The historic Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, Mo., has a new owner, and it's not the local community college, as expected. According to the Springfield News-Leader, Springfield resident Robert Low, owner of the Prime Inc. trucking company, purchased the theater that sits on an old alignment of Route 66. Low also signed a lease agreement … Continue reading Gillioz Theatre has a new owner
Future looks brighter for Rich & Creamy stand
The Rich & Creamy ice cream stand in Joliet, Ill., which faced an iffy future months ago because of back rent, a leaky roof and warnings about hazards to pedestrians, seems to have a brighter days ahead. The city is applying for a $25,000 grant to fix the roof, reported The Herald-News in Joliet. And … Continue reading Future looks brighter for Rich & Creamy stand
How POPS picks its sodas
This video is essentially a plug for US Food's soda line. But it also gives a good overview of POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia, Okla. Artisan Sodas Route 66 from Hank Henry on Vimeo. UPDATE: I've been told that US Food has discontinued the sodas, and the video has been pulled.
“Route 66” as heard in 1946
If you want to hear what "Route 66" sounded like when it was first recorded and released by Nat King Cole in 1946, this is the closest thing to it -- a 78 rpm record. https://youtu.be/kBRV6r2kKsc
“American Giants,” Episode 7
Here is the seventh episode of Joel Baker's "American Giants" series, about the history of Muffler Men fiberglass figures. https://youtu.be/M5fjDMRg8kI This episode, based in the Chicago area, delves into the difficulty of finding the history and spare parts for Muffler Men.
JFK cruised Route 66 in Albuquerque
KOB-TV in Albuquerque found a gentleman in town who used a home movie camera to document President John F. Kennedy and his motorcade going down Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in 1962. The footage had never been seen in public until now. https://youtu.be/9L91QhId0mY KOB's reporter, Chris Ramirez, wrote: The two minute silent film starts off … Continue reading JFK cruised Route 66 in Albuquerque
Book review: “Route 66 Treasures”
A new book from prolific author Jim Hinckley, "Route 66 Treasures" (64 pages, hardback, Voyageur Press, $30 U.S. retail) might seem just a simple collection of facsimile souvenirs from the Mother Road. It is that, but it's more. Although its 64 pages seem to be a slim book, Hinckley and more than 100 color illustrations … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Treasures”
A critique of Route 66 Beer
This fellow who calls himself The Beer Whisperer gives a taste test to Route 66 Beer. Once you get past the curses from him for accidentally spilling some of the beer and the video's low quality, the guy provides a knowledgeable critique of the brew that proves useful: https://youtu.be/4lj3QK-LPRc In case you're wondering, Route 66 … Continue reading A critique of Route 66 Beer
“Road Trip” episode from 2004
Here's the complete 44-minute episode of the Discovery Channel's "Road Trip" program that prominently featured Route 66. https://youtu.be/dTRzvhqDMa8 The episode shows Las Vegas' neon-sign boneyard before it opened, the Oatman Hotel when it was still taking overnight guests, and a lot of behind-the-scenes look at Hoover Dam, before the new highway was built near it.
Coming soon to your road
The Czech Route 66 Association will shoot another feature-length documentary about Route 66 next May. https://youtu.be/R5YF8pGRTj4 Its first film back in 2010 was televised all over Europe, and it's hoped this one will do the same.