Scott Piotrowski recently uploaded a 20-minute documentary from 1998, "158 Miles to Yesterday," that he directed and produced. The film, shot in 16 mm film and uploaded from the VHS tape, examines the longest unbroken stretch of original Route 66 from in Arizona, from about Crookton Road to Topock. Now over 20 years old, the … Continue reading Scott Piotrowski’s “158 Miles to Yesterday” now on YouTube
Category: History
Original Route 66 alignment verified near Newkirk
Several respected Route 66 researchers announced last week they had verified a section of dirt road near Newkirk, New Mexico, was original Route 66 during the 1920s. The old alignment runs south and west of Newkirk -- part of it on private land. The bonus is the alignment runs right by old Newkirk Cemetery southwest … Continue reading Original Route 66 alignment verified near Newkirk
Lawmaker hails Ariston Cafe’s 95th anniversary on House floor
A congressman recently spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the Ariston Cafe's 95th anniversary. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) spoke Tuesday about the Route 66 restaurant in Litchfield, Illinois. Below are his remarks: Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize one of the most well-known landmarks along Route 66 in … Continue reading Lawmaker hails Ariston Cafe’s 95th anniversary on House floor
Enjoy the ruins of Two Guns, Arizona, while you can
Recently, KJZZ radio featured the long-abandoned Two Guns site -- best known for its stone structure inscribed with the words "Mountain Lions" near the entrance -- for its "Untold Arizona" series. You can hear the 4 1/2-minute segment below, or so to the station's website to see pictures of Two Guns, including an image of … Continue reading Enjoy the ruins of Two Guns, Arizona, while you can
Southwest Museum in Los Angeles put up for sale
The historic Southwest Museum in Los Angeles officially was put up for sale by the Autry Museum of the American West 16 years after its merger. According to LAist, the Autry spent about $20 million on renovations and upkeep since acquiring the property in 2003. "The future has arrived," Autry president and CEO W. Richard … Continue reading Southwest Museum in Los Angeles put up for sale
“Almost Ghosts” documentary to premiere in U.S. in Arizona next month
The "Almost Ghosts" Route 66 documentary will have its U.S. premiere next month at the 28th Arizona International Film Festival. "Almost Ghosts," a film from Spain directed by Ana Ramon Rubio, will be screened at 6 p.m. April 18 at The Screening Room in Tucson, Arizona. It is an official selection of international documentaries in … Continue reading “Almost Ghosts” documentary to premiere in U.S. in Arizona next month
Springfield History Museum’s new exhibits will be ‘spectacular’
A longtime columnist at the daily newspaper in Springfield, Missouri, proclaimed the History Museum on the Square's upcoming new exhibits -- including Route 66 -- this summer will be "spectacular." Steve Pokin, the Answer Man at the Springfield News-Leader, received a sneak peek of the exhibits under construction at the downtown museum from its executive … Continue reading Springfield History Museum’s new exhibits will be ‘spectacular’
Long-closed Bono’s Deli in Fontana reopens as Bono’s Italian Restaurant
The long-closed Bono's Deli, a fixture along Route 66 in Fontana, California, for decades, recently reopened as Bono's Italian Restaurant. And, yes, the Bono's Historic Orange still is there. Lynne Miller of the California Historic Route 66 Association wrote this on the route66 yahoogroup: It was always a dream of property owner Joe Bono to … Continue reading Long-closed Bono’s Deli in Fontana reopens as Bono’s Italian Restaurant
Fire-ravaged Shirley’s Tavern in Carterville will reopen Friday
The century-old Shirley's Tavern in Carterville, Missouri, that was gutted by fire more than a year ago will reopen Friday under new ownership. According to the Joplin Globe, new owners Courtney and Brock Powell spent seven months reconstructing the tavern after the fire in December 2017. “I was pretty devastated after the fire because there … Continue reading Fire-ravaged Shirley’s Tavern in Carterville will reopen Friday
Hal Blaine, drummer on dozens of hit records, dies at 90
Hal Blaine, a member of the Los Angeles-based Wrecking Crew of studio musicians who played drums on thousands of songs during the 1960s and '70s, died Monday. He was 90. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member played on albums by Frank Sinatra, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, the … Continue reading Hal Blaine, drummer on dozens of hit records, dies at 90