A television program, "Inside NAU," by the Northern Arizona University Network takes a look at Route 66. The Mother Road goes through the university's backyard in Flagstaff. Among the people interviewed is Angel "The Angel of Route 66" Delgadillo and NAU archivist (and Route 66 News reader) Sean Evans. https://youtu.be/SDmHWTnN4YU Unlike history professor Michael Amundson, I don't … Continue reading Northern Arizona University’s report on Route 66
More about Route 66 Beer
About a week ago, a new ad for Route 66 Beer showed up on the Internet: https://youtu.be/qGJx5rFYl7E Another ad was posted earlier in the month, although details were sketchy about the product -- other than the company was based in London and the only place in the U.S. to buy the beer was New York City. … Continue reading More about Route 66 Beer
Illinois governor touts Route 66 as tourism destination for Brazilians
On Monday, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn extolled his state, including its section of Route 66, as a tourism destination during a trade mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil. According to a news release, Quinn said: “Illinois offers Brazilians an authentic American experience. Whether it is the world-class culture and scenic lakefront in Chicago, the history of … Continue reading Illinois governor touts Route 66 as tourism destination for Brazilians
Springfield festival sees bigger numbers
The just-completed International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in downtown Springfield, Ill., saw higher numbers in both attendance and classic-car entrants, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. Kim Rosendahl, president of the festival, said there were about 1,100 cars on display compared to fewer than 1,000 last year. Estimates also had more people at this year’s show. … Continue reading Springfield festival sees bigger numbers
Bridge plan threatens three historic Oklahoma Route 66 bridges
A recently updated eight-year plan for bad bridges in Oklahoma targets three Route 66 bridges for replacement, including the famous Pony Bridge near Bridgeport. The initial news release about the bridge plan said spans would be replaced or rehabilitated. However, Kenna Mitchell, a member of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Media and Public Relations Division, confirmed … Continue reading Bridge plan threatens three historic Oklahoma Route 66 bridges
Coney Island restaurant moves into Springfield’s Sonrise Donuts building
The historic Coney Island restaurant in Springfield, Ill., has reopened in the equally historic Sonrise Donuts building, according to the Springfield State Journal-Register. Both restaurants boasted long tenures on Route 66. Emilio and Rosa Lomeli reopened The New Coney Island this month at Sonrise Donut at 1101 S. Ninth St. (aka Route 66). It is … Continue reading Coney Island restaurant moves into Springfield’s Sonrise Donuts building
Mother Road music on tap
Here's a sing-and-tap version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" by Merry Lou Metzger and Jack Imel on a 1980 episode of "The Lawrence Welk Show." https://youtu.be/7YdTrKs9zvw That'll never be as surreal as this moment from the Welk show.
Route 66 Interpretive Plaza in Tulsa is finished
Travelers on Route 66 in Tulsa now have a new, short side trip to check out -- the Route 66 Interpretive Plaza near 11th Street and Mingo Road. The sign in a median at that intersection that directs you to the plaza and the two Route 66 alignments in Tulsa was finished months ago. However, … Continue reading Route 66 Interpretive Plaza in Tulsa is finished
Tulsa’s Route 66 Village would get Vision2 funding
The Route 66 Village along old Route 66 in west Tulsa would receive $549,000 from potential Vision2 sales-tax funding, reported the Tulsa World after a Thursday meeting of the City Council. Councilors parceled out about $158 million in quality-of-life projects if the Vision2 tax package is approved by voters on Nov. 6. Vision2 is a $748 million, … Continue reading Tulsa’s Route 66 Village would get Vision2 funding
The true story of Waynesville’s Frog Rock
A fascinating article in the Waynesville Daily Guide talks about the history of the Frog Rock landmark along Route 66 in Waynesville, Mo., and the urban legends associated with it: Contrary to popular belief, the large frog-shaped boulder that sits on the side of Waynesville Hill wasn't always shaped like a frog. And contrary to … Continue reading The true story of Waynesville’s Frog Rock