Michael Wallis’ “The Coming of Roads” speech

A few days ago, someone at the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training uploaded a video and transcript of Michael Wallis' keynote speech during the "Are We There Yet: Preservation of Roadside Architecture and Attractions" symposium in April in Tulsa. Wallis speech, "The Coming of Roads," contains several familiar themes from those who have … Continue reading Michael Wallis’ “The Coming of Roads” speech

Book review: “Pop 66”

"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”

Affeldt acquires historic saloon near Santa Fe

Allan Affeldt, the savior of La Posada hotel in Winslow, Arizona, who is restoring the Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently acquired another historic property south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Affeldt now owns the Legal Tender restaurant and saloon in the village of Lamy, New … Continue reading Affeldt acquires historic saloon near Santa Fe

New farm operation complements Funks Grove Maple Sirup

A new organic farm run by three members of the Funk family is bringing new and complementary products to the sixth-generation Funks Grove Maple Sirup off Route 66 in Shirley, Illinois. Katie and Jonathan Funk and with her fiance, Jeff Hake, started Funks Grove Heritage Fruits and Grains. They don't plan to supplant Funks Grove Maple … Continue reading New farm operation complements Funks Grove Maple Sirup

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

City of Kingman reacts to Sasha Baron Cohen’s ‘baiting’ of residents

Officials in the Route 66 city of Kingman, Arizona, issued a penitent statement in the wake of Showtime's "Who Is America?" episode Sunday in which the star, Sasha Baron Cohen (known for his "Borat" movie), showed several of its residents in an unflattering light. The episode showed several Kingman residents making controversial remarks about Muslims … Continue reading City of Kingman reacts to Sasha Baron Cohen’s ‘baiting’ of residents

“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”

Route 66 group soon will survey foreign travelers

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced this week its International Advisory Group will undertake a comprehensive International Route 66 Travelers Survey, with its first test at next month's European Route 66 Festival in Zlin, Czech Republic. The festival in the Czech Republic will take place Aug. 10-12. The inaugural European Route 66 Festival took … Continue reading Route 66 group soon will survey foreign travelers

Owners, caretaker of Blue Whale named to Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame

The deceased former owners and a longtime caretaker of the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, were inducted into the 2018 Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. The inductees were the Hugh and Zelta Davis, who owned the Route 66 landmark for years, and their son, Blaine Davis, a caretaker for the whale. The Oklahoma Route … Continue reading Owners, caretaker of Blue Whale named to Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame

Claremore museum plans new statue of Andy Payne

The Claremore Museum of History in Claremore, Oklahoma, plans to place a life-size statue of local athlete Andy Payne at Lynn Riggs Park, also known as Gazebo Park, a few blocks east of Route 66. The Claremore Daily Progress reported a new exhibit, "The Andy Payne Family Collection," donated by Payne’s daughter, will be shown in the … Continue reading Claremore museum plans new statue of Andy Payne