One of the pleasures of a Route 66 restoration or preservation project is you occasionally get a look at the long-ago past. We had that unique opportunity over the Labor Day weekend when Emily (aka Redforkhippie), Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce, and I embarked on a repainting of the historic Boots … Continue reading A glimpse of the Boots Motel’s past
Book review: “Route 66 Still Kicks”
You have to admire the nerve or foolishness of two pals who are so determined to travel old alignments of Route 66 that they get stuck not once, but twice, during their journey. That's what happens in Rick Antonson's "Route 66 Still Kicks" (Skyhorse Publishing, paperback, 336 pages, illustrated, e-book available). Although this book is … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Still Kicks”
Wilmington will buy buffalo sculpture for Route 66
The Chamber of Commerce in Wilmington, Ill., is buying a buffalo sculpture from a local folk artist's estate and may eventually install it on Route 66, reported the The Free Press of Wilmington. Noted folk artist Jack Barker of Essex, Ill., died on May 16. His family is planning to sell his unique artwork at … Continue reading Wilmington will buy buffalo sculpture for Route 66
A government program worth praising
Quite a few folks out there loathe to give praise to a government program, and often for good reason. But this joint effort with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency targets abandoned gas stations along Route 66 for cleanup so they can be reused. The Missouri DNR produced this … Continue reading A government program worth praising
El Trovatore Motel’s owner offering Route 66 tours
Sam Frisher, owner of the recently refurbished El Trovatore Motel in Kingman, Ariz., soon will offer day trips on Route 66 on a bus he purchased, according to Kingman-based writer and roadie Jim Hinckley. Hinckley wrote in an email: The centerpiece is twofold, as it will be a full Route 66 immersion that includes a … Continue reading El Trovatore Motel’s owner offering Route 66 tours
“Route 66” meets The Simpsons
Russ Johnson of Canon City, Colo., noticed something familiar between Nelson Riddle's "Route 66" theme for the original 1960s television show and Danny Elfman's main theme for "The Simpsons." So he created a mashup of the two. It's a bit disorienting at times, but it does contain a few striking similarities in its melody and … Continue reading “Route 66” meets The Simpsons
Marathon’s medals get their own video
The medals handed out to participants in the upcoming Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa are so nice, they get their own clip: https://youtu.be/4wSV5tCbka4 According to the event: "When designing our finisher's medals, we always have our participants in mind. Whether they run or walk their perseverance and dedication to training are the same. We wanted to … Continue reading Marathon’s medals get their own video
Illinois town adds quick-charging station for electric cars
A quick-charging station has been installed at the Uptown Station Parking Deck in downtown Normal, Ill., for the benefit of electric-vehicle drivers, including Route 66 tourists, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. The Level 3 DC Quick Charge station enables drivers to charge their EV batteries to 80 percent in a mere 30 minutes. “Being able to charge mid-day … Continue reading Illinois town adds quick-charging station for electric cars
Resident wants big Route 66 design on Joplin intersection
A Joplin, Mo., resident wants to embed a large Route 66 design onto the roadway of the intersection of St. Louis Avenue and Broadway in Joplin, according to the Joplin Globe. Retired firefighter Steve Lea is leading the effort, and says residents have offered to contribute money for it. An assistant Public Works director and … Continue reading Resident wants big Route 66 design on Joplin intersection
“Stars in California”
This beautifully shot video, directed by M. Andrew Barrera, for "Stars in California" by Texas singer-songwriter Drew Kennedy was shot on several locales on Route 66, as you'll soon see. Drew Kennedy - "Stars in California" (Official Music Video) from M. Andrew Barrera on Vimeo. The song's pretty good, too.