Waylan’s Ku-Ku will be closed for 2 weeks

Waylan's Ku-Ku Burger, a landmark restaurant along Route 66 in Miami, Okla., will be closed for at least two weeks beginning Monday, Aug. 9, because its owner will be recovering from surgery. Longtime owner Gene Waylan said by phone that he's undergoing hip surgery, and has been told by his doctor he'll be out of action … Continue reading Waylan’s Ku-Ku will be closed for 2 weeks

The creation of Mater

Jim Hill at Jim Hill Media got himself a copy of a new book, "Two Guys Named Joe: Master Animation Storytellers Joe Grant & Joe Ranft." Ranft could do killer impersonations of hillbillies (a toothless one in particular he called "Chucky Eisner"). But he also ultimately was reluctant to demean them in any way. An … Continue reading The creation of Mater

Hello from Erick

We haven't posted a video from the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, Okla., for a while. Here's a new clip of Harley and Annabelle Russell doing their thing.

A kick from Fruit 66

Well, give the company credit for a memorable product name. I stumbled onto this from a link in my Twitter account. The company, 4U2U Brands in Richmond, Va., is producing a canned fruit juice called Fruit 66. Flavors come in kiwi strawberry, fruit punch, apple berry, and orange tangerine. The company says each can is … Continue reading A kick from Fruit 66

Waldmire vehicles will be displayed at Illinois museum

Two vehicles owned by the late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire, including his beloved 1972 Volkswagen minibus, will go on display at the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac, reported the Illinois Route 66 Association website today. The other vehicle is a school bus Waldmire converted into a small home at … Continue reading Waldmire vehicles will be displayed at Illinois museum

Arizona historian wins prestigious award

Arizona historian Marshall Trimble recently won the 2010 Wild West History Association Award for lifetime contributions to the public interest, according to the Arizona Republic. Trimble, 71, was honored for for his "research, writings, speaking and multiple contributions to the history of the characters and events of Wild West History." Trimble has written more than … Continue reading Arizona historian wins prestigious award

Teen mountain-climber named grand marshal of 66 parade

Jordan Romero, 14, who has climbed six of the continents' highest mountains, including Mount Everest, has been named grand marshal for the 15th annual salute to Route 66 parade in Duarte, Calif., on Sept. 18, according to the Pasadena Star-News. Jordan became interested in mountain climbing when he was 9. When he wasn't yet even … Continue reading Teen mountain-climber named grand marshal of 66 parade

Streetcar Diner will be moved

As expected, the historic Streetcar Diner on the old Riviera Roadhouse property has been donated to the village of Gardner, Ill., where it will be moved in the coming days, reported the Morris Daily Herald. Here's background about the diner, which no longer operates as a restaurant but was restored a few years ago as … Continue reading Streetcar Diner will be moved

The evolution of roadside lodging

Delbert Trew, a Route 66 advocate and rancher in the Texas Panhandle, wrote an article today in the Amarillo Globe-News about how we've progressed as a nation in the overnight lodging industry. An excerpt: Stalls in sheds were first partitioned off with wagon canvas allowing just enough space to undress and lie on a single … Continue reading The evolution of roadside lodging

Another view of the passenger side

We've reported about Jason Paul Bennett and his Passenger Side project before. Here's a new slide show that he posted a few days ago. You'll see some wonderful photography from the Mother Road here.