Brianna Bailey, a reporter for The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City, recently embarked on a walking journey of Route 66 in that city for a story and a series of blog posts. She finished recently, and the last story is here. Some takeaways: --- We learn the beloved Carlyle Motel sign was purchased by Donald … Continue reading Reporter finishes walk on Oklahoma City’s Route 66
Fire heavily damages Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque
A fire early Tuesday engulfed two-thirds of the historic Desert Sands Motel along old Route 66 in Albuquerque and left 57 long-term residents there homeless, according to varying media accounts. The Albuquerque Journal reported 22 firefighting units were called to the scene at 1:45 a.m. At least two people were hospitalized with smoke inhalation. KOB-TV … Continue reading Fire heavily damages Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque
New Mexico aims to help old theaters
The state of New Mexico is trying to fix up movie theaters in small towns not only for the sake of historic preservation, but also to give an economic boost. The Associated Press reports: An economic development program, similar to efforts in Iowa and Illinois, seeks save the often-forgotten facilities [...] with help on refurbishing … Continue reading New Mexico aims to help old theaters
Book review: “The Zeon Files”
"The Zeon Files" provides a colorful glimpse of Albuquerque's past with dozens of a company's working drawings of neon signs that once graced the Route 66 corridor decades ago. But what's most striking is the drawings are revealed as detailed and precise as any architectural rendering. The people who made these signs weren't just blue-collar guys who'd learned the trade of fire, electricity … Continue reading Book review: “The Zeon Files”
Route 66 part of Devore Interchange Project not quite finished
Friday marked the finish of a huge part of the $324 million Devore Interchange Project in Southern California. However, the part that would have reconnected a two-mile section of Route 66 for the first time in decades won't be finished for another month or two. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the interchange was held Friday that … Continue reading Route 66 part of Devore Interchange Project not quite finished
“Small Frame” music video shot at Roy’s of Amboy
The Los Angeles-based folk-rock band, Highland Kites, shot a video for its song, "Small Frame," at the historic Roy's complex on Route 66 in Amboy, California. Small Frame - Highland Kites from Aaron Cota on Vimeo. The shoot was done in October, according to the band's blog. (Image capture from the "Small Frame" video)
Joplin’s Jewish temple soon will mark its centennial
The United Hebrew Congregation of Joplin, Missouri, will hold an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. June 12 to mark the 100th anniversary of its uniquely designed Jewish temple, situated on Route 66. Historic Murphysburg Preservation Inc., a group dedicated to preserving the historic Murphysburg residential district in Joplin, is partnering with the congregation for … Continue reading Joplin’s Jewish temple soon will mark its centennial
A long-ago chat with Juan Delgadillo at the Snow Cap Drive-In
Anthony Reichardt recently posted another video from the early 1990s, when he and a pal drove Route 66 in a 1959 Cadillac. In it, Reichardt chats with Juan Delgadillo, late owner of the Snow Cap Drive-In restaurant in Seligman, Arizona, who put away the gags and other practical jokes for a few minutes. It's interesting, … Continue reading A long-ago chat with Juan Delgadillo at the Snow Cap Drive-In
Los Angeles may preserve ‘Green Book’ properties
Los Angeles and the Getty Conservation Institute are exploring the possibility of rehabbing and protecting about 50 properties once listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book. A few of the properties may be designated as L.A. Historic-Cultural Monuments, reported the Los Angeles Times. The Green Book was created by Victor H. Green, a postal service worker from Harlem, N.Y., … Continue reading Los Angeles may preserve ‘Green Book’ properties
The result from the photo session at the Meramec River Bridge
On Saturday, Route 66 fans and preservationists were invited to the Route 66 State Park office near Eureka, Missouri, for a photo shoot at the Meramac River Route 66 Bridge for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “This Place Matters” campaign. Here is the result: The photo also is being used in the GoFundMe page for the bridge. Various … Continue reading The result from the photo session at the Meramec River Bridge