Here's a video shot in 2009 by Channeling Media when it was pitching Dawn Welch and her Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., for a possible Food Network show. It was about a year after the historic Route 66 restaurant was gutted by a fire and rebuilt. The cable channel passed on the idea, but Welch … Continue reading The Rock Cafe, circa 2009
Category: Books
Wildfires destroy remnants of Beacon Hill Motel near Rolla
Brush fires Wednesday west of Rolla, Mo., destroyed what was left of the long-closed Beacon Hill Motel that operated on old Route 66, reported The Rolla Daily News. The newspaper reported: A handful of homes were threatened by the fire in the later stages of the battle, but firefighters were able to save them all. … Continue reading Wildfires destroy remnants of Beacon Hill Motel near Rolla
“Route 66 Sightings” nominated for state book award
"Route 66 Sightings," the photography book about the Mother Road assembled and designed by Jim Ross, Shellee Graham, and Jerry McClanahan, has become a finalist for the 2012 Oklahoma Book Awards in the illustration and design category, according to the Tulsa World. Nominees must have an Oklahoma theme, or be produced by current or former … Continue reading “Route 66 Sightings” nominated for state book award
“John Steinbeck: Voice of America”
If you have some time to kill, I highly recommend you watch this well-produced and thought-provoking one-hour segment by the BBC. The program deals with the life of John Steinbeck, author of "The Grapes of Wrath." Naturally, it's got plenty of Route 66-related content. https://youtu.be/xDL5T8IuMvw
Queen of the Southwest
KBAQ radio in Phoenix has been broadcasting a series titled "Hearing the Century: Voices of Arizona's Arts Past and Present" during the state's centennial. A recent broadcast focused on early 20th-century architect Mary Colter, widely recognized as one of the greatest of the Southwest. A longtime architect and designer for the Fred Harvey Company, Colter's … Continue reading Queen of the Southwest
Kickstarter campaign begun for U.S. 40 book
Frank Brusca, a longtime researcher of U.S. 40, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help finish a book about the historic highway he's been working on for decades. This is a little off-topic, but Route 66 fans often are fans of other historic highways, including U.S. 40, aka the National Road. Brusca also has inspired … Continue reading Kickstarter campaign begun for U.S. 40 book
Book review: “A Route 66 Companion”
Roadies leafing through David King Dunaway's "A Route 66 Companion" (University of Texas Press, soft cover, 162 pages) may get a jolt of bittersweet nostalgia. That's because the pages are sprinkled with intricate pen-and-ink drawings of Bob Waldmire, the beloved Route 66 artist and roving hippie who died of cancer in late 2009. Waldmire's artwork … Continue reading Book review: “A Route 66 Companion”
A plug for Route 66’s best guidebook
Dan Rice, owner of the 66-to-Cali souvenir store on the Santa Monica Pier, explains his endorsement of Jerry McClanahan's "EZ66 Guide for Travelers" guidebook of Route 66. https://youtu.be/BHQomCqypgU It's an important to note that McClanahan maintains a Web page that contains regular updates to the guidebook. It's recommended that you consult that page before heading … Continue reading A plug for Route 66’s best guidebook
The Motels of Route 66 project will spawn a book and film
Simon Cantlon, an Emmy-nominated producer of digital media for the entertainment industry, has launched The Motels of Route 66 project that will spawn a documentary film and a book. Cantlon created this video that explains his project: https://youtu.be/YoezV5IWF90 According to his website: The Motels of Route 66 project will capture the spirit of these motels, … Continue reading The Motels of Route 66 project will spawn a book and film
Book review: “Polaroid Photos from Route 66”
Polaroid photography was immensely popular decades ago, but corporation that made it eventually stopped its production as its use faded. But a small but enthusiastic group continues to keep the original Polaroid format alive because of its unique look and unpredictable qualities. If that description seems to match the boom, bust, and small revival of … Continue reading Book review: “Polaroid Photos from Route 66”