Faith Wassell, a sophomore at a high school in Kingman, Ariz., designed and painted a Route 66-themed ornament that now hangs in the National Christmas Tree at the White House in Washington, D.C., reports the Kingman Daily Miner. The tree was presented Nov. 30, and the lighting ceremony, presided over by President Bush and the … Continue reading White House Christmas ornament features Route 66
Category: People
End of an era approaches
Thanks to some regular readers, we were the first to report the impending closure of the Riviera Road House in Gardner, Ill. Today, the Joliet Herald News has some more details about the Riviera's colorful history and why co-owners Bob and Peggy Kraft are shutting it down after Jan. 2.
A closer look at UNM’s Architecture School
Architecture Week has a detailed examination of the Architecture School of the University of New Mexico, designed by the famed Antoine Predock. The building faces Central Avenue, aka Route 66, and Predock has said in other interviews that he is inspired by the Mother Road and the Southwest in general. He told the Dallas Morning … Continue reading A closer look at UNM’s Architecture School
Route 66 supporter honored by Wilmington chamber
The Wilmington (Ill.) Chamber of Commerce named Scott Cameron, owner of the Camz of Wilmington retro store, its Business Person of the Year, reports the Joliet Herald News. Here's the lowdown: Chamber President Eric Fisher said Cameron was selected for the honor because of his "commitment to bringing together the downtown merchants." Cameron was also … Continue reading Route 66 supporter honored by Wilmington chamber
Riviera set to close after New Year’s Day
A Route 66 icon, The Riviera Restaurant, in Gardner, Ill., is set to close after many years. Here's an e-mail from Route 66 advocate Lenore Weiss: The health and ages of Bob & Peggy Kraft, our most gracious host and hostess of the Riviera for over 36 years, are forcing them to close the doors. Unfortunately … Continue reading Riviera set to close after New Year’s Day
Green Lantern Cafe co-owner dies
I'm not familiar with this apparently long-gone restaurant on Route 66, but I'm posting it for those who may have recalled it. Nevert Scorse, co-owner of the Green Lantern Cafe on Route 66 in Holbrook, Ariz., died on Nov. 23 at age 93, reported the Holbrook Tribune-News. She and her husband, Gilbert Henry Scorse, ran … Continue reading Green Lantern Cafe co-owner dies
Route 66 but, alas, no Cozy Dogs
A day before Barack Obama is inaugurated as president of the United States, the Illinois State Society will hold its Illinois Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. More details about the sold-out event on Jan. 19 come from the Springfield (Ill.) Journal- Register: Corn dogs, lemon shakeups and Chicago-style pizza all will be ready for the … Continue reading Route 66 but, alas, no Cozy Dogs
Art in an unexpected place
What's great about Route 66 is you sometimes find the unexpected. On Monday, I found it in downtown Commerce, Okla. (population 2,500), talking to a man who creates portraits of rock 'n' roll stars and other artwork. He exhibits and sells these pieces all over the United States. Bill Foss' studio is right on Route … Continue reading Art in an unexpected place
Illinois Hall of Fame taking nominations
Here's a news brief from the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph: The Route 66 Association of Illinois will take nominations for its Hall of Fame from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28. Nominations must include qualities, deeds and history on Route 66. To qualify, nominees must have made significant contributions to the character or history of the Illinois … Continue reading Illinois Hall of Fame taking nominations
Veterans Day tribute
Here is a list of soldiers from Route 66 towns who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. I've also added informative links to each of the fallen military personnel. ILLINOIS Chicago Staff Sgt. Oscar D. Vargas-Medina, died May 1, 2004 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, died April 5, 2003 Sgt. Ivory L. Phipps, died March 17, … Continue reading Veterans Day tribute