The World's Largest Catsup Bottle, a landmark for decades in Collinsville, Illinois, has been put up for sale and faces a cloudy future, according to several St. Louis-area media outlets. KPLR-TV posted this story today (the video isn't embeddable). The Metro Independent, based in Collinsville, also had this report today: Bethel-Eckert Enterprises Inc., owners of the warehouse below … Continue reading World’s Largest Catsup Bottle up for sale
The miracle of the Coleman Theatre’s restoration
The history and eventual revitalization of the historic Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma, is one of the most inspiring and interesting stories you'll hear on Route 66. It continues to amaze how a town of just 13,000 people with nominal funding could return an opulent theater back to its old glory. And who better to … Continue reading The miracle of the Coleman Theatre’s restoration
Cowboy sign returns to Big Texan after one-month hiatus
The 90-foot-tall landmark cowboy sign at the Big Texan Steak Ranch returned Friday after being removed for about a month when a wind storm damaged it, reported the Amarillo Globe-News. The newspaper reported about the saga of Bull, the name of the cowboy figure on the sign: Strong winds in late June damaged the sign to the … Continue reading Cowboy sign returns to Big Texan after one-month hiatus
Road to Our Lady of the Highways Shrine will close for repairs this fall
A badly deteriorated section of Interstate 55 west frontage road between Farmersville and Raymond in Illinois -- best known as a section of Route 66 that passes in front of the historic Our Lady of the Highways Shrine -- will be closed for repairs for several weeks starting in late September, according a story in The … Continue reading Road to Our Lady of the Highways Shrine will close for repairs this fall
Martin Milner selling items from his personal collection
Martin Milner, the former co-star of the acclaimed 1960s drama "Route 66," has been gradually selling off items from his personal collection on eBay for the past few years. But a whole bunch more will be offered on the online auction site in the coming days. A post on the promotional Facebook page for the … Continue reading Martin Milner selling items from his personal collection
Fire destroys Tucumcari hotel
https://youtu.be/UVAxq3pgi8M A Hampton Inn hotel in the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, New Mexico, was destroyed after fire swept through its roof and top floors Wednesday, reported the Quay County Sun and other news outlets. Nearly 30 overnight guests were evacuated with no injuries, reported the newspaper, and were moved to nearby hotels. It's believed … Continue reading Fire destroys Tucumcari hotel
Proposed landfill irks residents north of Riverton
Some people north of Riverton, Kansas, are opposing the Galena's acquisition of 40 acres that may be turned into a landfill, according to an article in the Joplin Globe. At least one foe tried to play the tourism card: As a member of the Sierra Club and a former member of the Pittsburg tourism board, … Continue reading Proposed landfill irks residents north of Riverton
One-man band in Seligman
Mark Di Giuseppe, aka The Straniero, performs Bobby Troup's "Route 66" outside, then inside Historic Seligman Sundries in Seligman, Arizona. https://youtu.be/n8E6pd8184A Di Giuseppe was born in the United States, but now calls Italy home. The performance in Seligman was stripped down to what he usually does. Check out all the instruments he can play at … Continue reading One-man band in Seligman
Joe Rogers Chili Parlor reopening under a new name
Joe Rogers' The Chili Den Parlor, a landmark in Springfield, Illinois, since 1945 that unexpectedly closed in April, will reopen next month under the same family ownership, but a different name, reported the State Journal-Register. Marianne Rogers, daughter of founder Joe Rogers, told the newspaper contractual issues with previous owners forbids her from using the … Continue reading Joe Rogers Chili Parlor reopening under a new name
A chat with Melba Rigg
Melba Rigg, one of the original proprietors of 4 Women on the Route, now Cars on the Route, in Galena, Kansas, explains the region's Route 66 tie-ins to the Disney-Pixar "Cars" movie and makes some other observations. This video is part of KC Keefer's Genuine Route 66 Life video series. https://youtu.be/keOmEUPWo4E Rigg didn't always talk … Continue reading A chat with Melba Rigg