The historic Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., reputedly boasted film star Clark Gable as an overnight guest at least once during his periodic cross-country trips. It seemed this sighting always came secondhand, and I always wondered whether such a thing really happened or whether it was urban legend. But this recent article in the Carthage Press … Continue reading A legend that’s actually true
Month: November 2011
Coal conveyor will run next to Route 66
A 5.5-mile coal conveyor belt is nearly finished and soon will be operating next to Route 66 between Williamsville and Elkhart, Ill., reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. The newspaper reported: Arch Coal Co. of St. Louis is completing a $20 million project, begun two years ago, that includes a new portal for the Viper Mine near Williamsville … Continue reading Coal conveyor will run next to Route 66
Bicycle trail proposed from Springfield to Strafford
A bicycle and pedestrian trail is being proposed next to Route 66 from the eastern edge of Springfield, Mo., to the nearby community of Strafford, according to a document by the Ozark Transportation Organization's Journey 2035 long-range transportation plan. This video shows an image of Route 66 next to modern-day Strafford, which then melts into … Continue reading Bicycle trail proposed from Springfield to Strafford
Straight from the garage
Here's a 1965 version of Bobby Troup's most famous song, performed by The Bootjacks, based in Sweden. The song came from a 1960s garage-rock compilation called "Pebbles, Vol. 28." https://youtu.be/BRPxS9HT3ug You can hear the influence on The Cramps' later version of that song.
A word from our sponsor …
This Chevrolet spot is easily one of the best advertisements on television right now. https://youtu.be/HD8zAJIyWRA Of course, it helps immensely to have Ray Charles singing his now-classic version of "America the Beautiful."
Campbell Hotel promotional video
This is a new promotional video about the historic Campbell Hotel along Route 66 in Tulsa. It was expertly shot and edited by Brettley Ruggles. https://vimeo.com/32071900 Here's a report I wrote about the Campbell Hotel a few weeks ago. It's one of the best hotels on Route 66 right now.
And a word from our sponsor …
This is an ad for Carlsberg, a Dutch beermaker. From the hair styles, I'm guessing the ad is not new. https://youtu.be/K22c2KOJEh4 Music was produced by Candle Music, based in London.
Book review: “32 Minutes in May”
Like me, I suspect many will encounter mixed feelings while reading the first comprehensive book about the deadly tornado that ravaged Joplin, Mo., on May 22, 2011. But on further reflection, there are good reasons to buy "32 Minutes in May -- The Joplin Tornado" (142 pages, hardback, Pediment Publishing, $34.95) -- other than a portion … Continue reading Book review: “32 Minutes in May”
Monument dedicated at Sidewalk Highway site near Afton
A new Will Rogers Highway monument was dedicated Saturday afternoon at the site of the historic Sidewalk Highway of Route 66 near Afton, Okla. Laurel Kane of Afton Station reported this on her Ramblings of a Route 66 Business Owner blog: The weather cooperated (except for a strong wind that didn't really bother anyone except … Continue reading Monument dedicated at Sidewalk Highway site near Afton
“Route 66” sparks a love of jazz
Pianist Brigham Larson explains how his grandfather's vinyl records led him to a music-related career. One Bobby Troup song in particular inspired him: https://youtu.be/-qSZa5ylvvE