The Claremore Progress reports on the erecting of three memorials along the median of Lynn Riggs Boulevard, which is Route 66, in Claremore, Okla. The memorials pay tribute to native son Will Rogers and Route 66. Check it out.
Lexington, Ill., needs items for its time capsule
The Route 66 town of Lexington, Ill., was going to bury a time capsule during its sesquicentennial in July last year. But the committee that organized the event decided to allow the residents more time to gather items for the capsule. Among the items will be information from the Route 66 Biking Trail. According to … Continue reading Lexington, Ill., needs items for its time capsule
Grain elevator at Route 66 ghost town razed
The Associated Press reports that the old grain elevator at now-defunct Route 66 town of Ballard, Ill., northeast of Bloomington-Normal, was demolished Friday. The 80-foot-tall structure had been closed since the 1960s. Randy Smith a few years ago contributed an article to the Illinois Route 66 Association newsletter about the history the elevator (picture above). … Continue reading Grain elevator at Route 66 ghost town razed
Better book your room now near Grand Canyon
This is a press release, but it probably contains good advice for winter and early spring travelers. Because the 250-room Maswik Lodge near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed for renovations until March, tourism officials recommend booking alternate lodging now. Some of those alternates sit on Route 66: Want to “get your … Continue reading Better book your room now near Grand Canyon
Pixar-Disney merger by next week?
Reuters is reporting that Disney bosses are meeting to decide Sunday or Monday whether to buy Pixar Animation Studios, the maker of the upcoming Route 66 movie "Cars."
Spy photos from “Cars”
Now this is funny. I don't know whether these photos featured Friday on ComingSoon.net are legitimately from Pixar Animation Studios to add buzz for its upcoming Route 66-themed movie, "Cars," or from someone who's good with PhotoShop. I'd say the former seems likely. Either way, the "photos" serve as a clever parody of car magazines … Continue reading Spy photos from “Cars”
Atlanta, Ill., isn’t resting on its laurels
In another story today from the Bloomington Pantagraph, the Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill. -- already a swell little place to visit -- is seeking more ways to preserve the town's past, including forming a historic preservation commission. "We want to figure out how we can do more for Route 66," said local businessman … Continue reading Atlanta, Ill., isn’t resting on its laurels
Atlanta, Ill., is in Route 66 posters
The Route 66 town of Atlanta, Ill., is part of a Route 66 poster, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. The series of eight posters were designed by American impressionist artist R. Bolton Smith of Hilton Head Island, S.C. He captured the images of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California through a journey … Continue reading Atlanta, Ill., is in Route 66 posters
Turning Muslim in Texas
I'd heard for several months about a British documentary about Texans who converted to Islam, including man who lives on Route 66. I finally saw the documentary today. The man in question -- a gun-toting, swaggering, American patriot -- doesn't live on historic U.S. 66, but on Texas Highway 66 in Caddo Mills, northeast of … Continue reading Turning Muslim in Texas
“On the Road” first draft to be displayed
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Jack Kerouac's first draft of his famed book, "On the Road," will be on display in the San Francisco Public Library for the next three months. A small part of the book supposedly took place on Route 66, although this has been disputed. Here's why the draft was on … Continue reading “On the Road” first draft to be displayed