A water-mining company in California's Mojave Desert wants to build a museum and offer rides in an antique steam train. However, environmentalists says this proposal is a ploy to avoid federal scrutiny of its water project, reported The Press-Enterprise last week. The museum and locomotive would be in the desert settlement of Cadiz, about three … Continue reading Mojave water company wants to build museum, tourism train
Proposal may preserve Riverside-Figueroa Bridge
The historic Riverside-Figueroa Bridge, slated for destruction next year to make way for a new bridge, may earn a reprieve because of a new proposal, reported The Eastsider. On Thursday, the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission voted to ask the city’s Bureau of Engineering to respond to a proposal by some Elysian Valley architects to put the demolition … Continue reading Proposal may preserve Riverside-Figueroa Bridge
It appears Route 66 Rendezvous substitute will stay in Ontario
After the 2013 Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, Calif., was suspended due to the city's bankruptcy, many Rendezvous organizers set up shop in nearby Ontario, Calif., with a new Route 66 Cruisin' Reunion car show. If there was any doubts whether a doppelgänger classic-car show would be a success elsewhere in the Los Angeles region, … Continue reading It appears Route 66 Rendezvous substitute will stay in Ontario
“Twentysix Gasoline Stations” art book marks 50th anniversary
Los Angeles artist Ed Ruscha self-published his art photography book, "Twentysix Gasoline Stations," 50 years ago this year. Few would have predicted the book, which portrays 26 gas stations on Route 66 from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City, would have proved so influential to other artists. NPR posted this report on the book: Exceprts from … Continue reading “Twentysix Gasoline Stations” art book marks 50th anniversary
“The American Dream and the American Drive”
Longtime roadie Kathy Anderson produced this film for the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Okla. Using Route 66 as a springboard, it shows how highways evolved in the United States. You'll probably see a few familiar faces: The American Dream, The American Drive from Kathy Anderson on Vimeo. Anderson explained more of the … Continue reading “The American Dream and the American Drive”
Carl’s Drive-In named one of America’s best
This story from KSDK-TV in St. Louis came across the Facebook feed today. It's about Carl's Drive-In, along the Manchester alignment of Route 66 in Brentwood, Mo. Carl's has regularly made the top 10 nationally among burger joints, including this recent list from Gayot.com. In case KSDK's video doesn't load properly, you can see this … Continue reading Carl’s Drive-In named one of America’s best
“American Giants,” Episode 4
Joel Baker has uploaded the fourth episode of his "American Giants" series, which delves into the history of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/LrlDvV7hgDQ Baker explained why this particular episode was shortened: Because I could not reach the owner of the Gemini Giant, I removed the second half of the episode that covered the … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 4
Illinois Soda Fountain Trail
Illinois Tourism put together this delectable video of the Soda Fountain Trail, including Doc's Soda Fountain near Route 66 in Girard, Ill.: https://youtu.be/FDJ1K_5Dw3w More about the Soda Fountain Trail can be found here.
Nonprofit group submits plan for historic Rancho Cucamonga gas station
The nonprofit Route 66 Inland Empire California group has officially given its plans to the city of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., for the historic Cucamonga Service Station on Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66), reported the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. The newspaper has the gist: The preservation organization hopes to restore the front structure, reinstall historic pumps … Continue reading Nonprofit group submits plan for historic Rancho Cucamonga gas station
Longevity on Route 66 runs in her family
Those familiar with the history of Route 66 know of the late Lucille Hamons and her Lucille's gas station near Hydro, Okla., that she ran for nearly 60 years. But you may not be familiar with one of Lucille's daughters, Delpha Dene Martin, who soon will enter her 50th year of running a business on … Continue reading Longevity on Route 66 runs in her family