The historic Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Mo., is urging supporters to dig deep into their pockets to prevent a possible New Year's Eve foreclosure, reported the Springfield News-Leader. The Gillioz was built in 1926 on Route 66 near downtown. The Springfield Landmarks Preservation Trust guided a $10 million restoration and reopened the theater in 2006. However, … Continue reading Gillioz Theatre faces possible foreclosure
Man finishes cross-country run
Using the 1928 Bunion Derby as his inspiration, John Radich recently completed his transcontinental run from Santa Monica to Atlantic City, N.J. -- two-thirds of it on Route 66. The Pasadena (Calif.) Star-News caught up with Radich, who lives in nearby Monrovia. It required four months, 20 days and seven pairs of shoes for him … Continue reading Man finishes cross-country run
Hello from Guatemala
Guatemala is about 2,000 miles from the closest point of Route 66. However, that doesn't prevent musicians in that nation from singing about it. This video shows road scenes in Guatemala, but includes Bobby Troup's famous tune. (Hat tip: Frank Kocevar of Historic Seligman Sundries)
Mayor of Springfield, Ill., found dead
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