The State Journal-Register in Springfield, Ill., published a story today about how a volunteer project in the small town of Elkhart, Ill., keeps the town looking more attractive to Route 66 tourists -- many of which are from foreign countries. Elkhart started its 2012 Clean & Green initiative in January to keep the town clean, safe and green. … Continue reading Elkhart strives to keep its “quaint” look
Aussies will get a dose of “Billy Connolly’s Route 66”
After encountering much success in England, the television series "Billy Connolly's Route 66" will air starting tonight on the Seven Network in Australia. This video was posted on The Age, an Australian publication. It includes some footage from the program: Connolly, a well-known Scottish comedian and actor, and his film crew traveled Route 66 for … Continue reading Aussies will get a dose of “Billy Connolly’s Route 66”
A virtual tour of Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow
This so-called virtual tour of Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow, Calif., was surprisingly informative. It's produced by Backroadswest.com. The first portion goes from Victorville to Helendale: https://youtu.be/g2A77snkD6E The second part goes from Helendale to Barstow: https://youtu.be/jJNUbqWr6WE Backroadswest also put up a Route 66 page about this section.
Route 66 neon sign program approved by Tulsa council
The Tulsa City Council on Thursday approved a $703 million budget that included Councilor Blake Ewing's plan for a $50,000 cost-share fund that would restore neon signs or upgrade them to neon along the Route 66 corridor, reported the Tulsa World. An earlier World story explained Ewing's proposal: Ewing wants to see the city dollar amount … Continue reading Route 66 neon sign program approved by Tulsa council
No gas needed
Back in 2010, FedEx demonstrated its new all-electric vehicles by taking a cruise down Route 66. Here is a short video about that journey: FedEx - Route 66 from Roger Atkins on Vimeo.
Whittier Square area in Tulsa named to National Register
Whittier Square Historic District, which includes an older alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa, was named to the National Register of Historic Places effective June 15, according to an email today from the National Park Service. The roughly four-block-square area is bounded by Lewis Avenue to the east, First Avenue to the south, Zunis Avenue … Continue reading Whittier Square area in Tulsa named to National Register
Pontiac and Route 66 booster Betty Estes dies
Betty Estes, the first tourism director for Pontiac, Ill., and a longtime booster of her town and Route 66, died Wednesday at age 81, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph and Pontiac Daily Leader. She served as Pontiac's treasurer, then its tourism director from 1999 to 2005. Among her key accomplishments were developing the Illinois Route 66 Red … Continue reading Pontiac and Route 66 booster Betty Estes dies
Sit back and just listen
This is the best version of "Route 66" you probably will hear for a long time. It's by the Diana Krall Trio. Krall owns the star power and excels on piano, as usual. But it's guitarist Russell Malone who really shines here. https://youtu.be/XSXhcHQKtLk
Historic L.A. jail might be converted into a rooftop garden
Here's a novel idea for a huge, old building -- the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation may convert the historic Lincoln Heights Jail into a rooftop agricultural garden, reported KCET. The corporation is looking at a bunch of designs. But this one captured the most attention: Happily kayaking Angelinos can be seen making their way down the … Continue reading Historic L.A. jail might be converted into a rooftop garden
Road construction complicates Boots Motel’s construction detours
A complicated summer for the revived Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., has suddenly become more complicated with the news that a bridge construction detour, plus another construction bypass advocated by the historic Route 66 landmark, are both going to be the subject of road construction. Ron Hart, director of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce and … Continue reading Road construction complicates Boots Motel’s construction detours