Longtime readers may remember a story from two years ago where Durelle Pritchard of Pontiac, Ill., decided to do something different about getting rid of a nuisance pine tree in his yard. Instead of chopping down the tree, he had a chain-saw artist whittle it into the shape of an old-fashioned gas pump. Pritchard's house sits … Continue reading Still tree-mendous
Orphaned signs in Albuquerque seen as an art project
A number of signs from long-gone Route 66 motels and businesses still stand along Central Avenue in Albuquerque, decaying in the desert sun. However, artist Ellen Babcock has forged an idea for those "orphaned" signs, reported Local IQ: “I was looking at the photographs I had taken on a walking tour we did and thought the … Continue reading Orphaned signs in Albuquerque seen as an art project
Santa Rosa’s debt triples
The City of the Santa Rosa, N.M.'s debt from a gross receipts tax appeal has skyrocketed from $400,000 to an eye-popping $1.21 million, reported today's print edition of the Guadalupe County Communicator, based in Santa Rosa. That amount is well over half of the Route 66 town's general fund budget in a year. Mayor Albert … Continue reading Santa Rosa’s debt triples
Movement afoot to rename New Mexico Highway 333 to Route 66
A small movement is percolating to change the name of New Mexico Highway 333 east of Albuquerque to Route 66, reported the Mountain View Telegraph newspaper. One of those who want it changed is Fred Rael, co-owner of the Sedillo Hill Travel Center in Tijeras, N.M.: Rael doesn't care for the N.M. 333 designation and … Continue reading Movement afoot to rename New Mexico Highway 333 to Route 66
Special painting, signing event will mark Chicken Basket’s 66th year
Del Rhea's Chicken Basket, a landmark on old Route 66 in Willowbrook, Ill., is marking its 66th year. To celebrate the occasion, owner Patrick Rhea and Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan will sign a limited edition of "66" prints of Jerry's watercolor painting of the restaurant, from noon to 3 p.m. July 29. The prints will … Continue reading Special painting, signing event will mark Chicken Basket’s 66th year
Road Trip Route 66 app is updated
Kelly Ludwig's Road Trip Route 66 app, initially released for iPhones in early 2011, recently received an extensive update. Those who already have the app should simply update it through their iPhone or iTunes account. Those who don't have it ought to get it soon -- it's been discounted to 99 cents through the month … Continue reading Road Trip Route 66 app is updated
Webb City seeks historic district designation
Spurred by a developer's request, Webb City, Mo., will seek a historic district designation for its downtown area, which includes Route 66, reported the Joplin Globe. Tom Hamsher, who is renovating the Minerva Candy Co. building at 12 S. Main St., suggested the city seek the federal designation for its downtown. That idea is viewed … Continue reading Webb City seeks historic district designation
San Bernardino blames financial mismanagement for bankruptcy
Late Tuesday, the City Council of San Bernardino, Calif., filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy. Today, it was learned that city officials are blaming massive financial mismanagement for the city's $45 million deficit, and have contacted agencies, reported the San Bernardino County Sun and other media outlets. The Sun reported: Interim City Manager Andrea Travis-Miller and … Continue reading San Bernardino blames financial mismanagement for bankruptcy
The newest Mother Road correspondent
Motel 6 has announced the winners of its Open Road Correspondents contest. Meet Dan Bakst of Temple Terrance, Fla., who will travel Route 66 in the coming weeks: https://youtu.be/iVslk3hdAWw According to the motel chain, Bakst and the other two correspondents will travel "green" in environmentally friendly vehicles and digital map applications to help conserve fuel. The … Continue reading The newest Mother Road correspondent
A nice side effect for the upcoming festival
The International Route 66 Festival in Victorville, Calif., is about a month away. Efforts to spruce up the town before the event seem to be creating a few nice side effects, reported the Victorville Daily Press. Marcy Taylor stood under the scorching sun Monday in Old Town, painting a white car on a blue wall … Continue reading A nice side effect for the upcoming festival