The good folks at Route 66 TV Online tell us about two 25-minute films about Route 66 in southwest Missouri and Kansas filmed by Passport America, which is a site geared to RV users. If you don't mind sitting through the obligatory RV plugs, the videos are pretty good. They contain stories about the Joplin … Continue reading Videos spotlight southwest Missouri and Kansas
Month: July 2006
El Rancho Motel in Barstow catches fire
The historic El Rancho Motel on Route 66 in Barstow, Calif., caught fire late Friday night, reports the town's Desert Dispatch. There were no injuries to residents, although a firefighter suffered an ankle injury. The extent of the damage to the motel remains a bit sketchy. However, the Dispatch's report indicates the roof collapsed on … Continue reading El Rancho Motel in Barstow catches fire
“Route 66” film to begin shooting this fall in Oklahoma
The OUDaily.com reports: A romantic comedy centering on the chance encounter between a Greek and a Native American will begin filming this fall in Oklahoma. The film, called “Route 66,” was written by Andrew Horton, the director of the Film and Video Studies program at OU. [...] The film is about Panos, a Greek soap … Continue reading “Route 66” film to begin shooting this fall in Oklahoma
“The Mother Road” airs next month on PBS
Award-winning filmmaker Lauren Cardillo always wanted to do a documentary about Route 66, but was having trouble thinking of an original angle in which to shoot it. Then she realized that her mother, Irene, was born in 1926 -- the same year the Mother Road was certified. So mother and daughter hit the road together. … Continue reading “The Mother Road” airs next month on PBS
Bent Door will become a diner again
The historic Bent Door along old Route 66 in Adrian, Texas, has been closed for years. However, a couple purchased the property on July 21, and they say they're committed to reopening it as a diner / malt shop again. Linda Drake of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce helped put me in touch with … Continue reading Bent Door will become a diner again
Mark your calendars
A work day has been set to help owner Alan McNeil rehab the long-shuttered Triangle Motel in Amarillo, Texas. The work day is Saturday, Aug. 19, with work beginning between 7 and 7:30 a.m. You'll not only be doing a good deed, but you'll be able to see a historic property up close. The motel … Continue reading Mark your calendars
New book about Oklahoma Route 66 is out
An enticing coffee-table book about Oklahoma's Route 66 was recently published by New Forums Press. It's "Once Upon a Highway: Route 66 in Oklahoma" by Oklahoma State University architecture instructor John Womack. Womack's book contains more than 150 of his detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations of Route 66 sights in the Sooner State. Womack's illustration … Continue reading New book about Oklahoma Route 66 is out
A new place to tee it up
The Stonebridge Golf Club recently opened in Claremore, Okla., at the intersection of Oklahoma 266 and old Route 66, reports WorldGolf.com. Award-winner Randy Heckenkemper designed the 6,510-yard course, and it's managed by Billy Casper Golf. Here's the golf club's Web site. The Tulsa area already is blessed with superb courses. Southern Hills Country Club has … Continue reading A new place to tee it up
Popularity of road trips strong despite gas prices
Voice of America reports: Surveys show that half of all Americans still prefer the car for summertime vacation travel — instead of a plane, bus, or train — despite rising gasoline prices. There appears to be a resurgent nostalgia for the great American road trip, a motorized odyssey that’s long been part of the popular … Continue reading Popularity of road trips strong despite gas prices
All aboard the neon tour
The Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles conducts weekly nighttime tours of neon lighting in the area, including along old Route 66, using a double-decker bus. Cindy Chang tagged along on a tour for the Los Angeles Times. To get a taste, go to the museum's Web site, click on the button for the … Continue reading All aboard the neon tour