This broadcast by New Mexico PBS station KNME has been posted on YouTube in seven parts, totaling about 55 minutes. It's an exceptional program, with fascinating interviews, well-researched history, fine cinematography and vintage photos and film. It's fairly new; you can see the Blue Swallow Motel's newer paint job in it. I commend it to … Continue reading “Route 66 in New Mexico”
Tickets on sale for Palm Spring Follies’ Route 66 show
Tickets for the upcoming 18th season of the Fabulous Palm Spring Follies in Palm Springs, Calif., are now on sale for its Route 66-themed "Get Your Kicks!" show, which begins Oct. 28 and runs through early May 2009. And according to the Follies' newsletter, a roadie is advising the crew on the show: I don’t … Continue reading Tickets on sale for Palm Spring Follies’ Route 66 show
Illinois county sees rise in tourism
Logan County, Ill., reported a 5.8 percent increase in tourism revenues from June 2006 to June 2007, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. It’s the second year in a row the numbers have increased for Logan County. “I think the key to the whole increase is the rise in traffic we have seen for the Route … Continue reading Illinois county sees rise in tourism
Last of the breed
Here's a short video about the last surviving gas station in the once-formidable Whiting Bros. chain. It is on Route 66 in Moriarty, N.M.
Gallery opens in historic Route 66 hotel
The historic Aztec Hotel on Route 66 in Monrovia, Calif., opened its Route 66 Gallery on Saturday night, reports the Foothill Weeklies. The unique approach to this gallery is that it has not the stuffy atmosphere of a “name gallery” and is less intimidating for those new to the art world. On Saturday, we saw … Continue reading Gallery opens in historic Route 66 hotel
Here, kitty …
Police officers in the Route 66 town of Galena, Kan., have contacted the state Department of Wildlife to determine whether an animal seen on surveillance camera video is a cougar, reported the Joplin (Mo.) Globe. You can see the feline here: Officers aren't sure whether it's a cougar, or simply a big house cat. Others … Continue reading Here, kitty …
Place a bet on Tucumcari
As many of you may know, the town of Tucumcari, N.M., is a candidate for a horse-racing track and casino license, which would be on the east end of town, right on Route 66. Richard Talley, president of Smalltown America and owner of the restored Motel Safari in Tucumcari, wants roadies from around the world … Continue reading Place a bet on Tucumcari
Devil’s Elbow Bridge update
Those wondering about the ongoing quest to rehab the Devil's Elbow Bridge at the Route 66 town of Devil's Elbow, Mo., here's a progress report courtesy of the Waynesville Daily Guide: Commissioner Bill Farnham had one item of good news on a major bridge project: he said a different type of material may be used … Continue reading Devil’s Elbow Bridge update
McCain stops by Route 66 landmark
Yes, it's an election year. The Washington Post reported that one of the campaign stops Tuesday for Republican presidential nominee John McCain in St. Louis was at a Route 66 institution -- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Dozens of custard buyers were milling about when McCain’s entourage -- several SUVs escorted by St. Louis county police … Continue reading McCain stops by Route 66 landmark
The Blue Dome’s Turkish connection
The Associated Press has a nice article about Tulsa's historic Art Deco architecture, which recently made the cover of Preservation magazine. But here's something I didn't know. The historic Blue Dome gas station, on an old alignment of Route 66 in downtown, was inspired by an ancient church in Turkey. Route 66 fans have architectural … Continue reading The Blue Dome’s Turkish connection