Alfred Summers, the lone survivor of a collapse in 1978 of a large motel along Route 66 in Joplin, Mo., died Friday at age 64, according to the Joplin Globe. Summers, part of demolition crew, was trapped in the rubble for more than three days before he was extricated. Two co-workers died in the unexpected … Continue reading Survivor of Joplin hotel collapse dies
Boots Motel set to reopen May 8
The historic Boots Motel, a Route 66 landmark in Carthage, Mo., that was endangered for several years, will reopen for business starting May 8, according to KODE-TV in nearby Joplin. According to the station, the motel will price its rooms for $2.50 for opening night. After that, rooms will be $66 a night. Those interested … Continue reading Boots Motel set to reopen May 8
Route 66 Task Force in Tulsa report
So what happened at the inaugural City of Tulsa Route 66 Task Force meeting Thursday night at the Campbell Hotel? The answer: Not much. That doesn't mean it was a waste of time. The meeting was more of a reception and fact-gathering mission than a planning session. The Task Force isn't going to be one … Continue reading Route 66 Task Force in Tulsa report
Release date, price set for “Route 66” DVD set
Shout! Factory, which recently acquired rights to the "Route 66" television series of 1960-64, announced Friday a price tag and release date for its 24-DVD box set of all four seasons of the acclaimed drama. The "Route 66" box set has a street date of May 22. However, customers who pre-order direct from Shout! Factory … Continue reading Release date, price set for “Route 66” DVD set
Persian food at an Okie barbecue restaurant
This Land Press a few months ago produced this video about the Golden Saddle restaurant, which is on Tulsa's Admiral Place alignment of Route 66. Not only does the Golden Saddle serve such typical Oklahoma delights as steak and barbecue, but also Persian dishes. That's because the restaurant is owned by an Iranian immigrant: https://youtu.be/0M1gC60BqUc … Continue reading Persian food at an Okie barbecue restaurant
Historic L.A. restaurant displays its original facade
Clifton's Cafeteria, a historic restaurant in downtown Los Angeles near the original western terminus of Route 66, on Wednesday removed the aluminum that hid the building's original 1904 facade for nearly 50 years, reported the Los Angeles Times. The new view was a little unsightly. But the facade will be restored as part of an … Continue reading Historic L.A. restaurant displays its original facade
Enjoy a tipple in Edwardsville
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch today mentioned two wineries that operate on the metro-east side of the region -- including one on Route 66 in Edwardsville, Ill. On the outside Springers Creek Winery may look like a corner bar, but the two-building winery has received state and national attention. Last year, the Edwardsville winery was inducted … Continue reading Enjoy a tipple in Edwardsville
A plug for Route 66’s best guidebook
Dan Rice, owner of the 66-to-Cali souvenir store on the Santa Monica Pier, explains his endorsement of Jerry McClanahan's "EZ66 Guide for Travelers" guidebook of Route 66. https://youtu.be/BHQomCqypgU It's an important to note that McClanahan maintains a Web page that contains regular updates to the guidebook. It's recommended that you consult that page before heading … Continue reading A plug for Route 66’s best guidebook
Two Chevy Route 66 commercials shot on the Mother Road
In recent weeks, we learned that one of the candidates for the Chevrolet Route 66 commercial for the Super Bowl was shot on Route 66. Apparently at least two others were shot on Route 66. One of the spots prominently feature the historic U-Drop Inn gas station in Shamrock, Texas, and a couple of great-looking Corvettes. Here's a … Continue reading Two Chevy Route 66 commercials shot on the Mother Road
“Catoosa Blue: A Love Story”
This is a short documentary film about the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Okla., created by high-schooler Alexander Knight. https://youtu.be/7QDwXVDOQhs The film premiered during the deadCENTER Film Festival in Oklahoma City last summer. Knight donated the film to the Catoosa Arts & Tourism Society/Fins of the Blue Whale volunteer group, which is working to preserve the Route 66 … Continue reading “Catoosa Blue: A Love Story”