Andrew Wood is an associate professor in communication studies at San Jose State University. He's also a dyed-in-the-wool roadie. He's written two books about two-lane highways, "Motel America" and "Road Trip America." His Motel Americana site is an excellent thumbnail guide to vintage lodging. And Wood's blog, Woodland Shoppers Paradise, has become a catch-all for … Continue reading Book review: “City Ubiquitous”
Category: Motels
Museum acquires Wishing Well Motel memorabilia
The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum has acquired memorabilia from the razed Wishing Well Motel in Countryside, Ill., including the wishing well itself, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. The motel, which was built in 1941, was owned and operated by father and son Charles and Emil Vidas and their wives. Charles’ wife, Zora … Continue reading Museum acquires Wishing Well Motel memorabilia
Notes from the road
We went on a brief trip from Tulsa to Tucumcari, N.M., over the weekend. Here are a few notes from that trip: The Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, has printed a new edition of "Ugly Crust Pies," a collection of favorite recipes from the restaurant. It's a color, spiral-bound cookbook that goes for $13.99 in … Continue reading Notes from the road
New murals at the Blue Swallow
Bill Kinder, co-owner of the Blue Swallow Motel on Route 66 in Tucumcari, N.M., showed us new murals that recently were painted by a traveling artist. These murals are painted inside the garages that are next to the rooms. The murals really bring vibrant color in an unexpected place.
Century-old couple has a Route 66 connection
Tucked into this story from KTUL-TV in Tulsa about Forrest Winston, 101, and his wife Vera Winston, 100, was this little item: If you recognize Winston, you may know him as the one who built the Winston Motor Court on Route 66. Back then, it was the city's first air-conditioned motel. Here's a postcard image … Continue reading Century-old couple has a Route 66 connection
Paul Harvey, R.I.P.
Paul Harvey, a legend in radio for more than 50 years, died at age 90 Saturday at a hospital near Phoenix. Rather than recount Harvey's unique delivery and his many accomplishments in broadcasting, it should be known that the Tulsa native also left his own unique stamp on Route 66 at least twice. First, Harvey … Continue reading Paul Harvey, R.I.P.
New Mexico lodging-tax proposal is killed
The Tourism Association of New Mexico reports that a bill in the state legislature that would have imposed a 10 percent tax on all lodging establishments, including RV parks, was tabled in committee on Wednesday night, essentially killing the measure. The bill, SB 595, was tabled by a 4-3 vote in the state senate's Corporations … Continue reading New Mexico lodging-tax proposal is killed
A really bad idea
At a time when the economy is struggling, Route 66 motels in New Mexico sure don't need this. According to the New Mexico Business Weekly, state Sens. George K. Munoz, D-Cibola and McKinley, and John M. Sapien, D-Sandoval, have introduced a bill to impose a 10 percent lodging tax across the board on all lodging … Continue reading A really bad idea
Boots Drive-In featured in Route 66 display
The former Boots Drive-In restaurant will be re-created in a Route 66 display in the Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage, Mo., reports the Joplin Globe. A replica of the building front is just starting to take shape at a workshop in Carthage. When finished, it will occupy space in the main floor of the historic … Continue reading Boots Drive-In featured in Route 66 display
Owner may restore Boots Motel
In a Carthage (Mo.) Press feature, Savannah's Restaurant owner Vince Scott talks about, among other things, his ownership of the Boots Motel on Route 66: Scott also owns one of the historic landmarks in Carthage, the Boots Motel. Again his intention was to buy the property and sell it quickly at a profit, which might … Continue reading Owner may restore Boots Motel