Nick Gerlich, a marketing professor at West Texas A&M University, has turned into a Route 66 enthusiast in recent years and has explored even the most obscure alignments of the Mother Road. Here's a new video about him and his hobby: https://youtu.be/tl4VgVgJkD4 As he mentioned in the clip, Gerlich and several other professors are taking a … Continue reading Please take a survey about Route 66
George Benson’s new version of “Route 66”
We'd previously mentioned jazz artist George Benson's new tribute album to Nat King Cole. Here's his version of "Route 66" from that LP. https://youtu.be/5r1wIFlPVxs You can download it for $1.29 here from Amazon.
Casting director for “Route 66” featured in HBO film
Marion Dougherty, a casting director for the "Route 66" television drama of the early 1960s, will be featured in the documentary "Casting By" on Monday night on the HBO cable network, according to the Los Angeles Times. Dougherty also led the casting for television's "Naked City" and the films "The Sting," "Midnight Cowboy," "The Paper Chase," … Continue reading Casting director for “Route 66” featured in HBO film
Bono’s Restaurant gets approval to move — if he wants it
The long-closed Bono's Restaurant and Deli in Fontana, Calif., received approval Friday from the California Historical Resources Commission to move the landmark about 20 feet from Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66) so the road can be widened. Whether the owner, Joe Bono, wants to move is another matter. According to an earlier story in the … Continue reading Bono’s Restaurant gets approval to move — if he wants it
Totem Pole Trading Post marks 80th year
The Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Mo., is marking its 80th year on Route 66, although the current longtime owner may not hold it for much longer, reported the Rolla Daily News. A bit of history from the newspaper: "We are the last original mom and pop store left on this historic road," said owner Tim Jones who … Continue reading Totem Pole Trading Post marks 80th year
“American Giants,” Episode 3
Joel Baker has posted on YouTube the third episode of his "American Giants" series, which delves into the history of giant fiberglass figures, aka Muffler Men. This episode's focus is the Muffler Man on Route 66 in Atlanta, Ill. https://youtu.be/QIJ-71dVb-M You'll see footage of the Muffler Man being dismantled in Cicero, Ill., and being moved … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 3
Notes from the Route 66 Summit
I'm unable to attend the International Route 66 Festival in Joplin, Mo., this year because of an employment change. However, Emily Priddy (aka Redforkhippie) has been live-tweeting from today's Route 66 Summit in Joplin. Here are some of the newsy bits from it, including the announcement of the festival's host city for 2014: https://twitter.com/redforkhippie/status/363341609343004672 https://twitter.com/redforkhippie/status/363330281916211200 … Continue reading Notes from the Route 66 Summit
Spring River Inn sign in Riverton will be restored
The old neon sign for the long-gone Spring River Inn restaurant in Riverton, Kan., has vanished, but eventually will reappear completely restored, reported the Joplin Globe. Renee Charles, president of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association and one of the principal owners of Cars on the Route in nearby Galena, is raising funds to have the … Continue reading Spring River Inn sign in Riverton will be restored
Springfield, Mo., will use crowdsourcing to fund Route 66 park
The City of Springfield, Mo., announced it will use crowdsourcing via CrowdIt.com to fund some of the building of a Route 66-themed roadside park, according to a news release Thursday. Crowdsourcing is a low-risk way to raise money for projects. Crowdsourcing Route 66 projects through Kickstarter.com, for example, has shown erratic response. But the fact CrowdIt.com … Continue reading Springfield, Mo., will use crowdsourcing to fund Route 66 park
Tee Pee Curios gets new owners
The historic Tee Pee Curios souvenir shop, made famous by its tepee-shaped entrance and elaborate neon sign, reportedly will gain its first new owners in decades. Gar and Heidi Engman of Fort Dodge, Iowa, reportedly are signing the papers this morning to take over the Tucumcari, N.M., business on Route 66. According to their Facebook … Continue reading Tee Pee Curios gets new owners