"Pop 66," a collection of Wes Pope's black-and-white pinhole-camera images taken over a 20-year period on Route 66, contains plenty of intrigue. But it's Pope's text that elevates the book (hardcover, 115 pages, Press Syndication Group) into part travelogue, part family history.and part biography. Subtitled "A Dreamy Pop Can Odyssey Along Route 66," part of the … Continue reading Book review: “Pop 66”
Category: History
Governor signs Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission bill
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday signed and enacted a bill that creates a state Route 66 Centennial Commission. According to a news release, the signing took place Tuesday in Plainfield. The commission is tasked with developing plans for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission will consist … Continue reading Governor signs Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission bill
El Pueblo Motel in Flagstaff may become Code Talkers museum
The historic El Pueblo Motel in Flagstaff, Arizona, may become a museum to Navajo Indians who served as Code Talkers during World War II. A feature story in the Arizona Daily Sun newspaper about Route 66 revealed that bid. The motel at 3120 E. Historic Route 66 was built in 1937, making it the oldest … Continue reading El Pueblo Motel in Flagstaff may become Code Talkers museum
A look back at the Round Barn, Ted Drewes and Dixie Truckers Home
Anthony Reichardt recently uploaded several more videos from his Route 66 trips during the 1990s in a 1959 Cadillac. Reichardt's videos often hold historical value, as many are more than a quarter-century old. It's interesting to see how the Mother Road has changed. His YouTube channel of 60 videos is here. The first video compiles five … Continue reading A look back at the Round Barn, Ted Drewes and Dixie Truckers Home
“The Angel of Route 66”
Benjamin Hager, a multimedia journalist at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, over the weekend uploaded this nearly 4-minute video about Angel "The Guardian Angel of Route 66" Delgadillo of Seligman, Arizona. As you'll see, Delgadillo, even at age 91, remains a compelling figure. The Angel of Route 66 from Benjamin Hager on Vimeo. Delgadillo helped found … Continue reading “The Angel of Route 66”
Artist’s rendering unveiled for OKPOP museum in Tulsa
The Oklahoma Historical Society earlier this week unveiled an artist's rendering for the upcoming Oklahoma Museum of Pop Culture, aka OKPOP, in Tulsa, slated for a groundbreaking this fall. According to a news release: Nabholz Construction will construct OKPOP at 422 North Main Street in Tulsa, across the street from the Cain’s Ballroom, home of … Continue reading Artist’s rendering unveiled for OKPOP museum in Tulsa
Joliet sets up schedule for old prison tours
The city of Joliet, Illinois, in early August will begin offering guided tours to the historic but long-closed old prison. The Joliet Patch reported some details about the upcoming tours: The Joliet Area Historical Museum will transport tourists to and from the prison by bus, about a five-minute ride each way. Tours inside the old … Continue reading Joliet sets up schedule for old prison tours
‘World’s largest branding iron’ placed at Vega museum
A history museum in Vega, Texas, that sits a half-block off Route 66 recently placed what it calls the "world's largest branding iron" on its grounds. The Milburn-Price Culture Museum at 1005 Coke St. (map here) announced Monday in a Facebook post it placed a 22-foot-long, 3,000-pound branding iron with the XIT ranch logo. The … Continue reading ‘World’s largest branding iron’ placed at Vega museum
U.S. House passes Route 66 Centennial bill
The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday passed the Route 66 Centennial Commission Act. It next will be considered by the U.S. Senate. The measure was passed by a voice vote without objection. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), a key sponsor of the bill known as H.R. 66, issued this statement after the bill passed: Route … Continue reading U.S. House passes Route 66 Centennial bill
Couple buys historic Gillett Mansion in Elkhart
A couple from Springfield, Illinois, purchased the historic Gillett Mansion that sits atop of prominent hill just east of the Route 66 town of Elkhart, Illinois. The couple plans to keep the mansion open to the public, including for events. According to a report several days ago in the Springfield State Journal-Register: Court and Karen … Continue reading Couple buys historic Gillett Mansion in Elkhart