Category: People

The story of the KuKu

KALB-TV in Alexandria, Va., goes waaaaay off its beaten path to tell about Gene Waylan and the last survivor of the old KuKu Burger chain, located on Route 66 in Miami, Okla. In the early 60’s, there were lots of Kuku Burger joints around the Midwest. Gene took over and settled in. He liked his … Continue reading The story of the KuKu

Riding with Tricky Dick

Ed Nixon, the youngest brother of the late President Richard Nixon, has just published a book, "The Nixons: A Family Portrait." Ed Nixon is plugging the book, and a report in the Everett (Wash.) Herald has an interesting aside during an interview with him: Of all his memories, none were told with more delight than … Continue reading Riding with Tricky Dick

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.

Salute to a King

Today is what would have been the 90th birthday of singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole, whose version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" became a big hit in 1946 and helped inspire generations to explore the Mother Road. A number of news outlets have published tributes to the man, including the Los Angeles Times, … Continue reading Salute to a King

Space cowboy

The Examiner.com has posted an article about the Thomas P. Stafford Air & Space Museum on Route 66 in Weatherford, Okla. The museum pays tribute to Weatherford native Stafford, who logged six NASA missions and more than 500 hours in space, including the first manned flight to the moon. The museum is a complete air … Continue reading Space cowboy

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

Scout, R.I.P.

Scout, a beloved female rat terrier that had accompanied Redforkhippie and me on several trips on Route 66 and other highways, died Friday at age 10 after a months-long bout with cancer. Her tribute to Scout is a slide show here, along with a blog post. Scout inspired a Web site, Kids on 66, with … Continue reading Scout, R.I.P.

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.

Adding ladies to the legend

The Tampa Tribune takes more of a feminist angle of Route 66 in leading off its story about 4 Women on the Route of Galena, Kan.: Think of Route 66 and several names come to mind: Bobby Troup, who wrote "Route 66"; John Steinbeck, who proclaimed it the Mother Road in "The Grapes of Wrath"; … Continue reading Adding ladies to the legend