I missed this when it initially happened, but Weston's Route 66 Cafe in Baxter Springs, Kansas, reopened just six weeks after it was destroyed by a tornado in April. KODE-TV filed a recent story about how Weston's, at 1727 Military Ave., and other businesses have recovered after the tornado: An excerpt from the report: For … Continue reading Baxter Springs restaurant recovers impressively after tornado
Annabelle Russell soon will move into hospice care
Annabelle Russell, one-half of the Mediocre Music Makers in the Sandhills Curiosity Shop near Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma, soon will be moved into a hospice in Oklahoma City after a 3 1/2-year battle with ovarian cancer, according to the couple's Facebook account. Harley Russell posted this message this morning: Dear friends, I have called … Continue reading Annabelle Russell soon will move into hospice care
Fire destroys abandoned motel in Tucumcari
A suspected arson fire early Wednesday destroyed a long-closed motel known as the Payless Inn on Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, according to the Quay County Sun newspaper. When firefighters arrived at the Payless Inn, 2000 W. Rte. 66 Blvd., three separate buildings on the property were engulfed in flames, Rigdon said. The blaze leveled … Continue reading Fire destroys abandoned motel in Tucumcari
Another tune from the garage
The Beatles' invasion of America in early 1964 and later rush of British acts spawned a lot of rock bands in the United States. Here's one in the seemingly endless list, The Fabulous Pharaohs of Newark, Delaware. The band's take on Bobby Troup's "Route 66" is notable in the lyrics are about as butchered as any version … Continue reading Another tune from the garage
A visit to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch
A lot of videos have made their way on the Internet about Elmer Long and his unique Bottle Tree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, Calif. But this one by KCET-TV, a community station in Los Angeles, is the best. The interview delves into Long's background. And, much to my relief, Long says his sons will continue … Continue reading A visit to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Take a cruise with Snookum
Here's an old jazz version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" you probably haven't heard. It's by pianist Isaac "Snookum" Russell and his All Reet Orchestra. https://youtu.be/u3ADEN8Q5jw Russell's band on the recording features Justin Adams on guitar, Artie "Weasel" Langston on bass, Frank Parker on drums, Wallace Davenport on trumpet and Hollis Carmouche on clarinet. Details on Russell are sketchy, although it's reported he and his band … Continue reading Take a cruise with Snookum
Maple sirup and blue whales
Since vacation, I'm getting caught up on KC Keefer's latest videos on his Genuine Route 66 Life series. One that I missed was an interview with Glaida Funk, matriarch of the historic Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup business on Route 66 in Funks Grove, Illinois. https://youtu.be/cFCctA-vUS4 The second is an interview with Linda Hobbs, a … Continue reading Maple sirup and blue whales
Gallup’s anti-panhandling campaign comes under fire
The Navajo community is criticizing a campaign in Gallup, New Mexico, that discourages tourists -- including those on Route 66 -- from giving money to panhandlers, reported Indian Country Today. In April, a coalition of city officials, church, business, and community groups rolled out the 90-day “Change In My Heart, Not In My Pocket”campaign to encourage people … Continue reading Gallup’s anti-panhandling campaign comes under fire
Rock Cafe is no longer for sale
Rock Cafe owner Dawn Welch announced on her blog Saturday she has removed the "For Sale" signs for her iconic Route 66 restaurant in Stroud, Oklahoma. The announcement came on the 75th anniversary of the restaurant and her 21st year as owner. After almost two years of a lot of traveling while the Rock Cafe … Continue reading Rock Cafe is no longer for sale
East St. Louis courthouse added to National Register
The Melvin Price Federal Building and U.S. courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois, was added to the National Register of Historic Places effective Aug. 8, according to an email this week from the National Park Service. The courthouse, which also was a post office, is at 750 Missouri Ave (map here). Missouri Avenue served as Route 66 in … Continue reading East St. Louis courthouse added to National Register