Chips on Route 66 December 12, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Businesses.1 comment so far
I got this e-mail the other day. Excerpt is below:
My name is Dave Harber. My wife, Debbie, and I are huge Route 66 aficionados having traveled the route at various stages over the past fifteen years or so. We also are web developers, own a custom poker chip business and thought it would be neat to merge our fascination of the mother road with some great looking custom artwork and build a website & create a new collectible using our custom casino quality chips.
Here are the casino chips, front and back, which are available at the 66Chips.com site.
The chips can be purchased individually, or within a keychain. Or the whole set can be purchased for $19.66 plus $5 shipping, which includes free ninth chip that has the U.S. Route 66 shield on the front and back.
So if you and your pals like to play poker as a pastime, these chips will fit nicely into the game.
Give Harber credit for doing something that, to my knowledge, hasn’t been done before regarding Route 66.
“Thunderstorms and Neon Signs” December 11, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Music.add a comment
Here is Wayne “The Train” Hancock‘s finest hour, and the song in 1995 that pretty much kick-started his career.
Here’s Hancock talking about one of his experiences on Route 66 in No Depression magazine in 2001:
“I’ve broken down on my way to shows and gotten there early. I was going through Vega, Texas, and my generator goes down and I pulled in the first place I see which is the Vega Motel on Route 66 and at 4:00 in the morning there’s a guy behind the desk. There’s never a guy at 4:00 in the morning so I figure he’s an insomniac.
“We get up the next day and it turns out there’s an auto parts store on either side of that motel and a garage in both of them. We got there two hours early. The next time I go through town I say, ‘Hey, let’s go through Vega. They got a cool motel there.’ The place is deserted and looks like it’s been closed for thirty years. The auto parts stores were closed too. I’ve got lots of stories like that.”
A chat with Michael Wallis December 11, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Books, History, Movies, Museums, People.2 comments
I talked with Michael Wallis, author of the best-selling “Route 66: The Mother Road” and more than a dozen other books, by phone Friday night from his home in Tulsa.
Wallis was in an expansive mood, and talked about a few things that probably will be of interest to roadies:
— Wallis and Jim Conkle, co-directors of the fledgling Route 66 Alliance, went to Springfield, Ill., on Thursday to pay a visit to Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire, who is dying of cancer. Although Waldmire is gaunt and heavily medicated, Wallis said the session was “vintage Waldmire. God, it was a wonderful visit.”
— Wallis mentioned that a Springfield resident is quietly shooting footage about Waldmire for a documentary.
— Wallis said members of the Alliance in a few weeks will meet with John Lasseter, director of the 2006 Disney-Pixar movie “Cars,” to discuss the Route 66 Experience museum that will be built on 11th Street and Southwest Boulevard in Tulsa.
— Wallis has finished writing “David Crockett: Lion of the West,” a biography about celebrated frontiersman Davy Crockett. It is being edited, and is scheduled to be published in fall 2010. Wallis also is working on “The Wild West: 365 Days,” a photo-and-essays volume that is set to be in bookstores by Father’s Day 2011.
Riviera Roadhouse is reopening December 11, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Events, Restaurants.1 comment so far
I received this e-mail from Kathy Miller, co-editor of The 66 News, a publication of the Route 66 Association of Illinois, about the Riviera Roadhouse in Gardner, Ill.
John Weiss asked that I spread the word. The Riviera Roadhouse will reopen for business this weekend. Everyone’s favorite waitress, Becky, who has been serving you for 26 years, will be on staff. Managing and cooking the Riviera is the same cook for the last 29 years.
They will be open New Year’s Eve serving their famous BBQ ribs, make your reservation soon!
So whatever issues that kept the historic restaurant from staying open a few months ago apparently have been resolved. The number at the restaurant is 815-237-2344.
Some clarity on the Route 66 State Park Bridge December 10, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Bridges, Preservation.add a comment
Jane Lee, a historian with the Missouri Department of Transportation, sent me this e-mail regarding the endangered Route 66 Bridge at Route 66 State Park near Eureka, Mo. It’s lengthy, but probably worth your time:
I just wanted to send you a quick note since I have been closely following the news that you have posted regarding the fate of the old Meramec River Bridge at Times Beach. I think that it is important that it is clear to the public that MoDOT currently does not have the funding for the removal of the bridge, but according to our Bridge Division, the agency is actively seeking funding for demolition at the same time that it is seeking outside funding for rehabilitation.
So, while the bridge might have a temporary reprieve right now, the funding for removal is going to be a competitive process, and it is possible that funding could be secured as early as the 2010 calendar year. I recently penned a letter — with some edits from our State Bridge Engineer — in response to an inquiry from Mr. John Regenbogen of Scenic Missouri, which I think might clear up some questions about the future plans for the bridge.
If you would like to take any portion of the letter and use it on your site, I am perfectly fine with that since it has been through our MoDOT filters. Also, if any of your readers would like to comment on the project, I would urge them to contact our customer service line at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (or 573-751-2551 for out of state callers) or request more info at: http://www.modot.mo.gov/asp/request_information.shtml?comments (inquirers should select St. Louis as the county from the drop-down selection on the electronic info request form). Customer Service should be able to direct the calls to the appropriate recipient, and they will respond promptly to any inquiries. Here is the body of my letter to Mr. Regenbogen:
Hello John,
Thank you for your thoughtful message regarding the future of the Meramec River Bridge at Times Beach. I assure you, as a historian, I share your concern for the preservation of our state’s history. Also, as a Route 66 enthusiast, I understand the desire to see that the fate of the Meramec River Bridge is given careful consideration, and enough time is provided to potentially secure preservation or rehabilitation funding in order to save it. I am aware of the efforts that are currently underway to secure National Scenic Byway Status for Missouri’s stretch of Route 66, and I applaud the work that is being done by the Route 66 Association of Missouri and it’s allies in the attempt to preserve the intrinsic qualities of the Route.
I would like to assure you that the plans to close — and potentially remove — the bridge have not been made hastily. MoDOT has been working with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, including the Route 66 State Park at Times Beach, for a number of years in order to try to identify a source of funding to stabilize and rehabilitate the bridge. Both agencies have long been aware that the bridge is endangered due to its structural deficiencies and rapid deterioration. Unfortunately, the efforts of both agencies to identify rehabilitation funds for the bridge have been unsuccessful so far, and in the meantime, the bridge continues to decay. MoDOT’s recent inspection of the bridge shows that the substructure is not stable enough to support vehicular traffic, and the bridge railing is insufficient to allow pedestrian use of the crossing. Essentially, if the bridge is left to stand without rehabilitation, it will eventually collapse beneath its own weight.
However, as I write this message, it is important to keep in mind that there is no definite funding in place to remove the bridge. That being said, MoDOT will pursue dual paths for the future of this bridge. We will continue working with any interested parties who may wish to take ownership of the bridge, but we will also proceed through the required steps that may ultimately result in the removal of the bridge. MoDOT will not rush into any decision regarding the fate of this historic resource and we will continue consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and the Route 66 State Park regarding the future plans for the bridge.
Furthermore, prior to the transfer or removal of the bridge, MoDOT’s Environmental and Historic Preservation Section is required by Federal mandate to take into consideration the potential impacts of the transfer or removal project, and the bridge will be thoroughly documented for the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) of the National Parks Service. None of these things can take place without much careful deliberation from both the engineering and historic preservation ends of MoDOT, and MoDOT is aware that the best solution will undoubtedly involve multi-agency communication.
I will keep a copy of your letter and my response for my project file, which will be included with my historical documentation of the bridge. Once again, I appreciate your concern and thank you for your thoughtful message.
Sincerely,
Jane M. Lee
Missouri Department of Transportation
Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 270
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
(573) 522-9695
The gist is that the state doesn’t have money to knock down the bridge, but it doesn’t mean it won’t have money later. However, the state also is receptive to some sort of viable arrangement to preserve the bridge.
So it would be wise for preservationists to be vigilant about finding solutions, while keeping an eye on the state in case it changes its mind.
The remaking of Tulsa’s Meadow Gold sign December 10, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Movies, Preservation, Signs.add a comment
Here’s a cool excerpt from the film “Tulsa A to Z” about the refurbishment of the historic Meadow Gold neon sign, which can be found at near Peoria Avenue and 11th Street (aka Route 66).
“Tulsa A to Z” is the latest edition from Jack Frank’s acclaimed Tulsa history film series.
A closer look at Goffs December 9, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Attractions, Museums, Preservation, Towns.add a comment
Claudia Heller, in her ongoing series about Route 66 for the several Southern California newspapers, has produced an engaging story about the near-ghost town of Goffs, Calif.
The most newsworthy item is that the Goffs Library, located next to the historic Goffs Schoolhouse, was recently built and will house the Mojave Desert Archives. The building is a replica of the historic Goffs Santa Fe Railway Depot. It’s all part of efforts by the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association.
And, as the article will convey, it’s really worth visiting the schoolhouse (an architectural gem that serves as a local history museum) and the nearby walking trails that are festooned with historic artifacts and sculptures that were created, I believe, by local Boy Scouts.
Winslow breaks ground on Route 66 streetscape December 9, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Attractions, Towns.add a comment
A bunch of city officials in Winslow, Ariz., broke ground Thursday on a Route 66-themed streetscape projected called Winslow Renaissance II, reported AzJournal.com.
Woodson and other speakers recited the history of the project, which was first conceived in 1997, but was not granted funding until 2000. Funds have been obtained from ADOT, federal grants and turn back funds from the state for the city to take responsibility for the maintenance of Second and Third streets, which once were a vital part of Route 66.
He noted that the city has been fortunate in the timing of the project.
Route 66 has just been declared an All American Road. The downturn in the economy has made the project more affordable than it would have been when first undertaken.
The story doesn’t include many details about what the streetscape project will have, but this artist’s rendering seems to show it well enough:
Needless, to say, having a Route 66 shield the size of King Kong is impressive.
Santa Monica building a new history museum December 9, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in History, Museums.add a comment
The Santa Monica (Calif.) Daily Press reports that construction has started on a new home for the Santa Monica History Museum at Seventh Street and Santa Monica Boulevard, aka Route 66.
Hands-on interactive displays will include a Douglas DC-3 aircraft, Whirlwind Dipper roller coaster (where with the touch of a button visitors can be transported back to the 1920s Santa Monica Pier), “Santa Monica: Then and Now,” and “In the Headlines” featuring front-page newspaper stories about Santa Monica. Permanent exhibits will include the Santa Monica and Ocean Park piers, Muscle Beach, bathing beauties, Third and Main streets, the city’s early film industry, artists and architecture, Palisades Park and Route 66.
The museum is expected to be finished by April. More about the museum can be found here.
New York Post does the road December 8, 2009
Posted by Ron Warnick in Restaurants, Road trips.add a comment
David Landsel is blogging from Route 66 for the New York Post. He’s made it from Chicago to St. Louis, and seems to be having a good time so far …
Sunday night, driving across the prairie south from Chicago in the pitch dark, it must be said that I was having second thoughts.
Then came Springfield which, if you haven’t visited, you really should — the Lincoln sites, museum and presidential library make for a fascinating day. Even if all that stuff bores you, the Route 66 sites are cool too — lunch at the Cozy Dog Drive In , for example, is worth the trip. Who doesn’t like corn dogs, with a side of chili and nacho cheese?
Of course, save room for St. Louis, just an hour and a half down the road. Even if you don’t fancy a pizza topped with Provel cheese, you’re going to absolutely flip for the concretes at Ted Drewes’s custard stand, the legendary Route 66 stop that inspired Danny Meyer‘s Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. The worst part about driving through St. Louis: You can only handle so much Ted Drewes’s custard in a 24-hour window.
He must be on a hefty expense-budget account, though. He’s staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis.