Western Arizona paranormal group tries to land TV show

Route 66 Paranormal Investigators, which bases much of its activities along the Route 66 corridor in western Arizona, is working on a highlight reel to pitch to television networks for a series, according to the Kingman Daily Miner. Route 66 Paranormal Investigators has checked into the possibility of ghosts at the Powerhouse Visitors Center in … Continue reading Western Arizona paranormal group tries to land TV show

El Garces now open for tours

El Garces, the former Harvey House in Needles, California, now is open for guided tours after a long and expensive rehabilitation in recent years. A reader passed along a new flyer that advertises tours for $5 per person. All money goes toward maintenance of El Garces. One may schedule tours by calling 760-326-2344 and asking … Continue reading El Garces now open for tours

Three people try to make Route 66 more interesting

In recent days, newspapers have profiled three people hundreds of miles apart who are doing their part to try to dress up old stretches of Route 66. West of Needles, California, the Needles Desert Star reports Jim Nickel -- originally from Oregon -- has built several monuments to the branches of the U.S. military from … Continue reading Three people try to make Route 66 more interesting

Interactive map sorts 1935-1945 photos

Starting in 1935, photographers with the New Deal's Farm Security Administration began documenting life in the United States during the Great Depression and, later, World War II. More than 170,000 photos were taken, and a few of them became famous, including Dorothea Lange's now-iconic image of a migrant mother. Although the vast majority of images … Continue reading Interactive map sorts 1935-1945 photos

Severe storm damages Burger Hut in Needles

A severe storm that caused up to $5 million in damage to the Needles, California, included the historic Burger Hut restaurant along Route 66. The Needles Daily Star had a roundup about the Aug. 12 storm, including the Burger Hut: Ana Johnson, owner of The Burger Hut, said she was glad no one was hurt. … Continue reading Severe storm damages Burger Hut in Needles

El Garces reopens Saturday

The City of Needles, California, has planned an 11 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday for the remodeling and reopening of the long-closed El Garces intermodal transportation facility, reported the Mohave Valley Daily News. In addition to public speakers, the event at the former Harvey House will feature: A farmers market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. … Continue reading El Garces reopens Saturday

Ribbon-cutting set for El Garces on May 3

The long rehabilitation of El Garces in Needles, Calif., will be capped with a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 3, reported the Needles Desert Star. According to the newspaper, the city manager said renovations will finish by the end of this month, and the city will receive the keys to the property April 1. El Garces will … Continue reading Ribbon-cutting set for El Garces on May 3

El Garces may reopen as soon as March as a depot

The historic El Garces Hotel in Needles, Calif., may reopen as early as late March as an intermodal transportation facility -- but not as a hotel -- after a long rehabilitation, according to a recent report by the Needles Daily Star. According to the newspaper: Linda Kidd, city council woman and project committee member, said the hope … Continue reading El Garces may reopen as soon as March as a depot

La Posada owner may buy another Harvey House

Allan Affeldt, owner of the historic La Posada along Route 66 in Winslow, Ariz., posted this Facebook message today: In Las Vegas new mexico today to open escrow to buy the Castaneda - another long-neglected fred harvey hotel, one of the loveliest and most famous in the southwest. Now i have until 8 april to … Continue reading La Posada owner may buy another Harvey House

Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year

The Wagon Wheel Restaurant on Route 66 in Needles, Calif., marked its 35th anniversary on Aug. 1, according to the Needles Desert Star, although a restaurant has been on that site for longer than that. The restaurant used the day for various special meals and drinks to commemorate 35 years. Customers also could get added … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Needles marks 35th year