The effort to preserve Route 66's historic landmarks is the focus of this seven-minute segment on "PBS NewsHour." It's a pretty good segment, but a few viewers already noted the old film footage of motorists traveling into Nevada and Utah was used in error -- Route 66 never went into those states. A podcast for … Continue reading Route 66 featured on “PBS NewsHour”
Giant Vess Soda bottle in St. Louis being restored
Work crews are busy restoring the giant Vess Soda bottle near Route 66 in St. Louis to mark the company's 100th anniversary. According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The 34-foot tall, steel bottle will get a new paint job. On Friday morning, workers removed piles of trash from the base of the bottle and … Continue reading Giant Vess Soda bottle in St. Louis being restored
So what really happened to the Blue Swallow Motel’s former owner?
A number of books, websites and even an application to the National Register of Historic Places tell a tragic story of Ted F. Jones, former owner of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. It was reported for years that Jones, a prominent eastern New Mexico rancher, owned the Route 66 motel through much of … Continue reading So what really happened to the Blue Swallow Motel’s former owner?
Jensen’s Point near Pacific reopens
The historic Jensen's Point that overlooks Route 66 near Pacific, Missouri, reopened last weekend, almost 25 years after it had been closed to the public. According to a blog post for the Washington Missourian: The landmark is now a Pacific city park and will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. There is a paved parking … Continue reading Jensen’s Point near Pacific reopens
Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa soon will get clocks
The city of Tulsa long had promised the clocks that once sat on top of the historic Meadow Gold neon sign would be replaced "when funding becomes available." Apparently the money is in the bank. The Tulsa World reports bids to replace the clocks will come due this week. The clocks stood at the very … Continue reading Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa soon will get clocks
Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store
Galena's Bordello in Galena, Kansas, recently was purchased by an English couple and has been converted into an antiques store. KSN-TV reports David and Vicky Horbury have changed the name to Bordello Antiques: They sell all antiques that are imported from their home country. They say they fell in love with the people and Route … Continue reading Galena’s Bordello becomes an antiques store
Elvis sightings on Route 66
The Marshfield Mail in Missouri published an extensive listing of Elvis Presley sightings and shows in the Show-Me State in 1956 -- the year he came into national prominence. The future King of Rock 'n' Roll's tours brought him to a few Route 66 landmarks that year. According to the newspaper. --- "By May 1956, Elvis was … Continue reading Elvis sightings on Route 66
What will happen to Gathering of Nations?
Organizers for the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow are looking for a new venue -- including in other states -- after the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque recently canceled its contract after 30 years of hosting the event. Gathering of Nations was one of the biggest annual events in Albuquerque, and it commonly was included … Continue reading What will happen to Gathering of Nations?
A closer look at Butcher BBQ Stand
The Butcher BBQ Stand off Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, has been open less than two years, but it already has gained a following well past its small-town roots. Oklahoma Living magazine put together this high-quality video in an attempt to figure out the barbecue stand's success. https://youtu.be/cAJNI7vHViI Two observations: -- It's a very good … Continue reading A closer look at Butcher BBQ Stand
Class project helps identify Civil War tombstones in Odell cemetery
As Memorial Day approaches, do yourself a favor and read this amazing story from the Chicago Tribune about a schoolteacher who guided his students to identify worn tombstones of once-forgotten Civil War soldiers at a cemetery overlooking Route 66 in Odell, Illinois. The Tribune also created a video about the Operation Gravestone project, which likely will make … Continue reading Class project helps identify Civil War tombstones in Odell cemetery