If you're traveling into Pasadena, Calif., anytime soon, you're advised to go to the Theatre@Boston Court and see Carlos Murillo's new play, "Unfinished American Highwayscape #9 & 32 or The Broken Tractor Graveyard." Janja J. Monji of Pasadena Weekly describes why it would be of interest to roadies: In the summer of 2003, Murillo traveled … Continue reading New play takes its inspiration from the road
Galena sinkhole update
There's not much good news to report about the historic Green Parrot tavern's almost-certain demise because of a collapsing underground mine, except that the town's police chief rescued a pet bird from the building. The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports that Galena, Kan., Police Chief Larry Delmont took the risk of entering the 114-year-old, crumbling building … Continue reading Galena sinkhole update
Exotic Animal Paradise may be saved after all
A few weeks ago, it was announced that Exotic Animal Paradise in Strafford, Mo., just off Route 66, would close down its drive-through zoo, auction the animals, and luxury homes would be built on the site. However, the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader reported Tuesday that the new owner is partially reconsidering the plan: The new owner … Continue reading Exotic Animal Paradise may be saved after all
New Super business in Missouri
Route66TVonline.com, which is turning into quite a Route 66 resource for the Missouri-Kansas-Oklahoma tri-state area, reports that a new business has opened on the Mother Road in Carterville, Mo. It's the Superman on 66 Ice Cream Parlor and Museum. Owned and operated by Larry Tamminen, a 44-year resident of Carterville, this unique business features a … Continue reading New Super business in Missouri
Q&A with “The Mother Road” director
Here's my e-mail question-and-answer session with Lauren Cardillo, director of "The Mother Road" documentary that airs on PBS-TV stations this month. In the film, Cardillo and her mother, Irene, take a full-length trip down Route 66 together. I contacted Lauren shortly after I watched an advanced copy of the film. Here are the questions and … Continue reading Q&A with “The Mother Road” director
Twin Oaks sign damaged by storm
The historic Twin Oaks Gas for Less sign along the Old Chain of Rocks Road, aka Route 66, in Granite City was damaged apparently by the series of severe storms that ravaged the St. Louis area about 10 days ago. The gas station itself has been long gone, but the sign remained as a nice … Continue reading Twin Oaks sign damaged by storm
Sinkhole endangers historic tavern
The 114-year-old building on old Route 66 in Galena, Kan., that houses the Green Parrot tavern likely will become a memory because of a rapidly enlarging sinkhole that's already collapsed part of the structure. Authorities were able to evacuate the tavern's owners, who lived on the second floor, before the building became too structurally compromised. … Continue reading Sinkhole endangers historic tavern
Devils Elbow bridge targeted for repairs
Buried in this story from the Waynesville (Mo.) Daily Guide about the Pulaski County Tourism Board is this item: Thiem said he’s also working to follow up on a request by the Pulaski County Commission to get information on possible grants to restore the Devils Elbow bridge on Historic Route 66, which is in need … Continue reading Devils Elbow bridge targeted for repairs
The Harley & Annabelle Experience
If you can't get to Erick, Okla., to see Harley and Annabelle Russell, aka the Mediocre Music Makers, here's the next-best thing, posted just a couple weeks ago. It must've been hot when this video was shot. You can usually tell what the weather is like by what Harley wears with his overalls. If he's … Continue reading The Harley & Annabelle Experience
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge nominated to National Register
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which once carried Route 66 from Madison, Ill., to north St. Louis, has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, reports digitalBurg.com of Warrensburg, Mo. The nominations will be considered by the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation on Aug. 11 in St. Joseph. The image above … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge nominated to National Register