A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times (via AOL) published a lengthy story about how the son of the late Albert Okura, owner of the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, is trying to keep that dream alive. The story by Alex Wigglesworth is worth reading in its entirety. But a few nuggets stand … Continue reading Albert Okura’s son tries to keep his father’s dream alive at Amboy
The Threatt Filling Station and family farm near Luther, Oklahoma, made it onto the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual list of 11 of America’s most endangered historic places. The properties are threatened by deterioration, climate change, or inappropriate development. The good news is in the 34 years the National Trust has compiled the lists, … Continue reading Threatt Filling Station makes America’s Most Endangered Historic Places list
An early morning fire Friday gutted the kitchen of the Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon, a favorite watering hole for motorcyclists and Route 66 travelers going through Oro Grande, California. According to the Victorville Daily Press: The blaze erupted at the shuttered saloon, located at 20848 National Trails Highway, at 5:39 a.m. Friday. It spread … Continue reading Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande
A Volkswagen minibus perennially parked in front of the Cross Eyed Cow Pizza restaurant in Oro Grande, California, was stolen, and the owner has offered a reward for its return. According to the Victor Valley News: If you’ve ever traveled along Route 66 through the town of Oro Grande you’ve likely seen the infamous Cross Eyed Cow pizza … Continue reading Cross Eyed Cow minibus stolen
The readers have spoken. We now know the top 10 icons of Route 66. About a month ago, we launched an online poll via PollDaddy.com to find out from readers what they considered to be Route 66’s top 10 icons. The criteria were the icon must be a specific place on or near Route 66 and be … Continue reading The top 10 icons of Route 66 are …
Will County, Illinois, near Chicago, is about to take the next steps in transforming Illinois Highway 53 into more of an attraction for Route 66 tourists, reported Shaw Media. The 20-mile stretch of Illinois 53 runs from about Interstate 80 in Joliet to Braidwood. Larazza said more than 30 businesses and other stakeholders involved in … Continue reading Illinois county taking next steps for establishing Route 66 corridor
Debra Hodkin, who runs the Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, Calif., gave the Route 66 yahoogroup some bad news yesterday: Greystone Cafe at 31317 E. Main in Barstow, CA, is being torn down. This is a section of Route 66 where the road runs parallel with the freeway near the Marine Base. … Continue reading Historic Barstow cafe torn down
The Sycamore Inn restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., predates Route 66. But it doesn’t predate the Mother Road by a few years, but by more than 150, according to this well-researched article from The Press-Enterprise. The local Indians met at this spot where large sycamore, cottonwood and willow trees grew. In March 1774, Spanish explorer … Continue reading The history of the Sycamore Inn
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Route 66 city of St. Louis as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, it was announced this week. Such destinations “offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment … Continue reading Notes from the road
