Scenes from the road June 8, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Photographs.add a comment
A couple of slide shows from the Mother Road have popped up on YouTube in recent days.
The first is a batch of photos from Christian Holzknecht:
The second slide show is by Bradley Blalock. There isn’t as much from Route 66, but an image of the sunset near Rod’s Steak House in Williams, Ariz., is amazing.
A road trip on Samuel June 7, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Religion.2 comments
Here’s a new chapter of “Route 66: A Road Trip through the Bible.” This week’s episode comes from the first book of Samuel, but the author gets no respect.
Scenes from the Route 66 Blowout June 7, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Events, Motorcycles, Vehicles.1 comment so far
The Route 66 Blowout in Sapulpa, Okla., is a dandy of a classic-car … and pickup truck … and motorcycle show. Here are photos I took from the festival on Saturday.
Believe me, there’s a lot more from where that came.
Wishing Well Motel memorabilia installed at museum June 6, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Motels, Museums, Preservation, Signs.add a comment
This week, not only is the Illinois Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame in Pontiac celebrating its fifth anniversary, but the sign and wishing well from the gone-but-not-forgotten Wishing Well Motel of Countryside, Ill., has been installed on the museum’s property.
A large Route 66 mural also has been added to the building’s south wall.
The Pontiac Daily Leader has the story.
Another long-distance walker June 6, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in People, Road trips.add a comment
Periodically, there are those who walk the full length of Route 66 for a cause or to challenge themselves.
The latest is Joe Zeno, who is walking from San Diego to New York City to raise money for the American Cancer Society. His mother has fought breast cancer for a decade.
The Tulsa World caught up with him as he was strolling through town Wednesday, which reportedly was the midpoint of his journey. His path follows Route 66 from Amarillo to St. Louis.
It’s worth reading, especially about his close call with a mountain lion near Oklahoma City.
Joe Zeno’s Web site is here.
It’s a gas, gas, gas June 6, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Gas stations, Vehicles.add a comment
If you live in northern California, here’s something for you to check out.
Route 66 enthusiast Mark Reiff converted the front yard of his Woodland, Calif., home into a virtual museum of gas-station memorabilia. And he drives a fabulous-looking tow truck, too.
You can see it all in this video by the Sacramento Bee.
Frankie Valli dines at the Ariston Cafe June 6, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Music, Restaurants.add a comment
Here’s a delightful item in the A La Carte food and dining column of the Springfield (Ill.) Journal Register:
When Frankie Valli performed Wednesday at Sangamon Auditorium, he mentioned that he had eaten dinner the previous evening at the ARISTON CAFE in Litchfield. The statement prompted a round of applause.
The Four Seasons crooner said he visited Litchfield because it is the hometown of Robbie Robinson, Valli’s longtime musical director and keyboard player, who was introduced by Valli on stage.
The Ariston Cafe, established in 1924 and in its current location since 1935, is one of the oldest restaurants on Route 66.
Paul Adam, manager of the Ariston, confirmed the visit.
“He came in with his group Tuesday night and had dinner,” said Adam. “He said he wanted to get into the Ariston. We were real happy.” Adam said there were 26 to 30 people in Valli’s party. The singer ordered fried shrimp with broccoli sauteed in olive oil.
When asked if Valli was a good tipper, Adam would only say, “he was gracious.”
That’s Nick — always gracious to a fault. And the Ariston richly deserves the attention.
(Photo courtesy of the Official Frankie Valli Site)