There are many libraries across the country that are 100 years old or older. But the one in Atlanta, Ill., is distinct. First, it sports an unusual octagon shape. Second, it not only serves as a library, but also as the town's historical museum, which includes Route 66. The Atlanta library turns 100 in March. … Continue reading Atlanta library to mark 100th year
Category: Towns
Don’t pass us by
Stopping to chat with customers at 4 Women on the Route in Galena, Kan., Washington Post reporter Warren Brown laments what happened to towns along Route 66 that were bypassed by the interstate. Why did it happen? Brown concludes it was money -- or the lack of it: Modern interstates sped up the cross-country commute … Continue reading Don’t pass us by
San Bernardino’s past detailed in book
Steven Shaw has turned his collection of 700 vintage postcards into a book about the history of San Bernardino, Calif. About 225 of the postcards were used in the Arcadia Publishing book titled "San Bernardino," which comes out Monday, reports the San Bernardino County Sun. Shaw told the Inland Press-Enterprise something interesting about preservation: "Everybody … Continue reading San Bernardino’s past detailed in book
Grants for Grants
It sounds like the Route 66 town of Grants, N.M., home of the annual Fire and Ice motorcycle rally, is sprucing itself up a bit, thanks to its MainStreet program. From the Cibola County Beacon: Jaramillo reported on recent funds awarded to the group. “We've received a $53,000 grant to erect a neon Route 66 … Continue reading Grants for Grants
Tucumcari leader Bettie Ditto dies
Bettie Ditto, the former mayor of the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., and longtime owner of the Pow Wow Inn, died at age 91 on Saturday, reports the Quay County Sun. She was so respected in the region, she was called "Mrs. Tucumcari." A former city commissioner and real estate developer, she is perhaps … Continue reading Tucumcari leader Bettie Ditto dies
Another Amarillo song
After seeing my post about George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning," longtime roadie Becky Ransom alerted me of another hit song that prominently mentions the Texas Panhandle's largest city. It is Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo," a worldwide hit in 1971 for the British singer. It was co-written by Neil Sedaka. The song … Continue reading Another Amarillo song
Andy Payne ran here
The Lincoln (Ill.) Courier published a fascinating article about the Lincoln library's research into the 1928 Bunion Derby, the transcontinental footrace that went the length of Route 66. Oklahoma native Andy Payne, a previously unheralded runner, bested the talented field and took home a $25,000 prize. The library used Geoff Williams' excellent book, "C.C. Pyle's … Continue reading Andy Payne ran here
Update on Tulsa Route 66 projects
A Route 66er in Tulsa forwarded me a status report, dated Dec. 31, from Tulsa city employee Dennis Whitaker about the county's Route 66 projects. Most of the projects are being funded by a Vision 2025 sales tax. As you will see, several of the Route 66 projects are slated to be finished by summer. … Continue reading Update on Tulsa Route 66 projects
For all small-town residents everywhere
Yeah, I know ... John Mellencamp's from Indiana, which isn't one of the Route 66 states. But he was born and raised in a small town, and his 1985 hit song by the same name (back when he still partly used his John Cougar stage name) captures the humility and pride of small-town people better … Continue reading For all small-town residents everywhere
City wants nativity on Route 66 removed
Those who drive Route 66 in Illinois know of the Our Lady of the Highways shrine on a farm near Raymond, Ill. Many a person on the Mother Road has stopped at the well-tended landmark to pray or give it a moment of respectful silence. A second sort of shrine -- a nativity scene -- … Continue reading City wants nativity on Route 66 removed