After seeing my post about George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning," longtime roadie Becky Ransom alerted me of another hit song that prominently mentions the Texas Panhandle's largest city. It is Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo," a worldwide hit in 1971 for the British singer. It was co-written by Neil Sedaka. The song … Continue reading Another Amarillo song
Closed for the winter
This time of year, a number of Route 66 businesses reduce their hours or even close because revenues become too sluggish to justify staying open. It's also an opportunity for these owners to make repairs or get some R&R. One example is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, which closes in January. It's common … Continue reading Closed for the winter
“Amarillo by Morning”
Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait sings one of his biggest hits. This video looks like it comes from a 1980s taping of "Austin City Limits." "... I ain't rich, but Lord, I'm free ..."
Councilor thinks El Vado will be preserved
The Albuquerque Tribune published a story today about the city council's meeting Monday on whether to again designate El Vado Motel a city landmark, thus protecting it from destruction. One councilor is confident the council will follow the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission's unanimous recommendation and grant the designation. Councilor Isaac Benton said he expects … Continue reading Councilor thinks El Vado will be preserved
Another Cadillac Ranch inspiration
The Cadillac Ranch on Route 66 near Amarillo, Texas, has inspired a number of imitators in recent years of various vehicles half-buried in the ground at an angle. First was the Bug Ranch on Route 66 near Conway, Texas. Last year was the Combine City near Amarillo. Now we have the Airstream Ranch near Orlando, … Continue reading Another Cadillac Ranch inspiration
A spotlight on a small section of 66
A reporter from the Noblesville (Ind.) Daily Times stopped on Route 66 in northeastern Oklahoma to visit Laurel Kane of Afton Station in Afton, the nearby Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park in Foyil, and the Blue Whale of Catoosa. Many media stories about the Mother Road become hugely expansive, to the point of being unwieldy. … Continue reading A spotlight on a small section of 66
Andy Payne ran here
The Lincoln (Ill.) Courier published a fascinating article about the Lincoln library's research into the 1928 Bunion Derby, the transcontinental footrace that went the length of Route 66. Oklahoma native Andy Payne, a previously unheralded runner, bested the talented field and took home a $25,000 prize. The library used Geoff Williams' excellent book, "C.C. Pyle's … Continue reading Andy Payne ran here
Update on Tulsa Route 66 projects
A Route 66er in Tulsa forwarded me a status report, dated Dec. 31, from Tulsa city employee Dennis Whitaker about the county's Route 66 projects. Most of the projects are being funded by a Vision 2025 sales tax. As you will see, several of the Route 66 projects are slated to be finished by summer. … Continue reading Update on Tulsa Route 66 projects
Route 66 Casino Hotel grand opening is Jan. 10
The Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque is set for a grand opening on Jan. 10. The casino's site is here, and the Route 66 connection is played up fairly significantly. The Pueblo of Laguna runs the casino. The site'ss 2008 Calendar Girls also contains a lot of vintage cars. In the June image, you'll … Continue reading Route 66 Casino Hotel grand opening is Jan. 10
Witmor Farms property to be redeveloped
The closed Witmor Farms Restaurant on Route 66 in Buckhorn, Mo., is set to be reopened and adjacent land redeveloped, reports the Waynesville Daily Guide. This tidbit was contained in a story about proposed annexation of the area by Waynesville. William J. Peach, a car dealer in Rolla, Mo., wants the annexation so the restaurant … Continue reading Witmor Farms property to be redeveloped