Starting in 1935, photographers with the New Deal's Farm Security Administration began documenting life in the United States during the Great Depression and, later, World War II. More than 170,000 photos were taken, and a few of them became famous, including Dorothea Lange's now-iconic image of a migrant mother. Although the vast majority of images … Continue reading Interactive map sorts 1935-1945 photos
Book review: “The 66 Kid”
"The 66 Kid" is not your typical memoir. Then again, Bob Boze Bell isn't a typical fellow. Nearly all memoirs consist of a few hundred typewritten pages with a few dozen black-and-white photos crammed into the center. But Boze, best-known as owner of True West magazine and as a western-themed artist, treats his early life story … Continue reading Book review: “The 66 Kid”
Bun Boy Restaurant in Barstow torn down
The abandoned Bun Boy Restaurant that once served Route 66 travelers for decades was leveled last week to make way for a new medical center, reported the Victorville Daily Press. IPA Administrator Marie Langley provided the “hammer swing” on the building. “Although the building has been on Main Street for years, over the last couple of years … Continue reading Bun Boy Restaurant in Barstow torn down
Railroad depot in Springfield named to National Register
The Great Western Railroad depot in Springfield, Illinois, was named to the National Register of Historic Places effective Aug. 25, according to an email a few days ago from the National Park Service. The depot at 930 E. Monroe St. (map here) sits barely a block east of the classic Ninth Street alignment of Route … Continue reading Railroad depot in Springfield named to National Register
Tucumcari Motel destroyed; apparent arsonist on the loose
The long-abandoned Tucumcari Motel near downtown Tucumcari, New Mexico, was destroyed by fire Friday -- the third suspicious fire in less than a week. The motel never was on Route 66, but it and its worn-down neon sign often was photographed by roadies who'd stumbled onto it. The motel was in a two-story structure at … Continue reading Tucumcari Motel destroyed; apparent arsonist on the loose
Historic Seligman Sundries changes owners
A couple from Flagstaff, Arizona, took over ownership Friday of the Historic Seligman Sundries coffee shop and souvenir store on Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona, from longtime proprietors Frank and Lynn Kocevar. Thomas Muetzel and Ursula "Uschi" Fuchs, who were regular customers for about four years, plan no big changes for the business. The Kocevars plan to hang around for another 30 … Continue reading Historic Seligman Sundries changes owners
Developer runs into snags with Irv’s Burgers structure
When a developer essentially forced out the operators of Irv's Burgers on Route 66 in West Hollywood, California, it probably thought its big problems were over. Meanwhile, the Sonia Hong family is thriving with Irv's Burgers at a new site on Route 66 in West Hollywood. And the developer has run afoul of the local … Continue reading Developer runs into snags with Irv’s Burgers structure
Pops opens a stand at the Tulsa airport
In addition to its flagship location on Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, and a satellite location at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Pops in recent days opened a new location inside Tulsa International Airport. The report from KOTV in Tulsa: News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | Unless … Continue reading Pops opens a stand at the Tulsa airport
A night at the opera at the pier
The Santa Monica Pier on Sept. 17 is hosting a free big-screen broadcast of LA Opera's production of Verdi's famed "La Traviata." It's not like seeing an opera live at the venue, but the idyllic scene of a setting sun, ocean breezes and the surf will be a nice compensation, I'm sure. More about the production: … Continue reading A night at the opera at the pier
Albuquerque sign irks tourists, businesses
I missed this the last few times I was in downtown Albuquerque. But a sign on private property that says "Please, no puking, no pissing, no panhandling or perversion, thank you" continues to draw the ire of Route 66 tourists, businesses and city officials. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque posted a story about the sign, which has … Continue reading Albuquerque sign irks tourists, businesses