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
You’ll flip over this custom pickup truck
A few weeks ago, I noticed a very odd sight in a YouTube video shot during the recent Illinois Route 66 Motor Tour. Alas, the video contained no information, and I've been unable to track down that clip again. However, this popped up on YouTube in recent days. You'll just have to see it: https://youtu.be/6I5HsPAK-Mk The truck … Continue reading You’ll flip over this custom pickup truck
Bob Waldmire art featured at Harley-Davidson Museum exhibit
The artwork of Bob Waldmire, the famed and beloved Route 66 artist who died of cancer in 2009, is featured in a current show at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. "The American Road," which began June 14, "takes visitors on a journey highlighting the evolution of the quintessential American road trip from its early beginnings in … Continue reading Bob Waldmire art featured at Harley-Davidson Museum exhibit
Severe hail causes a white July in Flagstaff
A potent monsoon storm dumped heavy rains and hail on the east side of Flagstaff, Arizona, on Tuesday -- causing residents to break out the snow shovels a few months early. According to the Arizona Daily Sun, so much hail fell that one resident reported that lawns still were white from piled-up hail on Wednesday. … Continue reading Severe hail causes a white July in Flagstaff
2014 inductees to Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame announced
Three inductees -- including a previously announced historic bar in Edwardsville -- were announced to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame during the Illinois Route 66 Association's Motor Tour last month. Detail on the inductees may be read here. Here's a brief overview of each: Hi-Way Cafe and Tavern, Edwardsville -- Sicilian immigrants Frank and … Continue reading 2014 inductees to Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame announced