Hagerty, an insurer of classic cars, recently completed a 2,100-mile journey on Route 66 from Arizona in a couple of rickety rides. Here's the company's slide show and commentary about the journey: https://youtu.be/k3sT_wrZm9s Despite many breakdowns, it seems the Hagerty folks had a good time. An index of Hagerty's reports from the Mother Road can … Continue reading Hagerty Insurance’s journey on Route 66
Bing and the Andrews Sisters take a trip
Here's a new video with a 1946 version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. It also includes Vic Schoen & His Orchestra. https://youtu.be/FJ4GBrnRBic The clip contains a lot of vintage footage, including from the "Route 66" television program of the early 1960s.
A history of Ann’s Chicken Fry House
Here's a video interview of Al Burchett, longtime owner of Ann's Chicken Fry House in Oklahoma City. https://youtu.be/hGe3o0msb_w Al talks a lot about the restaurant's 40-year history, including its Route 66 connection. As he explains, he's one of the first in the region to use the Mother Road as a selling point.
Sculpture will be installed at Tulsa’s Avery Plaza this summer
The much-delayed "East Meets West" sculpture will finally be installed later this summer at Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza in Tulsa, reported the Tulsa World. The City Council heard an update this week on the $1.2 million Vision 2025 project, which likely will have its official unveiling in October after it arrives and is assembled, and … Continue reading Sculpture will be installed at Tulsa’s Avery Plaza this summer
Glenn Frey’s official “Route 66” video
Via Rolling Stone magazine, here's the official video of Glenn Frey's version of "Route 66": Frey, the frontman of the Eagles, has just released a solo album of American classics, titled "After Hours" (Amazon download here).
Inside Ramone’s House of Body Art at Cars Land
The Disney Parks Blog posted this video of auto designer Chip Foose painting pinstripes on the interior of Ramone's House of Body Art. Foose acknowledges the influence of Route 66 in his designs: https://youtu.be/CW62cNbncNo Ramone's is part of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure park. (Check out the Cars Land site, while you're at it. … Continue reading Inside Ramone’s House of Body Art at Cars Land
War veterans suddenly in spotlight on Route 66
Here's something eerie -- two different stories about war veterans on Route 66 were posted on the Internet today within an hour of each other. The Pontiac Daily Leader in Pontiac, Ill., reported on Tom Skinner cycling on much of Route 66 to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder -- an ailment which dogged him for … Continue reading War veterans suddenly in spotlight on Route 66
De Anza rehab will begin in July
The long-awaited rejuvenation of the long-closed De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque will begin in a matter of weeks, reported the New Mexico Business Weekly today. Several developers of the historic Route 66 property have come and gone. But the latest, Rob Dickson, reportedly has set a construction start for July with the $4.3 million … Continue reading De Anza rehab will begin in July
Historic Steak ‘n Shake nominated to National Register
The Steak 'n Shake restaurant at 1158 E. St. Louis St. in Springfield, Mo., has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, according to KOLR / KOZL. Owner Gary Leonard has been part of the restaurant nearly as long as it existed: "I came down here with the family in 1973 and started working … Continue reading Historic Steak ‘n Shake nominated to National Register
Boots Motel reopens
The historic Boots Motel of Carthage, Mo., reopened Tuesday to overnight guests after a decade-long hiatus. A few reports and videos have popped up, but this one by KOAM-TV in nearby Pittsburg, Kan., is the best so far: UPDATE: KY3 News also posted a story and video about the reopening.