2011 cost-share grant awards announced

Today, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced the awarding of 10 cost-share grants to Route 66 property owners for the 2011 fiscal year. Here's the listing, straight from the agency: Route 66 Motel sign and roof rehabilitation, Kingman, Ariz. ($10,319 federal grant, $10,319 match by owner) -- The Route 66 Motel has been a welcoming … Continue reading 2011 cost-share grant awards announced

A new wrinkle on Wrink’s Market

For an all-too-brief period, Terry Wrinkle resurrected Wrink's Market, the longtime Route 66 business in Lebanon, Mo., owned and operated by his late father Glenn Wrinkle. When Terry shut down the business in 2009, the future of the building looked cloudy. However, in recent weeks, the old Wrink's Market has found new life with D.C. … Continue reading A new wrinkle on Wrink’s Market

Two-steppin’ back in time

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