Here's a fascinating excerpt from "Magic Highway USA," a 1958 film from when Disney had its own TV show. It imagines what the nation's highway system might look like in the future. I saw this film as a child in the early 1970s, and it seemed overly fanciful even then. As the film fast approaches … Continue reading “Magic” superhighways
McKinley Bridge opens to traffic
For the first time in more than six years, the McKinley Bridge in Venice, Ill., on Monday reopened to vehicular traffic. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Venice Mayor Avery Ware was the first to drive across about 3 p.m. after more than $50 million was spent to rehabilitate the bridge that once connected Route … Continue reading McKinley Bridge opens to traffic
“In the middle of the road, you see the darnedest things …”
Here we go, into the "Middle of the Road" with Chrissie Hynde and her band, The Pretenders. That's the great Martin Chambers on drums, an original member of the group.
More details about “Route 66, Season One, Volume Two”
Here's the cover art for the second part of the DVD release of the first season of the original "Route 66" television show. As you can see, it's similar to the first set. As previously reported, it's another four-disc set that retails for $29.95. Amazon.com is already taking pre-orders for a substantial discount. I e-mailed … Continue reading More details about “Route 66, Season One, Volume Two”
Miami will receive grants for Route 66 projects
The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports that the Route 66 town of Miami, Okla., will shell out about $150,000 for historical markers and other projects along the Mother Road. About $120,000 of that will come from the National Scenic Byways program, while the rest will be provided by the city and tourism bureau. The projects are: … Continue reading Miami will receive grants for Route 66 projects
McKinley Bridge reopens to traffic Monday
If you want to finally drive Route 66 over the Mississippi River to St. Louis, you'll finally have your chance after about 3 p.m. Monday. The Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat reports that the McKinley Bridge, which was closed since 2001 for much-needed repairs, will open at mid-afternoon Monday at the latest. The 1910 bridge carried an … Continue reading McKinley Bridge reopens to traffic Monday
Lute 66
Here's something you've probably never seen: a jazzy version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" that features a lute. The hot picking is by Peter Autschbach, and the singing is by Lucy Wende.
Publicity the road doesn’t need
I don't subscribe to the notion that all publicity is good publicity. Exhibit A is a story out of Tracy, Calif., in which the town's Veterans Park being built was changed from a promised patriotic theme to a Route 66 theme. Here's the initial story from the Tracy Press. Here's a follow-up from a local … Continue reading Publicity the road doesn’t need
Route 66 comic includes a tour
I received an e-mail from Phil Yeh, creator of the newly published "Dinosaurs Across Route 66" comic book. It looks like he's doing more than just publishing a salute to the Mother Road. Yeh said: I am planning to cover much of old Route 66 from January to April in 2008 and would love to … Continue reading Route 66 comic includes a tour
“Two-Lane Blacktop” released in two-DVD set
The 1971 cult film "Two-Lane Blacktop," which starred a young James Taylor and was shot in several spots on Route 66, was released a few days ago as a two-disc set by the Criterion Collection. Amazon.com has it here for $29.99, a discount of about 10 bucks. Warren Clements of the Toronto Globe and Mail … Continue reading “Two-Lane Blacktop” released in two-DVD set