The Miami (Okla.) News Record has a story about the imminent closing of Bassett's Grocery on Route 66 in nearby Afton, Okla. After 89 years, Tommy Bassett says it’s time to close the doors. "With the population being half of what it used to be and being no jobs to support the town, the business … Continue reading End of an era in Afton
Pontiac’s prison is saved
The city of Pontiac, Ill., which had been under the imminent threat of the closure of its prison for months, learned Thursday that the nearly 140-year-old facility will remain open. The decision preserves nearly 600 jobs and an estimated $54 million in revenue. The announcement to keep Pontiac Correction Center open was made by new … Continue reading Pontiac’s prison is saved
Sears Tower name change isn’t going over well
I learned late yesterday that the name of the Sears Tower, which is among the world's tallest buildings and is on Route 66 in Chicago, would be changed to the Willis Tower after the British-based Willis Group Holdings acquired naming rights. The first thing I thought was: "Chicagoans aren't going to cotton to this." Apparently … Continue reading Sears Tower name change isn’t going over well
Design phase to begin soon on Tulsa Route 66 center
The design phase of the Route 66 Interpretive Center in Tulsa is set to begin by fall, reported the Tulsa World. The center, near the Arkansas River on Southwest Boulevard, is slated to house offices, a restaurant or two, gift shop and an interactive Route 66 museum. It's hoped the center will be open in … Continue reading Design phase to begin soon on Tulsa Route 66 center
Palms Grill to reopen next month
The historic Palms Grill on Route 66 in downtown Atlanta, Ill., will reopen in early April after extensive renovations, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. The goal is to have as many 1930s and 1940s items as possible, as well as provide a place for locals and Route 66 travelers to share stories, said Bill Thomas, board … Continue reading Palms Grill to reopen next month
Rancho Cucamonga station may be designated a landmark
The abandoned Cucamonga Service Station on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., may be designated by the city as a historic landmark, reports the Contra Costa Times. The Planning Commission made the recommendation, and the City Council must approve the landmark status. Such designation would require the Mission-styled station have an extra layer of approval … Continue reading Rancho Cucamonga station may be designated a landmark
Lunch at Fair Oaks Pharmacy
Pasadena Weekly turned in a review of the historic Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, Calif. If you haven't been there, this excerpt gives you an idea what it's like, and why it's so treasured: The Pharmacy looks so old-fashioned it’s hard to believe it’s real. When I walk in, my thoughts are inevitably drawn … Continue reading Lunch at Fair Oaks Pharmacy
Bill to renew Route 66 program suffers setback
The Omnibus Public Lands Act, which contained a provision to renew the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program for another 10 years, suffered a setback when it fell two votes short of passage in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday. The bill was favored 282-144 in the House, but a procedural tactic by Democrats required … Continue reading Bill to renew Route 66 program suffers setback
It’s maple sirup time
Funks Grove Maple Sirup (yes, the spelling is correct) in the Route 66 hamlet of Funks Grove, Ill., has begun harvesting maple sap from its ancient stand of trees, reports the Kankakee Daily Journal. Late February and early March are the times in which the sap rises in the trees. Production began in 1824 when … Continue reading It’s maple sirup time
Manhattan Transfer goes Mother Roading
I know I've posted videos of the Manhattan Transfer performing Bobby Troup's "Route 66" before. However, this is a performance done from just last year, for the group's "35th Anniversary -- Great American Songbook" DVD. The singing, as usual, is marvelous. And the piano backing is excellent, too.