Rock Cafe owner Dawn Welch posted an update to her blog concerning the restoration of the Stroud, Okla., restaurant that was heavily damaged by fire last year. In short, she now has a contractor that's going full speed ahead in getting the cafe rebuilt to her standards. You can read about it here.
Route 66 Rendezvous reels
The festival was a few months ago, but a media group just posted videos of scenes from the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Berndardino, Calif. This isn't all of the videos, but ones I thought roadies would like.
Hello from Indonesia
Here's a recent clip of the Manhattan Transfer singing Bobby Troup's "Route 66," during the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Blue Dome to house Tulsa trolley operations
T-Town Trolley, a transportation system that takes passengers around Tulsa's entertainment districts, is moving its operations into the historic Blue Dome gas station on Route 66 in downtown Tulsa, reports the Journal Record. [Blake] Lund is meeting with interior designers to help spruce up the inside, but the building will retain its original structure. “We … Continue reading Blue Dome to house Tulsa trolley operations
Interview with a Harvey Girl
The Gallup (N.M.) Independent has a interview with 92-year-old Mary T. Montoya, who became a Harvey Girl at one of Gallup's Harvey Houses beginning in the 1930s. Here's the interesting part: The nationwide decline of rail travel led to the decline of the Harvey Houses, including Gallup’s. According to his recently published book “Fred Harvey … Continue reading Interview with a Harvey Girl
Swingin’ west
Here's the Texas Trailhands, based out of Fort Worth, doing a Western swing version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66."
International hit
Drawing on the Daily Oklahoman's story a few days ago, the Christian Science Monitor further examines Route 66's increasing appeal to foreign travelers.
“Race to the Rocker” footrace set for April
A four-mile "Race to the Rocker" footrace is scheduled on Route 66 in and west of Cuba, Mo., at 9 a.m. April 4. The inaugural race starts at Britton Funeral Home in Cuba and ends at Fanning 66 Outpost General Store, home of the proclaimed World's Largest Rocker. The race is sponsored by the store … Continue reading “Race to the Rocker” footrace set for April
Culver’s is building a Route 66-themed restaurant
Route 66 News doesn't give a lot of ink to chain restaurants, when plenty of great mom-and-pop eateries on the Mother Road are available. However, we're giving credit where credit is due. Culver's, a Wisconsin-based chain famous for its "butterburgers" and frozen custard, is building its first restaurant in Webb City, Mo. And here's Culver's … Continue reading Culver’s is building a Route 66-themed restaurant
Co-founder of Boots Motel dies
Ilda Boots, co-founder of the Boots Motel on historic Route 66 in Carthage, Mo., died Friday at age 102 at a nursing home in Glenpool, Okla., reports the Carthage Press. The Bootses also founded the Boots Drive-In restaurant across the road, which is defunct. According to the newspaper, after talking to Ilda's son Bob: She … Continue reading Co-founder of Boots Motel dies