Country-rock musician Neil Young made a documentary about a nine-day road trip mostly on Route 66 from California to Kansas in 1959 Lincoln Continental before the classic car was given a makeover, reports ContactMusic.com. The film will be called "Linc Volt," which is the name of an alternative-fuel vehicle project underwritten by Young and his … Continue reading Neil Young plans film about Route 66 trip
The start and the end
An observation: On Tuesday night, president-elect Barack Obama ended his triumphant campaign at Grant Park, the symbolic beginning of Route 66 in Chicago. Obama also started his presidential campaign in February 2007 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., which also is right next to Route 66.
Overnight
This song has been going through my head all day Tuesday. Music is by the great Solomon Burke.
Ed Galloway’s creation
A reporter for the Cleburne Times-Review in Cleburne, Texas, wrote a good article about Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park, a few miles east of Route 66 near Foyil, Okla. At the parking area you see many smaller totem poles scattered around the park. After getting out of the car you head toward the giant totem … Continue reading Ed Galloway’s creation
Cyberkicks
The Associated Press just published a story about Route 66 on the Internet. The article bristles with links, including to Swa Frantzen's award-winning Historic66.com site, the Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Ill., the 66 Diner in Albuquerque, Mom and Dad's Route 66 Adventure, a Route 66 honeymoon, Legends of America, the National Historic Route 66 Federation, … Continue reading Cyberkicks
Al’s Route 66 Cafe changes hands
Al's Route 66 Cafe at 219 E. Dewey (Route 66) in Sapulpa, Okla., has closed but will soon reopen as a Granny's on Route 66 restaurant. The owners of a Steak & Eggs restaurant in Sapulpa bought the downtown building, which also houses a barbershop and bail bonds office. Paul Palladino, who once ran a … Continue reading Al’s Route 66 Cafe changes hands
Owner of Wagon Wheel Motel dies
Harold E. Armstrong, longtime co-owner of the historic Wagon Wheel Motel on old Route 66 in Cuba, Mo., died Saturday at age 81, according to Britton Funeral Home in Cuba. Armstrong and his wife of 20 years, Pauline, owned the motel that's best-known for its distinctive stone cabins, neon sign and its $17-a-night rooms. Pauline … Continue reading Owner of Wagon Wheel Motel dies
Notes from the road
I overlooked this story a few weeks ago, but the neon Route 66 sign at Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza in Tulsa was damaged by a thief or vandal. The sign has been taken down for repairs and will be re-erected when it's completed. --- Season 3 of the original "Route 66" television series will be … Continue reading Notes from the road
Palm Springs Follies opens Route 66-themed season
The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies opened its "Get Your Kicks!" season on Tuesday. The entire season (through mid-May) uses the music and history of Route 66 as its inspiration. The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, Calif., interviewed Route 66 advocate and Follies technical adviser Jim Conkle about the production and the Mother Road. Some excerpts: … Continue reading Palm Springs Follies opens Route 66-themed season
Senator may block Route 66 Corridor program’s renewal
The well-regarded Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is up for a 10-year renewal by the U.S. Senate. However, one man -- Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) -- is threatening to scuttle the measure. Ironically, Coburn's constituents in Oklahoma have directly benefited from the program, which sunsets in late 2009. More than a dozen owners of historic … Continue reading Senator may block Route 66 Corridor program’s renewal