Someone has posted orchestra leader Billy Vaughn and his Orchestra's version of "Route 66" from the 1960s TV show by the same name. That's the instrumental originally composed by Nelson Riddle, not the more-famous song written by Bobby Troup. I swear, Vaughn's version sounds like a variation of the "Star Trek" theme -- especially with … Continue reading “Route 66” in space
Month: April 2009
Why’d they name it that?
The Daily Oklahoman has a list of bridges, roads, buildings and other things that were named after prominent Sooners. Here's the ones that are relevant to Route 66: Interstate-40 Business — "Roger Miller Memorial Highway” — 1994: Between State Highway 30 in Erick and I-40 (Exit 11). Miller was a singer and songwriter. [Editor's note: … Continue reading Why’d they name it that?
Like coffee with chocolate
Longtime readers probably remember the opening of Marcia Wilson's Route 66 Fudge Shop in Cuba, Mo. This was a store that sold a line of candy bars to help maintain the town's famous murals. There's good news and bad news about the fudge shop. The bad news is Wilson had to close her storefront and … Continue reading Like coffee with chocolate
‘A highway for vagabonds’
The Windsor (Ont.) Star has an interesting feature about photographer Sandi Wheaton, whose black-and-white photos of Route 66 in California's Mojave Desert will be on display beginning May 2 at Deborah Friesen Architect's studio in Toronto. Wheaton's interest was piqued five years ago when she was blowing through a lonely and forsaken stretch of Route … Continue reading ‘A highway for vagabonds’
Rory Schepisi to be celebrity chef at food expo
A fair number of Route 66 restaurant owners attend trade shows. At this event, you'll have the chance to root for one of your own. Rory Schepisi, a participant on two reality TV shows and owner of the Boot Hill Saloon and Grill on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, is going to be in a … Continue reading Rory Schepisi to be celebrity chef at food expo
Cuba, Mo., organization revamps Web site
Viva Cuba, a longtime beautification group for the Route 66 town of Cuba, Mo., best-known for its intricate murals, has refurbished its Web site. The site can be viewed at cubamomurals.com. According to a news release: The site’s design showcases both the town’s artwork and history and offers a way to communicate with visitors and … Continue reading Cuba, Mo., organization revamps Web site
Vintage photos of Chambless, surrounding area wanted
Gus Lizalde, proprietor of the Chambless66 blog dedicated to the Mojave Desert ghost town of Chambless, Calif., says he's "getting close" to beginning reconstruction of Chambless. To assist this project, he's seeking vintage photos of Chambless and the surrounding area, including Cadiz Summit and the Road Runner Cafe. You can e-mail images to design1one(at)aol(dot)com. "We … Continue reading Vintage photos of Chambless, surrounding area wanted
Scotty’s Route 66 soon will change owners
A purchase offer for Scotty's Route 66 Bar and Grill in Hamel, Ill., has been agreed to in principle, and the closing on the deal will occur May 21, says current co-owner Jim Allen. Allen says he hasn't yet met the new owners, who hail from the nearby Edwardsville-Granite City area. He and his wife … Continue reading Scotty’s Route 66 soon will change owners
Illinois reopens 11 historic sites
The state of Illinois has reopened 11 historic sites, including the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, that were closed in December as a cost-cutting move by now-deposed governor Rod Blagojevich, reported the Chicago Tribune. Gov. Pat Quinn ordered the reopening of the sites on April 15. He said Blagojevich's move was a "huge blunder" that cost … Continue reading Illinois reopens 11 historic sites
Artist to publish drawings, recipes from Route 66
Artist David Alan Badger of Havana, Ill., plans to publish seven books of his drawings, history and recipes from scenic byways in Illinois, including Route 66, reported the Peoria Journal Star. Badger, who has been drawing for more than 20 years, said the books will help bring attention and tourism to the towns along the … Continue reading Artist to publish drawings, recipes from Route 66