Category: Uncategorized

Progress report on De Anza Motel

Five years ago, the City of Albuquerque purchased the historic De Anza Motel on Route 66 after proposal surfaced to replace it with a drug and liquor store. The city hoped to have it reopened as a boutique motel by now. But progress has been slow, reports the Albuquerque Tribune. It took the city until … Continue reading Progress report on De Anza Motel

Publicity the road doesn’t need

I don't subscribe to the notion that all publicity is good publicity. Exhibit A is a story out of Tracy, Calif., in which the town's Veterans Park being built was changed from a promised patriotic theme to a Route 66 theme. Here's the initial story from the Tracy Press. Here's a follow-up from a local … Continue reading Publicity the road doesn’t need

Veterans Day tribute

Here's our tribute to the soldiers from Route 66 towns who've died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. 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, 2004 Pfc. Torry D. Harris, died July 13, 2004 Sgt. Sirlou … Continue reading Veterans Day tribute

Headless body found in tow truck

Route 66 News usually doesn't post news about murders, shootings and other run-of-the-mill police matters along the Mother Road. But this incident on Route 66 in Pontiac, Ill., is too bizarre to ignore. From the Bloomington Pantagraph: PONTIAC -- No foul play is suspected in the death of a 54-year-old man whose decapitated body was … Continue reading Headless body found in tow truck

The perils of fast money and Route 66

Vince Scott bought the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., a few years ago with the sole purpose of quickly selling it again to Walgreens for a quick buck. However, Route 66 preservationists protested the impending deal, and Walgreens moved to greener pastures. Scott still has the motel, and admits the 1930s landmark could be a … Continue reading The perils of fast money and Route 66

Presentations from the festival

I gave a couple of presentations during the workshops Thursday at the Route 66 Festival in Clinton. For those who missed them -- or those who just want a closer look -- they are online here: Media relations (writing press releases, being interviewed, interacting with reporters) Powerpoint version of the media relations presentation (downloadable)  Route … Continue reading Presentations from the festival

Meet Mater’s inspiration

It's been the victim of neglect. The odometer reads 99,372 miles, and there's no telling whether they're original. Rust covers the entire body, where it nearly obscures the letters "Tannou" and "Joplin, Mo" on the door. The seats desperately need to be re-upholstered. And it gets its fuel from a storage tank that resembles a … Continue reading Meet Mater’s inspiration

Meadow Gold sign is on appeals board agenda

The mothballed Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa is on the agenda the 1 p.m. Oct. 24 meeting of the Board of Adjustment at City Hall to determine its classification when it is eventually re-erected at Quaker Avenue and 11th Street (aka Route 66), reports the Batesline blog. Michael Bates, proprietor of Batesline, does a good … Continue reading Meadow Gold sign is on appeals board agenda

Route 66 Rendezvous cruises to the end

The annual Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, Calif., which saw its final day Sunday, appears to have been another success. The San Bernardino County Sun reports that an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 people attended. And there were no problems, thanks to the high security presence there. Combine that with mild weather, and it sounds … Continue reading Route 66 Rendezvous cruises to the end