Filmmaker John McDonald posted a four-minute teaser trailer about his latest work, "Pipes & Sticks on Route 66," which documents last spring's tour of the Mother Road by five world-class Scottish musicians. https://youtu.be/JkD78Kt-OXU McDonald is still looking for financial support to finish his film. He's launched a Kickstarter campaign to help raise the funds.
“Truckin’ Trees for Christmas”
Our opportunities to update the site will be a bit iffy during the holiday. So we'll post a few Christmas-related music videos about the long-haul truckers who help keep the economy of America -- and Route 66 -- going. Here's Bill Kirchen, former lead guitarist for Commander Cody of "Hot Rod Lincoln" fame, doing his version … Continue reading “Truckin’ Trees for Christmas”
Big Red at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch dies
Big Red, a long-eared mascot at Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Ill., died in his sleep late Wednesday or early Thursday, reported his owner Rich Henry on the Route 66 yahoo group. Henry wrote: He was the perfect image of health. Tuesday afternoon, during his annual comprehensive exam, received a clean bill of health. Yesterday … Continue reading Big Red at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch dies
Route 66 in six minutes
Motorcycle tour guide Gary Behr posted this video of a series of quasi-time-lapse photos from Richard Alexander's mounted GoPro camera. The images come from Route 66 (and a side trip or two) from Chicago to Victorville, Calif. -- about 2,600 miles worth. https://youtu.be/cOPH1Pc-X2c Behr has a blog here.
Grand Canyon Cafe marks 70th year
The Grand Canyon Cafe in downtown Flagstaff, Ariz., celebrated its 70th year on Tuesday, according to a feature in the Arizona Daily Sun. Freddy and Tina Wong -- who have operated the restaurant for the past 30 years -- say their family has owned the Grand Canyon Cafe for all of its existence except for less … Continue reading Grand Canyon Cafe marks 70th year
Mobile site launched featuring historic Oklahoma Route 66 locations
The Oklahoma Historical Society launched a smartphone-optimized Oklahoma's Historic Route 66 Mobile Tour website this week. The website provides information, maps, photos, audio clips, global-positioning system alerts, and other features of 72 historic sites along Route 66 in Oklahoma. The site was developed by OnCell, which specializes in mobile tour programs. The OnCell app can be downloaded … Continue reading Mobile site launched featuring historic Oklahoma Route 66 locations
Route 66-inspired rail bridge over Arcadia freeway is finished
The distinctively styled Gold Line Bridge for light rail over Interstate 210 in Arcadia, Calif., finished construction Saturday, according to a news release from the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority. The 584-linear-foot sculptured bridge is the largest single public art/transit infrastructure project in California. Guests at the dedication ceremony Saturday were allowed to walk on … Continue reading Route 66-inspired rail bridge over Arcadia freeway is finished
Frank Pastore, former Big Texan speed-eating champion, dies
Frank Pastore, a former Cincinnati Reds pitcher who ate the fabled 72-ounce steak dinner at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in a record 9 1/2 minutes in 1987, died Monday from complications after suffering severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. Pastore's death was announced by KKLA radio, a Christian station in Glendale, Calif., that hosted … Continue reading Frank Pastore, former Big Texan speed-eating champion, dies
The Angel interviews
A series of video interviews with Angel Delgadillo of Seligman, Ariz., recently were posted on YouTube. Here, Delgadillo talks about the first meeting of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona more than 25 years ago. It started with a core of five members and $10 in its treasury: https://youtu.be/jrHg-SkaAZs The YouTube account, called ANGELANDGOKINGMAN, … Continue reading The Angel interviews
“Does Springfield do enough to promote Route 66?”
That's one of the headlines for a long and informative story today from the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader. The story focuses on the College Street Corridor Plan, which aims to revitalize that stretch of Route 66 and pay tribute to it at the same time. The city is holding public hearings before implementing the proposal. Deep … Continue reading “Does Springfield do enough to promote Route 66?”