Oklahoma Route 66 Association replacing “Roadside Attraction” signs in state

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association a few days ago announced it is replacing about a dozen "Roadside Attraction" signs erected by Hampton Inn at Route 66 sites across the state nearly 20 years ago. The association stated in a news release it was identifying the location, the sign's status and whether descriptive text needs to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association replacing “Roadside Attraction” signs in state

‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts

Longtime Route 66 enthusiast Jim Conkle is scheduling a so-called "archaeological dig" at a barn in Rochester, Illinois, to find artifacts that belonged to late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. The barn belongs to Buz Waldmire, Bob's brother. Bob also spent time there off and on during his lifetime, and he died there in 2009 … Continue reading ‘Archaeological dig’ scheduled in Illinois barn to find Bob Waldmire artifacts

Veterans memorial trees planned on Route 66 in Barstow, other areas

A Route 66 enthusiast, with the help of a gardening group, plan to plant 3,200 trees along Route 66 to honor veterans, including more than 100 along the Mother Road in Barstow, California. The Desert Dispatch newspaper in Barstow had some of the details: Together with the Incredible Edible Community Garden (IEGC) organization, Conkle is … Continue reading Veterans memorial trees planned on Route 66 in Barstow, other areas

Interior Secretary recommends Mojave Trails National Monument be preserved

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said Thursday he's recommending none of the 27 national monuments -- including Mojave Trails National Monument in California -- under review by the Trump administration be eliminated. Although the elimination of the Mojave Trails appears to be off the table, Zinke may recommend other changes for it and … Continue reading Interior Secretary recommends Mojave Trails National Monument be preserved

An interview with Jim Conkle

Those who ever have spent any time with longtime Route 66 aficionado Jim Conkle will recognize many of the things he says about the Mother Road in this interview. The 25-minute interview was done by host Joan Rudder-Ward on the "Silver Sage" program, a weekly 30-minute cable-television show geared towards the age-50-and-older crowd. It's a … Continue reading An interview with Jim Conkle

Trip to lobby for Mojave Trails National Park finishes tonight

Jim Conkle's 26-day van trip to lobby for the designation of the Mother Road-Mojave Trails National Monument finishes tonight with a show at the Santa Monica Pier, according to an article in the Victorville Daily Press. The designation was proposed by a U.S. senator, but the legislation has been stuck in Congress for years. Conkle … Continue reading Trip to lobby for Mojave Trails National Park finishes tonight

Revival of Route 66 Pulse newspaper planned

The long-dormant Route 66 Pulse newspaper will be revived in digital form soon, then in print later this summer, publisher Jim Conkle said in an email Friday. Part of the email from Conkle at jimconkle(at)live.com: We are looking for stories, photos and news worthy events to share with our readers. Of course we are also … Continue reading Revival of Route 66 Pulse newspaper planned