout. This point overlooks the Painted Desert, the inn and the … Continue reading Petrified Forest facilities get a face-lift
“Remember the Alvarado!”
During the ongoing El Vado Motel saga, I've been struck by Albuquerque residents' willingness to fight to preserve this historic property on Route 66. That's because their energies are fueled by regret. A little background: The Alvarado was one of the fabled Fred Harvey Houses that served railroad passengers. According to the Albuquerque Convention and … Continue reading “Remember the Alvarado!”
The Berghoff in Chicago is closing
The Berghoff, a 107-year-old German dining institution in downtown Chicago, will shut down for good Feb. 28. Route 66 enthusiast David Clark, aka The Windy City Warrior, says The Berghoff is on westbound Route 66, about two blocks from the Mother Road's start. Here are stories from Reuters, AP, Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business … Continue reading The Berghoff in Chicago is closing
Tucumcari motor lodge declared a landmark
The mostly shuttered Cactus Motor Lodge on Route 66 in Tucumcari was voted to the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties, according to a Quay County Sun report. The place had a long history as a gambling haven as well as a place for travelers to sleep. Here's an image of a vintage postcard of … Continue reading Tucumcari motor lodge declared a landmark
“Culinary heritage” on Route 66?
Nicole Weston of the Slashfood blog writes about the Food Network's Alton Brown hitting Route 66 this spring for a new show, "Feasting on Asphalt." Brown will ride the Mother Road on his motorcycle to find good food on the road's truck stops, obscure diners and barbecue shacks. Weston remains a bit skeptical about the … Continue reading “Culinary heritage” on Route 66?
Residents of Atlanta, Ill., come through
Today's Bloomington Pantagraph reports that a group of Atlanta, Ill., residents has made a $10,000 matching offer toward the Atlanta Library centennial campaign. The centennial celebration is raising funds to restore the Downey building (ed. note: it houses the Palms Grill), a National Register property located along old Route 66 in downtown Atlanta. The building … Continue reading Residents of Atlanta, Ill., come through
Gallop to Gallup
The Salt Lake Tribune has two features in its weekend travel section about the Route 66 town of Gallup, N.M., with emphasis on the El Rancho Hotel, Red Rock State Park, the High Desert Trail System, Mentmore Rock Climbing Area and Earl's Restaurant.