Historic theater to get repairs if bond is approved

The historic Hiland Theater, built in 1951 along historic Route 66 in Albuquerque, is considered a local landmark, but it needs some repairs. To do those renovations, the county-owned building, a $1.1 million bond question needs to be passed by voters on Election Day, reports the Albuquerque Tribune. This theater is Route 66," Archuleta said. … Continue reading Historic theater to get repairs if bond is approved

Ride with the Griswolds

Remember the hit movie "National Lampoon's Vacation"? Remember the Griswold family heading west to find misadventures in an ugly station wagon? Here's the original story that inspired it all, written by John Hughes. It's a hoot. Warning: Although the story takes place on and off Route 66, don't try to duplicate this on your own … Continue reading Ride with the Griswolds

Nut House is set to re-open

Two couples recently purchased The Nut House on Route 66 near Claremore, Okla., and the business will re-open Thursday. The Nut House gift shop, at 26677 S. Highway 66, was purchased at an auction by Darryl and Hazel Ward and Fred and Joyce Hannah, all of Claremore. Its hours will be from 10 a.m. to … Continue reading Nut House is set to re-open

A stroll across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Here's a clip from an old St. Louis public access television show called "World Wide Magazine," in which Vince and Marty stoll across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge that once carried Route 66 from Madison, Ill., to north St. Louis. Vince and Marty are a coupla goofs, but the footage from the bridge is … Continue reading A stroll across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Calling all Mother Road volunteers

The Clinton (Okla.) Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers for 2- to 3-hour shifts to help man a promotional booth at the Best Fest at Riverparks West Bank Festival Area in Tulsa on Nov. 17-19. The Chamber will be there to promote the 2007 Route 66 Festival. Here's an Acrobat file of the Best Fest brochure … Continue reading Calling all Mother Road volunteers

Swastikas on old Arizona road maps?

It's true. But it's not as sinister as it first appears. Fellow road warrior Tim Steil pointed out this Arizona roads site, which shows a scan from a 1927 Rand McNally atlas. And look on the lower right corner of the page -- a swastika on the Arizona highway marker. I included a close-up excerpt … Continue reading Swastikas on old Arizona road maps?

Woman cycling Route 66 to help cancer-stricken brother

Michelle Thompson is cycling on part of Route 66 during a 2,500-mile trip from Glen Ellyn, Ill., to Costa Mesa, Calif., to raise money for her brother, who is being treated for oral cancer, reports the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph. The trek is expected to take six weeks, and Thompson, 35, hopes to raise $50,000. The … Continue reading Woman cycling Route 66 to help cancer-stricken brother

A little off the top, please

If you're traveling Route 66 in Oklahoma and need a haircut, a historic, Route 66-themed barbershop recently opened in Yukon, according to the Daily Oklahoman. Bob Jeffrey, 60, moved from New York to Yukon to be closer to his daughter and her family. So he acquired the 70-year-old Midway Barbershop at 432 W. Main St. … Continue reading A little off the top, please

No ordinary man

I stumbled across this obituary for Glen Leonhardt in the San Bernardino County Sun. He held the somewhat ordinary job of a mechanic, but his deeds and experiences made his life extraordinary. His ties to Route 66 were multiple: He helped build that road in Vega, Texas; he married a woman from the Route 66 … Continue reading No ordinary man