Someone posted a newscast video from circa 1987 by the now-defunct KTSP-TV in Phoenix about Bert's Country Dancin', a place that held dances only on Saturday nights on old Route 66 between Hackberry and Valentine, Ariz. https://youtu.be/ukXZbnB5gPQ This site had a bit more information about Bert's: That was when Bert Denton, a retired cowboy and sometimes … Continue reading Two-steppin’ back in time
Route 66 Alliance update
Michael Wallis, chairman of the Route 66 Alliance, posted this video update over the weekend. You'll find a few tidbits of info on the clip, including donations to Harley and Annabelle Russell (aka The Mediocre Music Makers) during Annabelle's cancer battle, and a 2012 cross-country caravan to mark the opening of Cars Land at Disneyland … Continue reading Route 66 Alliance update
El Vado seen as catalyst for area redevelopment
It's vague on plans for the historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque, but a city official indicated that preservation would be a priority in whatever redevelopment plan comes forward, according to a report this weekend in the Albuquerque Journal. Ben Ortega of the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency is set to propose to the city council … Continue reading El Vado seen as catalyst for area redevelopment
Closed Silver Moon Lodge in Albuquerque is razed
The closed Silver Moon Lodge along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) near downtown Albuquerque was razed Thursday to make way for a planned grocery store, retail space, and apartments, reported KOB-TV. The motel, which dated to the 1950s, had been closed for several years. Longtime Route 66 roadie Mark Potter said back then, it was … Continue reading Closed Silver Moon Lodge in Albuquerque is razed
New 66-to-Cali structure dedicated
Dan Rice had been looking for moving his 66-to-Cali souvenir shack into something more permanent on the Santa Monica Pier. This week, the mayor of Santa Monica and other local dignitaries attended a ribbon-cutting Tuesday at the new, improved 66-to-Cali on the pier. Rice wrote in an email: The support we got from Santa Monica … Continue reading New 66-to-Cali structure dedicated
Motoring with the Motor City Madman
In this fascinating interview, Ted Nugent reveals that the Rolling Stones' version of "Route 66" inspired dozens of guitar riffs for his songs, then plays that Bobby Troup tune: https://vimeo.com/26352957 I'd always noted the resemblance. But the Motor City Madman confirmed it.
Needles will mark Route 66’s 85th year with festival
The city of Needles, Calif., is planning a Nov. 11-12 gala to mark the 85th anniversary of the creation of U.S. Highway 66, reported the Needles Desert Star. Plans thus far are to have car show participants come into town around lunch time Nov. 11, sign into the hotel they are going to stay at … Continue reading Needles will mark Route 66’s 85th year with festival
A tragedy to residents of Arizona’s Mother Road
A heartbreaking story in the New York Times on Sunday told about a Catholic priest, the Rev. Clement A. Hageman, who sexually abused boys in the Arizona Route 66 towns of Kingman, Winslow, and Holbrook from the early 1940s until his death in 1975. The church claims its problems with priest abuse coincided with the … Continue reading A tragedy to residents of Arizona’s Mother Road
Magic Lamp Inn will host preservation fundraiser
The historic Magic Lamp Inn on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is hosting the Cucamonga Classics Route 66 Car Show on July 30 to help benefit the California Historic Route 66 Association's preservation fund. The flyer for the event is at left (click to enlarge). It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. … Continue reading Magic Lamp Inn will host preservation fundraiser
Wagon Wheel Motel plans event to celebrate its restoration
Owner Connie Echols of the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., is celebrating the complete restoration of the historic Route 66 property with a special event on Aug. 20-21. Owners of classic cars from the 1920s, '30s and '40s are invited. In return, cruisers will get a free lunch and a special gift from the … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Motel plans event to celebrate its restoration