A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Thursday for long-awaited repairs that will begin for the historic Devil's Elbow Bridge in Devil's Elbow, Mo., according to a blog entry in the Waynesville Daily Guide. The truss bridge was built in 1923, making it predate the commissioning of Route 66 by at least three years. Because a curved … Continue reading Groundbreaking held for Devil’s Elbow Bridge repairs
Tulsa announces plans to build Route 66 museum
The City of Tulsa is requesting proposals from developers to build a long-awaited Route 66 museum and visitors center on the banks of the Arkansas River, reported the Tulsa World today. The interpretive center and entertainment complex is to be built on city land across the street from the East Meets West bronze sculpture at … Continue reading Tulsa announces plans to build Route 66 museum
“Route 66” episode of “Criminal Minds”
Last night, I saw a lot of Twitter chatter about a new episode of CBS' crime drama, "Criminal Minds." The episode was titled "Route 66." I viewed it online. A couple of references to Route 66 are there, but they're subtle enough that you might miss them. You can view the full episode here, with … Continue reading “Route 66” episode of “Criminal Minds”
“The Mayor of Route 66”
This charming video shows a lot of footage from Seligman, Ariz., but most of it concentrates on one of the town's native sons, Angel Delgadillo. https://youtu.be/0Kl6IiUFUpY Delgadillo sometimes is called "The Mayor of Route 66." Who am I to argue?
An explainer of the Luna Lodge’s national award
A few weeks ago, Luna Lodge in Albuquerque won a national award for converting the historic Route 66 motel into low-income housing despite numerous obstacles. The Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits Historic Rehabilitation Awards Luncheon produced this video about the Luna's honor. It explains quite well all the things NewLife Homes, which repurposed Luna Lodge, had to … Continue reading An explainer of the Luna Lodge’s national award
A word from our sponsor
Here's a blast from the past -- a Levi's commercial, reputedly from 1976, with "Route 66" as the theme: https://youtu.be/6FGK7OObZZw Several observations and some background: Because this commercial is nearly three minutes long, I wonder when this commercial would have aired. In Europe, perhaps? Maybe in theaters? The ad exuded a "Thelma and Louise" vibe … Continue reading A word from our sponsor
McCook’s curiously familiar welcome sign
The village of McCook, Ill., recently erected a new welcome sign along its stretch of Route 66, next to the '50s-themed Steak N Egger restaurant that once was Snuffy's 24-Hour Grill. The sign does feature a Route 66 shield prominently, but the rest of its design strongly reminds one of the iconic "Welcome to Las … Continue reading McCook’s curiously familiar welcome sign
“American Giants,” Episode 6
Joel Baker has posted on YouTube the sixth episode of his “American Giants” series, a personal exploration of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/ru7Dm4y_mJ4 The episode concentrates on Muffler Men found in the Chicago suburbs of Crystal Lake and Libertyville. I must say, the series has been far more entertaining, interesting, and professionally produced than … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 6
Downtown Plainfield named to National Register of Historic Places
Downtown Plainfield, Ill., which hosts not one, but two historic highways, was named to the National Register of Historic Places, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. Plainfield's Downtown Historic District is bounded by Lockport, Main and Division streets. The listing was effective Sept. 18, but the NPS didn't send out the … Continue reading Downtown Plainfield named to National Register of Historic Places
“I hate the Okies”
The folks with the National Steinbeck Center recently completed a trip on Route 66 before the 75th anniversary of the publication of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." The group has posted a slew of videos in the last few days. But this stands out because it's a gut-punch of how the Great Depression and … Continue reading “I hate the Okies”