Tim Davlin, 53, the mayor of Springfield, Ill., since 2003, was found dead at his home Tuesday morning of a gunshot wound, according to the Springfield State Journal-Register. The newspaper reported that the wound was self-inflicted. Police remained tight-lipped throughout the day, and would not say whether it was a suicide or accident. An autopsy … Continue reading Mayor of Springfield, Ill., found dead
Waynesville bridge soon will be improved
The city of Waynesville, Mo., is proceeding with plans to improve the historic Roubidoux Bridge that carried Route 66, reported The Daily Guide newspaper. Waynesville City Councilwoman Luge Hardman said lighting would be placed on both sides of the bridge, and that bids for the project would be let as soon as spring. Hardman said the … Continue reading Waynesville bridge soon will be improved
Lake Overholser Bridge will undergo repairs
The historic Lake Overholser Bridge that once carried Route 66 in Bethany, Okla., is about to undergo repairs after it was closed to traffic for the past year or so. According to KWTV in Oklahoma City: The plan is to keep the bridge preserved and close to the original state as possible. Eventually, it will … Continue reading Lake Overholser Bridge will undergo repairs
Tucumcari edges ahead in race for Route 66 museum
It appears Tucumcari, N.M., is edging ahead of Santa Rosa, N.M., in the race to land a new Route 66 museum, according to a story in the current print edition of the Guadalupe County Communicator, based in Santa Rosa. Johnnie Meier, former president of the New Mexico Route 66 Association and owner of the Classical … Continue reading Tucumcari edges ahead in race for Route 66 museum
Cotton to this
Here's a blues-based version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" by Billy Branch and one of the greatest blues harmonica players in history, James Cotton.
Stagecoach stop
I've been hearing good things in the past year or so about the new owners of the Stagecoach Motel on the east end of Seligman, Ariz., near the historic alignment of Route 66. In addition to the motel, it contains a pizza place. But this video shows more charm and detail than any advertising can … Continue reading Stagecoach stop
Rocking the Route
A few weeks ago, Red Bull sponsored a Route 66 tour for two unsigned rock bands who competed for the chance of getting professional recording studio time in Los Angeles. Here's a video that summarizes the tour and contest: Shows by both bands were in Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles. Journals and … Continue reading Rocking the Route
Joplin sues marathon organizer
This certainly explains why the city of Joplin, Mo., announced so quickly in November that the organizer's contract for the Mother Road Marathon wouldn't be renewed. Joplin filed a federal suit for an injunction against Reinke Sports Group, alleging the Florida-based organizer infringed on the Mother Road Marathon trademark, according to an article Friday in … Continue reading Joplin sues marathon organizer
DVD review: “Route 66: Ten Years After”
The documentary "Route 66: Ten Years After" was meant as a travelogue. But, unexpectedly, this flawed but fascinating 52-minute film winds up also as an emotional journey. In 1999, veteran writer Tim Steil and young photographer Jim Luning traveled together from Chicago to Santa Monica to gather material for a new Motorbooks International publication. The … Continue reading DVD review: “Route 66: Ten Years After”
Eisler Bros. Store in limbo
The historic Eisler Bros. Old Riverton Store on old Route 66 in Riverton, Kan., closed last week amid a possible ownership change, according to the store's longtime manager, Scott Nelson. The store, which has operated continuously since 1925, closed at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and will remain shuttered indefinitely. "It has nothing to do … Continue reading Eisler Bros. Store in limbo