Do yourself a favor and watch this 22-minute video, "Route 66 and Historic Byways in Cibola County," which covers cultural and historical attractions in that New Mexico county. https://youtu.be/1G1Vgxh2cxE The video was produced by Manuel Vasquez and director Barbara Wesley at Seven Cities Productions, based in the same county in Grants, New Mexico. The Cibola County Beacon … Continue reading “Route 66 and Historic Byways in Cibola County”
Church in historic building hosting fundraiser today for Route 66 Village
The Merge Church, in a historic building in the Red Fork district of southwest Tulsa, is hosting at a matinée screening today of a 1943 John Wayne film as a fundraiser for the nearby Route 66 Village. Merge Church at 4050 Southwest Blvd. (aka Route 66), inside an Art Deco building that once was a … Continue reading Church in historic building hosting fundraiser today for Route 66 Village
Basketball Museum of Illinois gets green light in Pontiac
A museum devoted to all forms of basketball in the state of Illinois will open in Pontiac by late 2017 or 2018, it was announced this week. The Basketball Museum of Illinois, curated by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, will occupy a closed Kmart store on Vermillion Square, next to old Route 66 on the … Continue reading Basketball Museum of Illinois gets green light in Pontiac
Long-closed Inn of Amarillo soon will be torn down
The city of Amariilo likely will be on the hook financially to demolish the long-closed and squalid Inn of Amarillo, also known the Holiday Inn West or the Vic-Mon Motor Hotel. A big problem for the city is the cost to raze the structure -- about $800,000 on the low side. The price is so steep, … Continue reading Long-closed Inn of Amarillo soon will be torn down
Ruby Street Bridge in Joliet to undergo months of repairs
We have some good news and bad news about the historic Ruby Street Bridge in Joliet, Illinois. The bad news is the bridge will undergo repairs starting Monday and may cause traffic tie-ups until the project's completion this summer because of lane closings. So keep that in mind if you want to go Route 66 cruising … Continue reading Ruby Street Bridge in Joliet to undergo months of repairs
Trailer for “The California Promise” documentary released
A three-minute promotional trailer for Unoccupied Route 66's latest documentary, "The California Promise," was placed online a few days ago. This segment shown here deals primarily with the Mojave Desert ghost town of Bagdad. https://youtu.be/wYae2Q9aIYg More about the upcoming film: Join host Nick Gerlich as he explores the Mohave Desert on an old section of … Continue reading Trailer for “The California Promise” documentary released
A new version of “Route 66”
This video of new material being previewed by musician Inda Eaton surfaced a few days ago. This song is titled "Route 66," but it bears little resemblance to the 1946 classic tune written by Bobby Troup and popularized by Nat King Cole. The key line -- "the road, it changes you" -- probably will hold … Continue reading A new version of “Route 66”
Trump budget contains no money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit — for now
President Donald Trump's proposed budget for the 2018 fiscal year contains no federal money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit -- news that caused anxiety with some city officials and ART supporters. Mayor Richard Berry remains confident the $119 million ART project to convert nine miles of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) into dedicated bus lanes will receive its $69 … Continue reading Trump budget contains no money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit — for now
Chuck Berry, R.I.P.
Word came over Saturday afternoon that Chuck Berry, the Father of Rock 'n' Roll, died at his home near Wentzville, Missouri, west of St. Louis, at age 90. Local authorities didn't give a cause of death, but Chuck's son said his father had ailed from pneumonia in recent weeks. Berry was best-known writing and performing … Continue reading Chuck Berry, R.I.P.
A trip down Oklahoma’s Route 66, circa 2009
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently began uploading videos to Vimeo, including this 17-minute trip down Route 66 in the Sooner State. It's not a recent video, as I noted a few things that apparently have changed since it was shot. The big totem pole at Totem Pole Park near Foyil has been repainted in … Continue reading A trip down Oklahoma’s Route 66, circa 2009