The historic Phillips 66 station along Route 66 in Chandler, Okla., was named to the National Register of Historic Places effective Sept. 8, according to an email from the National Park Service. The station, built in 1930, has been owned by Bill Fernau since 1997, and he's been steadily restoring it in exacting detail … Continue reading Chandler Phillips 66 station named to National Register
Billy Connolly’s Route 66, Episode 1
The first episode of "Billy Connolly's Route 66" aired on ITV earlier today in Great Britain. And someone has already posted it in five parts. I commend it to your attention: https://youtu.be/D0tj19prCIo https://youtu.be/Gy31esahn-Y https://youtu.be/lXMkFmM4W9w https://youtu.be/n-ZcuvAK7eE https://youtu.be/lWzIEQ1xSjs I just watched the whole thing, and it's delightful. It's well-photographed, and the side trips are very well-chosen. And … Continue reading Billy Connolly’s Route 66, Episode 1
Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park
Here's a very good film by John Parham about Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park near Foyil, Okla. The park isn't on Route 66. In fact, it's 3.5 miles east. But it's been inextricably linked to the Mother Road because of its beauty and quirkiness. https://vimeo.com/29239661 Music is by The Ventures.
New “Tucumcari Tonite!” billboard
A new billboard usually isn't anything special. But this one for the Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., boasts a retro look that's difficult to ignore. Richard Talley, owner of the Motel Safari in Tucumcari, said in an e-mail: We’re helping to celebrate New Mexico’s Centennial 1912-2012 this time, with a turquoise colored background, much … Continue reading New “Tucumcari Tonite!” billboard
Pixar’s podcasts from the Mother Road
A few weeks before "Cars" debuted in movie theaters in 2006, Pixar Animation Studios made available a series of behind-the-scenes podcasts about the film. The podcasts were available only via iTunes. But an enterprising soul on YouTube recently posted the videos for greater mass consumption. Here's the "Kickin' It on Route 66" podcast, showing how the … Continue reading Pixar’s podcasts from the Mother Road
“The Road to Amarillo” video
A few months ago, The Road Crew composed and recorded a new song about the International Route 66 Festival that came to Amarillo in June. After the festival, the country-rock band has unveiled its video for "The Road to Amarillo." https://youtu.be/ncQPJd2QnQk The band was presented with the Bobby Troup Artistic Recognition Award during the festival's … Continue reading “The Road to Amarillo” video
“My Hometown”
David Lowe, an opera singer who is a native of Joplin, Mo., composed this song after the tornado destroyed much of his hometown on May 22. https://youtu.be/SLQ-SjeU6x8 The song is part of a CD, titled "Back to My Roots," of which proceeds of its sales will go the Bright Futures program at Joplin High School. … Continue reading “My Hometown”
“My Town”
Dennis Beck and his longtime music group, the James River Band, grew up in the Route 66 town of Marshfield, Mo. The video for this song, "My Town," includes vintage footage from Marshfield and plenty of reminisces as well. https://youtu.be/zc770HH9z70 As a bonus, here's another James River Band song that mentions Route 66: https://youtu.be/lDlV3dtEFu4 (Hat … Continue reading “My Town”
A culinary tour
The Food Channel (not to be confused with the Food Network) posted this clip about many restaurant signs along the Mother Road and some non-food landmarks as well. https://youtu.be/UZOQqv9dWd8
More Route 66 signs installed in Oklahoma City
Finishing a four-year project, Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation installed about 30 Route 66 road signs in the metro area, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. State Sen. David Holt said it was done to help direct Route 66 travelers through the city. Holt [...] noted there were only a half-dozen or so signs … Continue reading More Route 66 signs installed in Oklahoma City