New Albuquerque mayor Tim Keller can't be too happy with his predecessor now. Not only is his city facing a budget deficit of about $10 million, but the city still hasn't received $75 million in federal money to help pay for the now-completed Albuquerque Rapid Transit project more than a year after it began construction. … Continue reading Albuquerque still waiting for ART grant from feds
Midpoint Cafe’s likely future owner is revealed
Midpoint Cafe co-owner Dennis Purschwitz said he wouldn't reveal its new owner or owners until spring, but the restaurant's previous owner -- and other folks -- apparently are letting the cat out of the bag. Fran Houser, who owned the Route 66 restaurant and gift shop in Adrian, Texas, for about 20 years when it … Continue reading Midpoint Cafe’s likely future owner is revealed
Dollhouse Bed & Breakfast opens in Tucumcari
What apparently is the only bed-and-breakfast operation in Tucumcari, New Mexico, opened recently near its downtown. The Quay County Sun newspaper reported on a ribbon-cutting last week for the Dollhouse Bed & Breakfast, in a 1908 two-story Victorian home at 401 S. First St. Debra Whittington, the owner and operator, said the new business is … Continue reading Dollhouse Bed & Breakfast opens in Tucumcari
The dead end of Route 66 nostalgia
The CityLab website recently published a profile about photographer and filmmaker Phil Donahue (not the talk-show host) and his efforts to document what he calls "nostalgia on Route 66." Donahue's observations give the reader a lot of think about. Here's what he observed in many Route 66 towns: For the most part, Donohue said, the … Continue reading The dead end of Route 66 nostalgia
Nob Hill visitors center in Albuquerque opens
The historic Nob Hill neighborhood of Albuquerque over the weekend opened a visitors center to tell tourists about the area's history through photos and interactive maps. The Nob Hill visitors center is in the Re-Max Select building on Central Avenue (aka Route 66) just west of Carlisle Boulevard. According to KOB-TV: Mayor Tim Keller said … Continue reading Nob Hill visitors center in Albuquerque opens
New Mother Jones marker dedicated at I-55 rest area
A variety of dignitaries on Monday dedicated a new historical marker for famed union activist Mother Jones and coal-miners' union movement at the southbound Interstate 55 Coalfield rest area south of Springfield, Illinois. In addition, Ireland’s consul general to Chicago and the Midwest participated in a wreath-laying ceremony that day at the Mother Jones Monument, … Continue reading New Mother Jones marker dedicated at I-55 rest area
Richardson Building in Arcadia added to National Register
The Edward Richardson Building in Arcadia, Oklahoma, now known as the home of GlassBoy Studios, recently was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. An email Friday from the National Park Service stated the property at 101 Main St. in Arcadia had its listing effective Dec. 4. According to the National Register nomination form, the … Continue reading Richardson Building in Arcadia added to National Register
Online bidding for Muffler Man ends tonight
For those folks on Route 66 who wish to acquire a genuine, one-of-a-kind Muffler Man, you have the opportunity for a few hours to bid on one in Maine. Joel Baker, a Muffler Man fan and creator of the "American Giants" video series, is helping sell one in Winslow, Maine. As of this writing, the … Continue reading Online bidding for Muffler Man ends tonight
Plenty of Route 66 in Big & Rich video
The country-rock duo Big & Rich released this music video for "California" more than six months ago, and it contains a few Route 66 landmarks in the footage. In it, you'll find the rest stop near Alanreed, Texas; Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo; old Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico (including the interior of the Kix … Continue reading Plenty of Route 66 in Big & Rich video
Fifty years of making fried onion burgers on Route 66
Marty Hall has spent decades working at not one, but two notable restaurants along Route 66 in El Reno, Oklahoma, that specialize in fried onion burgers. Hall has owned Sid's Diner since 1989. Before that, he began his restaurant career barely in his teens at Johnnie's Grill, also on Route 66 in El Reno. All … Continue reading Fifty years of making fried onion burgers on Route 66