The Arizona Republic published a good article Friday about slowly vanishing motels along Route 66. The article quotes Emily Priddy of Route66Motels.com and cites the ongoing preservation efforts at Earl's Motor Court and La Posada, both in Winslow, as beacons of hope for Mother Road travelers who love vintage lodgings. I found it especially fascinating … Continue reading Preventing a motel vanishing act
Young shutterbug shows a good eye
A short story in the Kansas City Star tells about 16-year-old Max Mikulecky, whose photography earned him an article in Shutterbug magazine. Max said he’s inspired by things like “rusty cars, old barns … stuff that’s shown wear.” He uses both digital and film cameras. At his Web page, viewers can see Max’s photos of … Continue reading Young shutterbug shows a good eye
An evening at Boot Hill Saloon and Grill
The exterior of the Boot Hill Saloon & Grill, at the intersection of U.S. 385 and old Route 66 in Vega, Texas, looks like something from the 1880s Old West. But don't expect it to be a rough-and-tumble joint where fistfights between cowboys outnumber the bottles of red-eye whiskey. Sure, Boot Hill contains a lounge … Continue reading An evening at Boot Hill Saloon and Grill
Chery Cory’s road journal is online
Web guru and fellow roadie Guy Randall had been working on this, and I'm excited to see it's done. What I'm talking about is Chery Cory's Route 66 journals from 1992 until her untimely death in 2001. She and her husband Earl traveled Route 66 in an RV, and Cheryl wrote about her experiences. She … Continue reading Chery Cory’s road journal is online
Short and sweet
Here's a 38-second video with a number of Route 66 scenes from the desert Southwest and a hot musical excerpt:
Springfield festival sets records
It sounds like the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Ill., experienced an extremely successful weekend. From the Springfield Journal-Register: A total of 1,169 vehicles were registered for the event, which ran Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, breaking last year’s record of 900. “It was a huge jump, especially in a year when … Continue reading Springfield festival sets records
Glancy Motel undergoing renovations
While driving last week through the Route 66 town of Clinton, Okla., we saw something that gladdened our hearts. The Glancy Motel at 217 Gary Blvd., was undergoing extensive renovations after years of slow decline. The owner of the 1950s motel wasn't there, but building permits for remodeling, electrical and plumbing work were taped to … Continue reading Glancy Motel undergoing renovations
Arizona launches asbestos removal plan for Route 66 properties
Asbestos removal remains a daunting problem for many of those who want to fix up aging buildings on the Mother Road. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has stepped in and decided to help Route 66 communities deal with the problem, reports the Arizona Capital Times. Many older buildings and structures along the Route 66 … Continue reading Arizona launches asbestos removal plan for Route 66 properties
Need a lift?
It looks like the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum and Livingston County War Museum, which are part of the same complex in Pontiac, Ill., will have an elevator by next summer. The Pontiac Daily Leader reports that the City Council authorized an architect to proceed with those plans. The elevator would provide access to … Continue reading Need a lift?
Round Barn in Arcadia receives grant
The Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., is receiving a $50,000 grant from the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration Commission, reported the Edmond Sun. The money will be used for improvements to its restrooms and parking lot. Also, a new sign and a sidewalk around the 1898 structure will be built.