Rich Dinkela of HookedOnRoute66.com has posted this video of what it feels like to drive over the famed Whee Bridge, aka Tickle Tummy Hill, on old Route 66 in Carthage, Mo. https://youtu.be/l5F-VnJt-kM The "whee" or tickled tummies occur because the bridge's uncommonly steep apex. Alas, a video could never replicate that sensation. The Oak Street … Continue reading A drive over Carthage’s Whee Bridge
Dormant volcano near Route 66 is still dormant
In recent days, the U.S. Geological Survey put out a press release about Pisgah Crater, a dormant volcano off Route 66 near Ludlow, Calif. The agency said: Inquiries have come to the USGS regarding a potential eruption in the vicinity of Lavic Lake Volcanic Field (LLVF) in Southern California. The inquiries stem from a citizen report … Continue reading Dormant volcano near Route 66 is still dormant
Indie horror film wraps shooting on Route 66
An independent film, titled "Killer Holiday," has finished principal shooting along locations on Route 66, reported Shock Till You Drop. Proving that vacations can truly be frightening, Killer Holiday literally hit the road, filming on location along the historic Route 66. The film was directed by Marty Thomas, who shares story and producing credits with screenwriter, Jon … Continue reading Indie horror film wraps shooting on Route 66
Hello from Florida
If you like horn sections, here's Late Night Brass, based in the Tampa Bay area, playing Bobby Troup's classic tune during a recent gig on the St. Pete Pier. https://youtu.be/DzzSC-ZlIrU
Burro attack!
A few days ago, I responded with skepticism that Oatman, Ariz., would be "devastated" (as one local put it) if its post office were shut down. Here's one of the big reasons Oatman will continue to be a popular stop for Route 66ers and other tourists: https://youtu.be/Ceab6sC1tvA It's oddball experiences like that -- and the … Continue reading Burro attack!
A visit with Lucille Hamons
Here's a video that popped up on YouTube -- a television reporter interviews Lucille Hamons, owner of Lucille's on Route 66 in Hydro, Okla.: https://youtu.be/WgqEkU5xywk Lucille operated the gas station from 1941 until her death in 2000. However, the station was built in 1927. With the reporter mentioning that it celebrated its 69th birthday, that … Continue reading A visit with Lucille Hamons
Using video to sell books
This sounds counterintuitive, but publishers and authors are using videos and other multimedia to help promote the written word. That includes Ron Chavez, former owner of the famed but long-closed Club Cafe on Route 66 in Santa Rosa, N.M. He posted a video on YouTube today to promote his 2008 collection of short stories and … Continue reading Using video to sell books
Solo 66
This young man's name is Hunter Gray, from Clarksville, Iowa. He rearranges Bobby Troup's "Route 66" with this solo acoustic performance, and it winds up being a good version. https://youtu.be/QGQiuzYY_SE
Possible closure endangers unique postal stamp
Last week, we reported that more than a dozen towns along Route 66 may see their post offices closed as a cost-cutting move. That list included the western Arizona town of Oatman. But here's a unique angle from the Mohave Daily News on the possible closure of the Oatman post office: While nearly all post … Continue reading Possible closure endangers unique postal stamp
Coliseum Ballroom in Benld destroyed by fire
The historic Coliseum Ballroom, located on an older alignment of Route 66 in Benld, Ill., was destroyed by fire Saturday night, according to several media outlets in the St. Louis area. The fire started about 9:15 a.m. According to KSDK-TV in St. Louis, 16 fire departments responded to battling the blaze. The station reports that … Continue reading Coliseum Ballroom in Benld destroyed by fire