The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper relayed this story about Hubert Denk, a German journalist who was traveling Route 66 on assignment in 1994 when he was attacked by a group of thugs in Santa Fe who robbed him and broke his kneecap. Last week, Denk decided to return to the exact spot -- on East Alameda Street … Continue reading Returning to the scene of the crime
Category: Towns
Route 66 Walk of Fame nominees announced
One of the events on tap for the Route 66 International Festival in Kingman, Arizona, on Aug. 14-17 is the dedication of the Route 66 Walk of Fame along Andy Devine Avenue (aka Route 66). This week, the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce announced the nominees for the Walk of Fame of individuals "who transformed … Continue reading Route 66 Walk of Fame nominees announced
New Mexico continues to snub Tucumcari for a racetrack license
The Quay County Sun newspaper last week published a well-researched story that speculates why the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, New Mexico, hasn't been awarded a license from the state to build a horse-racing track and casino, despite a license being available for more than a year. The proposed Coronado Park racino in Tucumcari calls for … Continue reading New Mexico continues to snub Tucumcari for a racetrack license
Above the City of Angels
Filmmaker and photographer Chris Pritchard made this dazzling time-lapse video with the city of Los Angeles as his canvas. Make sure to watch it on your computer in full-screen mode. Above LA from Chris Pritchard on Vimeo. (Hat tip: Andrew Sullivan)
Neon lights installed in part of Albuquerque’s downtown
Neon lights were installed on Route 66-themed lampposts along a section of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in downtown Albuquerque during the weekend, according to various media outlets. KRQE-TV in Albuquerque has a video about the lights: Albuquerque Business First explained the project: Through a partnership and grant with the Public Service Co. of New … Continue reading Neon lights installed in part of Albuquerque’s downtown
Illinois Route 66 Museum marks 10th anniversary Saturday
It's hard to believe, but the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac already is marking its 10th anniversary Saturday. According to a news release from Pontiac Tourism: To commemorate this milestone, the museum will hold a special open house on that day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Museum marks 10th anniversary Saturday
Downtown Albuquerque may install public bathrooms
Downtown Albuquerque is strongly considering the construction of public bathrooms partly for the use of Route 66 tourists, reported KRQE-TV. But it's not just for tourism reasons (ick): The report sort of dances around the issue, but I suspect the downtown problem primarily comes from the homeless and those who've had a little too much … Continue reading Downtown Albuquerque may install public bathrooms
Webb City wants to add downtown to National Register
A move is afoot in Webb City, Missouri, to add its entire downtown district to the National Register of Historic Places, reported KOAM-TV in nearby Pittsburg, Kansas. Webb City is looking at the move not just to add a publicity hook, but to help owners renovate historic buildings with tax credits. Here's the report: KOAM … Continue reading Webb City wants to add downtown to National Register
The lost photos of Joplin
May 22 marked the third anniversary of the powerful tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, and changed that Route 66 city forever. I recommend you read this story from Al-Jazeera America about the Lost Photos of Joplin project, which collected more than 40,000 photographs scattered by the storm. There are lithographs of ancestors from the 1800s, … Continue reading The lost photos of Joplin
Ground broken on Birthplace of Route 66 Park
Officials in Springfield, Missouri, held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for the Birthplace of Route 66 Park as part of the College Street revitalization project. This report by KOLR-TV contains some vintage footage of Route 66 in Springfield: Officials hope to get the first stage of the park completed by the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival … Continue reading Ground broken on Birthplace of Route 66 Park