There's a bridge on Route 66 in Carthage, Mo., that's called the "Whee Bridge" or "Tickle Tummy Hill" because a hump in its apex causes an unsettling sensation as you drive over it. It's simply a quirk in the original design, and it's surprising how many locals are fond of it. But according to the … Continue reading Taking the ‘whee’ out of the ‘Whee bridge’?
A juicy tale
The Route 66 town of Lincoln, Ill., at 1 p.m. Aug. 27 will hold a re-creation of Abraham Lincoln's christening of the town in 1853, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. The approximately 20-minute ceremony will occur at 101 N. Chicago St. in Lincoln. As for what actually happened nearly 155 years ago ... It was on … Continue reading A juicy tale
Route 66 Pulse flatlining
Barring a "small miracle," the Route 66 Pulse newspaper will cease publication after its current issue. Early Friday, I received an e-mail from Bob "Crocodile" Lile, president of the Old Route 66 Association of Texas and a frequent contributor to the Pulse, that spilled the news: Sadly, advertising revenue and subscriptions have not kept pace … Continue reading Route 66 Pulse flatlining
A closer look at the Arroyo Seco
Jay Fisher of the New York Times' Automotive section takes a closer look at the curiosity that is the Pasadena Freeway, also known as the Arroyo Seco Parkway. It is California's first freeway, and it remains a prominent alignment of Route 66. And though it is still a freeway, it certainly does not resemble one … Continue reading A closer look at the Arroyo Seco
Movie’s setting is on Route 66
This sounds promising. A movie starring Renee Zellweger, "My One and Only," is at least partially set on Route 66, according to the Mountain View Telegraph in New Mexico. The movie, set in 1953, is based on the early life of actor George Hamilton, on the road with his mother and brother. Zellweger, as glamorous … Continue reading Movie’s setting is on Route 66
Kitschy restaurant in Amarillo reopens
Although it's no longer on Route 66, it was with sadness when it was reported last spring that the Beef Burger Barrel in Amarillo, Texas, was going to close after more than 50 years. Apparently reports of the uniquely shaped restaurant's demise were premature. According to the Austin American-Statesman, David White reopened the restaurant after … Continue reading Kitschy restaurant in Amarillo reopens
Williams in the spotlight
It's not often that a small Route 66 town gets prominent ink from two large daily newspapers in one day. But here it is, with Williams, Ariz., in the spotlight. First, the Arizona Republic is previewing the town's Cool Country Cruise-In and Route 66 Festival this weekend. It's co-sponsored by the chamber of commerce and … Continue reading Williams in the spotlight
Racino decision coming Aug. 25
The New Mexico Racing Commission said Wednesday it would announce on Aug. 25 which town would receive a license for a horse-racing track and casino, reported the Clovis News Journal. it's down to three finalists -- Santa Fe, Raton and the Route 66 town of Tucumcari. The time the announcement will be made is 1:30 … Continue reading Racino decision coming Aug. 25
Gun museum in jeopardy?
The future does not look bright for the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum on Route 66 in Claremore, Okla., reported the Tulsa World. The museum's foundation is suing the state, which oversees the museum's massive collection that's valued at tens of millions of dollars. The foundation is citing neglect, mismanagement and theft. The worst-case … Continue reading Gun museum in jeopardy?
On the road again
I received word this morning that Tokyo photographer Hiroshi Hanamura is traveling Route 66 again. He met up with a bunch of Illinois roadies at the Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook, Ill., on Tuesday night. Illinois Route 66 Association President Catherine Stevanovich wrote: Mr. Hanamura starts a 2 week trip down Route 66. Hiroshi has … Continue reading On the road again