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”
Carthage unveils new welcome sign
The City of Carthage, Mo., on Friday unveiled a new welcome sign that features a Route 66 shield and a symbol of the city, a maple leaf, according to a news release from the city. Local artist Rachel Wilson designed the sign, which is on the Carthage Memorial Hall lawn at 407 S. Garrison St. … Continue reading Carthage unveils new welcome sign
Palms Grill will close temporarily after Oct. 25
The historic Palms Grill Cafe on Route 66 in downtown Atlanta, Ill., will temporarily close after Oct. 25 because current manager Ronda McBride has contracted cancer and needs to focus on her health and treatments, according to a news release. The restaurant will be open for special occasions and periodic dinner programs by the Atlanta … Continue reading Palms Grill will close temporarily after Oct. 25
Crowdsourcing with The King
I have to admit, this is a pretty cool way for the City of Springfield, Mo., to highlight its crowdsourcing effort to revitalize its College Street Corridor, aka Route 66. Help Us Save Red's! from SGF CityView on Vimeo. More about the video and what it's trying to do: Did you ever get your kicks … Continue reading Crowdsourcing with The King
Government shutdown ends; national parks along Route 66 reopen
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday night that ended the 16-day partial shutdown of the federal government. As a result, parks, campgrounds, historic sites, and services along Route 66 that are maintained by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service reopened Thursday morning. The Grand … Continue reading Government shutdown ends; national parks along Route 66 reopen
La Fonda finishes renovations
The historic La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, N.M., recently finished extensive renovations and showed off the results with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and open house Tuesday, according to the Sante Fe New Mexican newspaper. Upgraded furnishings, windows and color motifs, as well as improvements to the landmark hotel’s rooftop bar were on display, along with … Continue reading La Fonda finishes renovations