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
A new hill rises north of Galena
The bad news is Galena, Kansas, is home to a new hazardous waste dump north of town just off old Route 66. The good news is the hill of contaminated soil is covered with native grass, and people who have seen the finished product say it's not as ugly or as obtrusive as feared. Renee … Continue reading A new hill rises north of Galena
New Goodwill store in Tulsa doubles as a Route 66 souvenir shop
The new Goodwill Industries of Tulsa store on Southwest Boulevard (aka Route 66) in southwest Tulsa last week. The opening was a few weeks later than anticipated because of weather-related construction delays. As we previously reported, the Goodwill store's design takes a page from Route 66 and Tulsa history with a retro-looking sign in the … Continue reading New Goodwill store in Tulsa doubles as a Route 66 souvenir shop
Albuquerque’s most popular filming locations
KRQE-TV in Albuquerque produced this fascinating story about the city's most popular filming locations for movies, television series and commercials. Not surprisingly, several exist on Central Avenue, aka Route 66 -- Lindy's Coffee Shop and Loyola's Family Restaurant. The station reported: So why are Lindy’s and Loyola’s attractive for filmmakers? “They’re still period, they still … Continue reading Albuquerque’s most popular filming locations
‘Top Gear’ begins Route 66 trip this week
"Top Gear," the popular British television series about driving cars, began a 2,400-mile road trip this week on Route 66 in a Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse -- a convertible version of what is considered the fastest sports car in history. From the first day of the show's Route 66 diary: You want numbers? 1200bhp of quad-turbo, W16 … Continue reading ‘Top Gear’ begins Route 66 trip this week