Joe Sonderman has written at least four books through Arcadia Publishing using his massive collection of vintage postcards from Route 66. Alas, those books come in black-and-white, preventing readers from seeing the postcards' vivid colors. That problem has been rectified with a beautiful new book, "Get Your Pics on Route 66" (160 pages, softcover, full … Continue reading Book review: “Get Your Pics on Route 66”
Film review: “Cars 2”
"Cars 2," the sequel to the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film, turns out to be a different type of movie than its Route 66-inspired predecessor, but still an enjoyable one. I saw the earliest matinee today. To answer a question on the minds of many Route 66 fans, "Cars 2" does feature the fictional Route 66 … Continue reading Film review: “Cars 2”
“Where There’s a Road”
This video was made by a fan of Robbie Fulks, who wrote and recorded this tune. Listen close to the references to Joplin and Santa Fe: https://youtu.be/15Eem57nX7k
“Oklahoma Hills”
A lot of star power on this recording -- Bruce Springsteen, Arlo Guthrie, and Joe Ely performing this song for a Woody Guthrie benefit. https://youtu.be/IZ6FKPeA9mw
Bank buys back Boots Motel … for now
Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce emailed this report on the foreclosure auction today of the historic Boots Motel of Carthage, Mo. The Historic Boots Motel was auctioned on the Carthage Courthouse steps at 2 pm. This afternoon, and the new owner is the lien holder, the Carthage Hometown Bank, which placed … Continue reading Bank buys back Boots Motel … for now
“Lonesome Town”
I often think of the ghost town of Glenrio when I hear this Ricky Nelson classic: https://youtu.be/uN7mjvok6MI
“Tulsa Telephone Book”
Here's a darkly humorous song written by Tom T. Hall, covered a few years ago by Calexico: https://youtu.be/j9hpuDg4MtE
“The Long Cut”
Many roadies opt to take the long cut instead of a short cut in their travels. So this song by Uncle Tupelo seems appropriate: https://youtu.be/Hy3WkIfgkSQ
Boots Motel to be auctioned within days
Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce passed along this information to the Route 66 yahoogroup on Saturday about the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo. The Boots Motel is being Auctioned-Off in a few days! According to Clarence Hall of the Carthage Hometown Bank, the present owner has defaulted and the Bank auction … Continue reading Boots Motel to be auctioned within days
Book review: “Route 66 American Icon”
Here's a sign a photography book is really good: When I first opened it, I gasped. And when my wife saw the images in it, she gasped as well. Photographer Shannon Richardson's new book, "Route 66 American Icon" (160 pages, hardback, self-published, $66), will elicit that sort of reaction. It proves to be a testament to the … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 American Icon”