Llewellyn Toulmin has a story in The Sentinal Newspapers about a trip on Route 66, with most of the material taking place in Illinois and Missouri. Then there's this passage: The history of Route 66 is fascinating but complicated. It was not envisioned as a major road at first, as witnessed by its number. In … Continue reading Nothing minor about it
Joliet business adds kitsch to Route 66
Noting the Route 66 attractions on the Broadway alignment of Joliet, Ill., Dick's Towing decided to get into the act, according to the Herald News. He pulled two vintage vehicles from storage and had them hoisted to the top of a block building he owns on the southeastern edge of his property on the 900 … Continue reading Joliet business adds kitsch to Route 66
A chat with Michael Zadoorian
Because of Michael Zadoorian, historic Route 66 may have not one, but two opportunities for high-profile publicity. Zadoorian's novel "The Leisure Seeker" was published last week. The story of an ailing elderly couple from Detroit driving down Route 66 for a final vacation together (review here) is entertaining and poignant enough that one could easily … Continue reading A chat with Michael Zadoorian
Help protect the Pony Bridge
A few weeks ago, I read that the state of Oklahoma was putting together a list of bridges slated for repairs or replacement in the next decade or so. I'm for safe bridges as much as the next person. But I was concerned that the Pony Bridge, the amazing 38-truss span built in 1933 on … Continue reading Help protect the Pony Bridge
Three more Route 66 restaurants featured on Food Network
The Salsa Brava restaurant on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Ariz., was featured on the Food Network's popular "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" program on Monday night, reported the Arizona Daily Sun. According to the Food Network Web site, the segment, "Return to Route 66," is an eastward tour of Route 66, with stops at Salsa Brava, … Continue reading Three more Route 66 restaurants featured on Food Network
Route 66, by way of New Orleans
This jam session during a version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" is smoking hot. You've got Doc Alters on harmonica, Renee Manning on vocals, Earl McIntyre on trombone, Steve Simon on clarinet, and a few members of the Fabulous Thunderbirds as the rhythm section. It's definitely got a Crescent City feel.
Historic real estate site launched
For those seeking or wanting to sell historic property along Route 66, a new site launched last week that may provide a good resourse for such things. HistoricForSale.com, a subsidiary of PreservationDirectory.com, launched on Wednesday. It's an online directory of vintage homes and historic commercial property for sale, and real-estate agents who specialize in such … Continue reading Historic real estate site launched
A Muffler Man primer
Carrie Steinweg, a correspondent for The Times in Munster, Ind., has an excellent overview of the significance and history of Muffler Men -- the fiberglass giants that were (and still are) used by businesses to get the attention of potential customers. Many of the statues were purchased by muffler shops -- hence, the Muffler Man … Continue reading A Muffler Man primer
Remembering RoVal’s
The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin uncovered a story from Route 66's past about the long-gone RoVal's steak house in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., at 11871 Foothill Blvd. (aka Route 66). The restaurant's namesake, RoVal Jones, died at age 89 last week. RoVal's first restaurant was on Ninth Street in Rancho Cucamonga. But its second location on … Continue reading Remembering RoVal’s
Tribute to Bolin Ford
Here's a video tribute that someone posted about the devastating fire in December that destroyed much of Bolin Ford on Route 66 in Bristow, Okla. Much of the historic Bristow Motor Co. complex still remains, however. Bolin Ford plans to rebuild.