Here is a list of soldiers from Route 66 towns who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. ILLINOIS Chicago Staff Sgt. Oscar D. Vargas-Medina, died May 1, 2004 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, died April 5, 2003 Sgt. Ivory L. Phipps, died March 17, 2004 Pfc. Torry D. Harris, died July 13, 2004 … Continue reading Memorial Day tribute 2009
Chicago roadie wins writing awards
David G. Clark, aka the Windy City Road Warrior, earned two awards from the Mate E. Palmer Communications Contest during the Illinois Women’s Press Association's annual Spring Awards Luncheon. According to Clark's blog: In the Special Series category, Clark won the first place award for three of his articles that appeared in the Federation News, … Continue reading Chicago roadie wins writing awards
Taking a T-Bird west
The Panama City (Fla.) News Herald posted an interesting story about Johnny and Judy Bunch driving their restored 1956 Ford Thunderbird on Route 66. The story is good, but the video is better -- mainly because you can see that beautiful car. The other interesting part is this excerpt: Although tourism is the main draw … Continue reading Taking a T-Bird west
Hand pedal power
Norberto de Angelis, the Italian man who sought to travel Route 66 on a specially equipped hand bicycle, apparently is on the Mother Road now. KOTV in Tulsa caught up with him. The former football player was partly paralyzed in a car accident, and is using the hand bicycle as a form of physical therapy. … Continue reading Hand pedal power
Old Route 66 near Lake Springfield named to National Register
A 1.3-mile stretch of old Route 66 south of Lake Springfield in Springfield, Ill., was named to the National Register of Historic Places effective May 12, reported the National Park Service in a weekly newsletter. The designation was expected after the state submitted its application to NPS. A story a few weeks ago from the … Continue reading Old Route 66 near Lake Springfield named to National Register
Where did that Ford Fairlane come from?
A bunch of people noticed the beautiful 1950s Ford Fairlane convertible that "Good Morning America Weekend" anchorwoman Kate Snow and her sister drove during a recent trip on Route 66. The Claremore (Okla.) Daily Progress answers the question on the source of the automobile. Its a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner with retractable hardtop, owned … Continue reading Where did that Ford Fairlane come from?
Cattle drive on the Mother Road
Here's something you don't see every day -- a cattle drive on Route 66. It'll happen from Bushyhead, Okla., to Claremore, Okla., from 7:30 a.m. today until about noon or so. It's part of the 63rd Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo in Claremore and in honor of late congressman and rodeo announcer Clem McSpadden, who died … Continue reading Cattle drive on the Mother Road
Meadow Gold glow
The dedication for the rebuilding of the historic Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa was Friday morning. However, the real treat was to come later, when night would fall on 11th Street and Quaker Avenue, and the sign's neon lighting would be revealed. Here it is ... Here's the view from the rear of the structure: … Continue reading Meadow Gold glow
Rock Cafe reopens to the public
The Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., reopened to the public for the first time Friday morning since being heavily damaged by a fire nearly a year ago. A couple of contractors need to finish work on the historic Route 66 restaurant, and owner Dawn Welch and her crew could offer only a very limited menu, … Continue reading Rock Cafe reopens to the public
Return to the road
In 1999, Chicago-based writer Tim Steil and photographer Jim Luning embarked on a trip together down Route 66 to collect material that produced an excellent book, "Route 66." Steil also wrote an online journal during the trip, which I recommend you read. Steil and Luning are returning to the Mother Road next month, on the … Continue reading Return to the road