Episodi

  • Phil Gordon has a unique hobby related to Route 66. As an engineer, he’s very careful not to let even his closest acquaintances know that he is passionate about collecting historic Route 66 matchcovers. With a collection beyond 5000 matchcovers, Phil has painstakingly scanned and uploaded his collection online to share with the world and Route 66 fans.

    Join The Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he talks with Phil about one of the most unusual hobbies as a phillumenist. Highlights include:

    Matchbook versus matchcover Collecting

    Does the absence of matches in a matchcover collection diminish the value?

    Earliest history of matches and matchbook advertising

    Most popular configurations of matchbooks

    Philuminist by definition

    Transition from collecting postcards to match covers

    The original 10 matchcovers in Phil's collection

    The most coveted Route 66 matchcover: Peach Springs Garage

    What do people think of someone who has collected over 5,000 matchcovers?

    Developing an organized system for collecting and cataloging Route 66 matchcovers

    Motels and lodgings

    Cafes and restaurants

    Gas stations

    Trading Posts Full length matchcovers designs

    Background knowledge needed for collecting matchcovers

    Ebay scammers selling matchcovers

    Current demand for matchbooks

    Rear striker versus front striker matchbooks design changes (1973)

    Back striker safety versus rear striker

    Discovering unknown Route 66 history through match cover collecting

    The ultimate Route 66 matchcover that Phil has spent 20+ years searching for

    Scherer's (estimated value $50)

    The holy grail of matccovers outside of Route 66: Charles Lindbergh (estimated value several thousand)

    The very first advertising: hand written matcbook covers

    First commercial matchbook ever printed

    Initial interest in posting matchovers online: Whiting brothers

    Sharing matchcovers online with the whole world

    Step by step process for uploading matchcovers

    Popularity of matchbooks today with the decline of smoking

    National organization of matchcover collectors




    The Route 66 Matchcover Collector - Search wide variety of Route 66 establishments for matchcovers

    Phil’s Route 66 Website: Personal website containing both postcards and matchcovers

  • The Devil's Rope (Barbed Wire) Museum along Route 66 in Mclean, TX, is probably one of the most unusual museums along The Mother Road.

    Join host Anthony Arno, as he talks with 90 year old curator Delbert Trew all about his museum and collection of over 800 different types of barbed wire. Cited as one of the most important inventions during the Industrial Revolution, the museum features anything and everything related to barbed wire, including art, tools, medicines, books, and use during warfare.

    There are many interesting museums along Route 66, but perhaps one of the most interesting is the Devil’s Rope Museum with its collection of over 800 examples of barbed wire.

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Delbert Trew, the 90 year old curator of the Devil’s Rope Museum in McLean, TX. Highlights from the show include:

    Why visit a barbed wire museum?

    McClean’s “other” fame to claim- Alfred Rowe

    McClean’s Mayor Passenger # XXX on the Titanic

    McLain’s once popular Brassiere Factory

    History of the American cowboy

    What problem does barbed wire solve?

    Origin of Devil’s Rope name for barbed wire

    Barbed Wire- Rancher or Farmer’s best friend?

    The most popular wire all visitors must see!

    Barbed Wire: Tools, Medicine, Books, Art, Poetry, Wartime

    Barbed Wire in song

    Modern versions of Barbed Wire

    Delbert’s initial interest in Barbed Wire

    Books published by Delbert on Ranching, Barbed Wire, and other interests

    Devil’s Rope Museum featuring Route 66 memorabilia

    Visiting Devil’s Rope Museum

    Other Route 66 attractions in McLean, TX

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  • The Route 66 Podcast pays a special tribute to Ramona Lehman, who passed away on August 2, 2023, at the age of 85 years old.

    This episode was originally released in 2021 as Ramona celebrated her 50th year operating the Munger Moss Motel.

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Ramona about

    How does an Iowa farm girl wind up on Route 66? Honeymooning along Route 66 Early history of The Munger Moss Motel Origin of the Munger Moss Name Remembering her late husband, Bob Lehman Helping businesses along Route 66 get established The early days when Ramona arrived at The Munger Moss Discovering garages that were once part of the motel Ramona’s room recommendation at The Munger Moss Long term residents at The Munger Moss The Munger Moss: To sell or not to sell? Will the children carry on the Munger Moss tradition? The world famous Munger Moss Neon sign Celebrating 50 years at The Munger Moss Most memorable guests to walk through the door Meeting the original owner many years later – Emmitt Moss Maintaining the Munger Moss sign Constant flow of picture takers along Route 66 Most popular Munger Moss items for sale in the lobby Bob Lehman’s prized toy collection The biggest challenge in 50 years at The Munger Moss The very first in-ground pool in Lebanon, Missouri arrives at The Munger Moss Ramona’s last vacation Preserving Route 66 for future generations Is Ramona as famous locally as she is with Route 66 travelers? Ramona’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren visiting at The Munger Moss Sales pitch for The Munger Moss 2021 Next item on Ramona’s Bucket list A Ramona Lehman Revelation: Where hasn’t she been along Route 66? (The answer WILL surprise you!) Long Live Route 66
  • The Rancho Cucamonga Service Station in California opened for business in 1915, eleven years before the birth of Route 66. The station itself was established prior to the westward migration of travelers and automobiles, but did play an important role in supporting the citrus growers in the region with much needed fuel to support heaters throughout the orchids.

    Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno, as he talks with Anthony Gonzales, President of the Inland Empire California (IECA) and how the local community worked together to restore the only period service station along Route 66 in California.

    Highlights from. the show include:

    Origin of Rancho Cucamonga name

    Early history of Service Station before Route 66 and automobiles

    Architect John Klusman and other popular buildings in the area

    Building design

    The popularity of Ridgefield Oil Company to later become part of ARCO

    Origin of Ridgefield sign atop of service station

    From peak years to eventual demise

    How a billboard company (Lamar Advertising) agrees to support a Route 66 interest with just one condition

    IECA established to preserve the station

    How Anthony Gonzales became interested

    Unexpected surprises upon turning the key to an abandoned gas station

    Service station artifacts and future plans

    Impressive awards as a result of the restoration progress

    Annual Car Show

    Other area attractions along Route 66

  • Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he talks with Sam Murray, the person behind Gilligan's Route 66 Tours. Gilligan's specializes in providing international tourists a first-class 23 day experience along Route 66, including driving in convertible Ford Mustang's and stays at some of the most iconic Route 66 motels.

    Features include Sam Murray talking about

    Growing up in New Zealand and his earliest road trips First trip to the US as a youngster Buying an RV and touring Route 66 Origin of Gilligan name for tour company Life as a MX Rally Racer Gilligan's Route 66 Tours Overview Logistics of a typical tour
  • The Joliet Prison, in Joliet IL, is one of the oldest prisons in the United States that housed both criminals and enemies from the Civil War. Popularized by the popular movie, The Blues Brothers, the Joliet Prison permanently closed in 2002 and began drawing national attention about the possibility of being operated as a tourist destination along Route 66.

    Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he talks with Greg Peerbolte, Chief Executive Officer of the Old Joliet Prison Historic Site. Together, they talk about the entire 144 year operational history of the prison, including the on the following topics:

    Early history and construction during the Civil War William Boyington - noted Chicago architect Daily life at Joliet Prison Special holidays at Joliet Prison Joliet Prison as a manufacturing center Popular wardens at Joliet Prison Did Chicken Joe Campbell really murder the warden's wife? Ida B. Wells, Civil Rights advocate and founder of the NAACP, visits Joliet in support for Campbell's fair trial Notorious inmates at Joliet through the years 1 year sentence at Joliet for stealing the body of President Lincoln Prison tourism Attempted escapes at Joliet The most unusual inmate who tried to break into Joliet Turning the ruins of Joliet into art The Blues Brothers at Joliet Female inmates
  • The latest episode features the release of the book, ABC, What Do You See? Rolling Along Route 66 with author Annette Murray and illustrator Joyce Cole.

    Don't mistake this book as a simple picture book for pre-schoolers! ABC, What Do You See? Rolling Along Route 66 is full of whimsical illustrations and lyrical language, having true appeal for both young and old fans of Route 66. The book is educational, introducing readers to geography, art, architecture, weather, wildlife and many other wonders waiting to be discovered on the 2,448-mile highway.

    Highlights include:

    Earliest memory of Route 66 Joyce's role with the Route 66 Passport Annette's teaching career and early love of reading Origin of ABC, What Do You See? Rolling Along Route 66 and how the author and illustrator met Annette reads from her favorite page Joyce shares her favorite illustrations The planning phase during a worldwide pandemic Writing a Children's book versus and Adult book Writing Challenges in relating Route 66 in ABC order instead of traveling from Chicago to Santa Monica The challenging letters along Route 66: Q, X, and Z Are there any stops in the book that would be new for the typical Route 66 fan? Settling on a cover image for ABC Book Sequence of book drafts before being finalized for printing The book publishing process When Annette and Joyce met for the very first time Promotional game plan for ABC Book Book publishing challenges and rewards Annette's family connection to Tulsa Mayor Visiting Route 66 Visitors Museum & Gift Shop in Pontiac

    Website: authorannettemurray.com

  • A 3-part interview, featuring the popular U-Drop Inn (Conoco Tower Station), a 1936 service station and café constructed in 1936 with a very unique art deco style for the Texas panhandle region. The architectural style of the U-Drop Inn would later serve as an inspiration for Romone’s automotive body and paint shop in the animated Cars movie.

    Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he speaks with Crystal Hermesmeyer (Shamrock EDC Director), 87 year old Hazel Jannsen (U-Drop Inn ambassador), and Baldo de Leon (U-Drop Inn café entrepreneur).

    Featured highlights:

    Crystal Hermesmeyer (Shamrock EDC Director)

    Early history of Shamrock, TX Local attractions: Blarney Stone, Water Tower, US Hwy 83 U-Drop Inn name origin Newspaper Account: Name selected for Highway Cafe Architectural style of U-Drop Inn Newspaper Account: Much Praise to Shamrock Architect Pixar visits U-drop Inn and inspires Cars movie Local appreciation of the U-Drop Inn Chamber Office resources for Route 66 traveler

    Hazel Jannsen (U-Drop Inn Ambassador)

    What has made Hazel so popular with Route 66 travelers? Earliest memory of Route 66 Origin of Huggin’ Hazel nickname Professional career – reflecting back U-Drop Inn hires Hazel as an ambassador What is so special about U-Drop Inn? Shamrock Information Center at the U-Drop Inn A typical day at the U-Drop Inn for Hazel What’s next on Hazel’s bucket list?

    Newspaper Account: U-Drop Inn to Offer Public Finest in Foods and 24 hour Service

    Baldo de Leon (U-Drop Inn café entrepreneur)

    Moving to Shamrock as a child and parents opening a local restaurant Full circle moment: Parents passed on U-Drop Inn Café opportunity 25 years earlier Early history of Café and Elvis association Newspaper Account: That’s an Awful lot of Coffee, Mr. Nunn Café Inventory upon arrival First walk through behind the counter and kitchen area Updating the café menu The infamous Elvis Booth and San Dollar Motel on ‘66 Earliest conversations about revitalizing the café and ideas Opening Day memories Most popular item on the menu You don’t know what you don’t know in operation the café Understanding the Route 66 community Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters! MidPoint Cafe, Adrian, TX – Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Joseph City, AZ – Probably one of the most iconic curio shops along Route 66, the famous Here It Is billboard and fiberglass jackrabbit in front of the store is reason enough to stop…. and say hello to Cindy and Antonio. Jeff Buschell, Illinois Reed Coles – Nebraska Jim Crabtree – California Route 66 author and photographer – Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson – Washington Rich Havlik – Minnesota Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Brian Sawyer – Indiana Evan Stern – New York

    United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    The Netherlands

    Jim Rensen

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon.

  • Our latest episode features a talk with the Route 66 Podcast Scholarship winners! A very special thanks to everyone who participated including the Patreon members, those who helped promote the program, and applicants who submitted entries.

    At the middle school level, the winning entry was submitted by a former virtual student of mine, Kiera. Kiera's design (pictured above) includes the outline of a shield containing four Route 66 related images inside. Kiera says that she spent few weeks working on the shield and her first step was listening to past episodes of the podcast for ideas. It was during her research Kiera discovered the Wigwam Motel completely on her own, as the podcast has not yet featured the iconic motel on the show.


    At the college level, Deanna DeValve was selected to receive a $1000 college scholarship. Deanna is from Catoosa, Oklahoma, which is home of the Blue Whale along Route 66. In addition to attending Oral Roberts University Deanna works part time at the Route 66 Native Arts Alliance in Catoosa. Deanna submitted an original song, Remember, and was able to connect her Cherokee heritage in music and words with the verse below:
    My native blood calls out to me
    Don't forget your history
    I listen to the beckoning And follow where she takes me


    REMEMBER
    Other submissions include original and digital artwork, a radio broadcast featuring an interview with Bob "Crocodile" LIle, and an introduction of Missouri Route 66 using American Sign Language (ASL). The scholarship program began in 2020 and this past year was extended to include an award at the college level. While the submissions were very diverse, it is my hope that even more students will submit an entry for the 2022 - 2023 academic year once the program opens up.
    The overall goal of the scholarship program is to promote the spirit of Route 66 with a younger generation of students who were born long after the highway was decommissioned. I want to thank everyone who helped promote the scholarship program, including many of the local school districts and colleges along the route. PATREON SUPPORTERS
    As always, thank you to my Patreon supporters who are the ones providing support for the scholarship program. Patreon supporters for The Route 66 Podcast include: MidPoint Cafe Adrian, TX – Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Jack Rabbit Trading Post Joseph City, AZ – Probably one of the most iconic curio shops along Route 66, the famous Here It Is billboard and fiberglass jackrabbit in front of the store is reason enough to stop…. and say hello to Cindy and Antonio. Jeff Buechel - Illinois Reed Cole - Nebraska Jim Crabtree – California Route 66 author and photographer – Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson – Washington Rich Havlik – Minnesota Maureen Holt - Arizona Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Evan Stern - New York

    United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    The Netherlands

    Jim Rensen

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon. Patreon members at the Will Rogers level received a 2022 Route 66 wall calendar.

  • There are a few documentaries featuring Route 66, and two of the most popular ones were produced by Katrina Parks. Parks produced The Harvey Girls: Opportunity Bound in 2014 and her latest release features Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on The Mother Road.

    Join Anthony Arno as he talks with Parks about her career as a documentary filmmaker, from her first project as a college student to her upcoming projects.

    Developing an interest in storytelling

    How a college assignment led Katrina into filming her first documentary, Wrappings

    Wrappings wins an award through the United Nations

    Documentary vs. typical Hollywood movies

    Early work with History Channel

    A Summer in Vietnam

    Importance of Research

    Use of actors in documentaries

    Past and Future Podcasting Projects

    Route 66 Documentaries: Fred Harvey & Women of The Mother Road

    Behind the scenes in preparing a documentary

    The "Katrina Parks" rule in producing documentaries

    Recollecting Katrina's first exposure to Route 66

    What comes first: Website or Documentary?

    Women of The Mother Road themes:

    Archeology & Anthropology

    Boosters & Travelers

    Creatives

    Entrepreneurs

    Family & Business

    Politicians

    Waitresses & School Teachers

    Wartime

    Website: Route 66 Women

    Website: Route 66 Women Facebook Page

    Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters!

    MidPoint Cafe, Adrian, TX - Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan's Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Joseph City, AZ - Probably one of the most iconic curio shops along Route 66, the famous Here It Is billboard and fiberglass jackrabbit in front of the store is reason enough to stop.... and say hello to Cindy and Antonio. Jeff Buschell, Illinois Jim Crabtree - California Route 66 author and photographer - Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson - Washington Rich Havlik - Minnesota Mary Nicholson - Pennsylvania Brian Sawyer - Indiana Evan Stern - New York

    United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    The Netherlands

    Jim Rensen

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon.

  • In 1967 American entrepreneur and land developer Robert McCulloch proposed purchasing the 136 year old London Bridge on the River Thames from the city of London as a publicity stunt. His goal was to attract potential land buyers to this remote region that today has a population of 50,000 residents and a wide range of recreational water activities. Many people thought McCulloch was a bit of an oddball to spend almost $10 million to purchase and reconstruct the historical bridge10,000 miles away from its original construction site, but his hunch paid off. The London Bridge is the second largest tourist attraction in Arizona, after the Grand Canyon, and not too far from Route 66.

    Robert McCulloch

    The episode features a talk with both McCulloch's grandson and a leading Lake Havasu tour guide, providing insight into the wisdom of McCulloch who earned an Engineering degree from Princeton University and was a millionaire by the age of 30. While the Lake Havasu London Bridge stood over the River Thames for 130 years, earlier versions of the bridge date back to Roman times and one iteration housed several hundred residents and featured a display of beheaded criminals to at the tollgates.

  • Ramona Lehman is just as iconic as The Munger Moss Motel and recently celebrated 50 years as the owner and operator of this Missouri Route 66 must see stop along The Mother Road.

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Ramona about

    How does an Iowa farm girl wind up on Route 66? Honeymooning along Route 66 Early history of The Munger Moss Motel Origin of the Munger Moss Name Remembering her late husband, Bob Lehman Helping businesses along Route 66 get established The early days when Ramona arrived at The Munger Moss Discovering garages that were once part of the motel Ramona’s room recommendation at The Munger Moss Long term residents at The Munger Moss The Munger Moss: To sell or not to sell? Will the children carry on the Munger Moss tradition? The world famous Munger Moss Neon sign Celebrating 50 years at The Munger Moss Most memorable guests to walk through the door Meeting the original owner many years later – Emmitt Moss Maintaining the Munger Moss sign Constant flow of picture takers along Route 66 Most popular Munger Moss items for sale in the lobby Bob Lehman’s prized toy collection The biggest challenge in 50 years at The Munger Moss The very first in-ground pool in Lebanon, Missouri arrives at The Munger Moss Ramona’s last vacation Preserving Route 66 for future generations Is Ramona as famous locally as she is with Route 66 travelers? Ramona’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren visiting at The Munger Moss Sales pitch for The Munger Moss 2021 Next item on Ramona’s Bucket list A Ramona Lehman Revelation: Where hasn’t she been along Route 66? (The answer WILL surprise you!) Long Live Route 66

    LINKS

    Article: Ramona celebrates 50 years on Route 66 (2021)

    Article: Bob and Ramona celebrate 45 years on Route 66 (2016)

    Website: Munger Moss Motel

    Facebook Page: Munger Moss Motel

    Video: Munger Moss featured on KYW News (2019)

    Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters! MidPoint Cafe, Adrian, TX – Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Joseph City, AZ – Probably one of the most iconic curio shops along Route 66, the famous Here It Is billboard and fiberglass jackrabbit in front of the store is reason enough to stop…. and say hello to Cindy and Antonio. Jon B – Rhode Island Mary Beth Busutil – Florida Jim Crabtree – California Mike Fort Route 66 author and photographer – Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson – Washington Rich Havlik – Minnesota Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Wendy Raschke – Texas Brian Sawyer – Indiana Evan Stern – New York

    United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    The Netherlands

    Jim Rensen

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon. Patreon members receive access to an additional 10 minutes of this episode, featuring the following content:

    Long term residents and restrictions staying at The Munger Moss Joining the Rotary Club and Ramona’s lucky streak Ramona takes up cactus growing Has the average guest heard of The Munger Moss? Norwegian Route 66 Members must travel the route in person to join their Association
  • During the early days of WWII, the Route 66 community of Miami welcomed over 2000 British Cadets as part of a training program to prepare pilots for combat over their homeland of England.

    While most of these young cadets returned home to intense fighting and a country already ravaged by war, there were a few that never made it back home to their native soil. They were tragically killed while training in the states and have been forever laid to rest along Route 66 in the community of Miami, Oklahoma.

    Laying these young men to rest on foreign soil attracted the attention of a local, Francis Mae Hill, who would over the next 40 years provide both flowers and prayers for these young men. Mrs. Hill knew the family members would not be able to visit their loved ones, so she voluntarily tended to their graves and promised family members back home that they would not be forgotten. She often considered the young men her boys, and her last wish was to be buried alongside her boys. King George VI would later award Mrs. Hill The King's Award for Service.

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Nancy Bro, office manager at the GAR Cemetery in Miami, OK, about the life of these cadets and other notables buried in Miami. Highlights of the conversation include:

    SHOW NOTES

    Origin and network of GAR Cemeteries Cemetery Tourism as an upcoming industry The US agrees to a proposed program to train British in the US The Spartan Flying School Keeping the operation top secret in the early days A sudden influx of British men with funny accents gathering in Miami- what’s going on? How a Route 66 community welcomes 2000 men with open arms British adjusting to American life while the war is raging back home The final count laid to rest: 15 Cadets and a local woman Kenneth Raisbeck: recreating the final flight of for the 70 year old son who he never met Annual Remembrance Ceremonies at GAR Origin of fatal accidents Col Gale Halverson The Candy Bomber Frantie "Francis" Mae Hill Mother of the boys buried in Oklahoma Why should we care for British soldiers laid to rest in the US? Honoring the British war dead in the states - justification and reasoning Everlasting relationships cadets formed with locals Local museums honoring the RAF cadets Dobson Museum NE OK College, Oklahoma Other notables buried at GAR Cemetery Richard Kelton George Coleman Elvin and Lovell Mantle John Beaver Atha Cardin Charles Banks Wilson William Campbell Booger Red

    LINKS

    Website: GAR Cemetery, Miami, OK

    Dobson Museum

    Raisbeck Story and Flight

    THE CANDY BOMBER: Colonel Gail “Hal” Halvorsen

    CHARLES BANKS WILSON: Documentary (Notable artist buried at GAR Cemetery)

    From the Ozarks and Beyond" Part 1

    From the Ozarks and Beyond" Part 2

    From the Ozarks and Beyond" Part 3

    From the Ozarks and Beyond" Part 4

    THE STEM CLASS PODCAST

    with Anthony Arno

    Dr. Frances Carter, a real life Rosie the Riveter

    Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters! MidPoint Cafe, Adrian, TX - Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan's Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Jon B - Rhode Island Mary Beth Busutil - Florida Jim Crabtree - California Mike Fort Route 66 author and photographer - Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson - Washington Rich Havlik - Minnesota Mary Nicholson - Pennsylvania Brian Sawyer - Indiana

    United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    The Netherlands

    Jim Rensen

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon. Patreon members receive access to an additional 10 minutes of this episode, featuring the following content:

    Miami City takes over GAR Cemetery Miami Municipal Airport Bugles across America Additional fatalities at other Spartan Flying School locations Logistics for visiting the GAR Cemetery Personal Background for Nancy Child Remembrance Ceremony
  • Just before the birth of Route 66, the single worst incident of racial violence in American history took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Within 24 hours, more than 35 square blocks in the Greenwood section of Tulsa were burned, causing 10,000 residents in one of the wealthiest black communities in America to instantly become homeless. Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Dr. Scott Ellsworth, a leading expert on the Tulsa Race Massacre.

    Topics include:

    Earliest knowledge of the Tulsa Race Massacre Urban legends and myths about the riots with stories about the 1921 riots Discovering a rare photograph that would spark an interest in further researching the riot A talk with a survivor who was 16 years at the time WD Williams provides a first hand account Origin of the Greenwood neighborhood Timeline of events beginning at the Drexel Building The Tulsa Tribune reports on the incident Lynch mob assembles outside the courthouse The one spark that caused the attack on Greenwood Race Riot or Race Massacre? Extreme lengths to cover up the events for years later The 3 remaining survivors today Search for mass graves Importance of President visiting Tulsa in 2021 to remember race riots Connecting with President Biden CBS News featuring Scott Ellsworth



    UM Website: Scott Ellsworth

    Article: How a Historian Helped Tulsa Confront the Horror of Its Past

    Tulsa Memorial Park: Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation

    Documentary: Blood on Black Wall Street (The Legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre)

    Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters! MidPoint Cafe, Adrian, TX - Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan's Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Jon B - Rhode Island Mary Beth Busutil - Florida Jim Crabtree - California Mike Fort Route 66 author and photographer - Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson - Washington Rich Havlik - Minnesota Mary Nicholson - Pennsylvania Brian Sawyer - Indiana

    United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    The Netherlands

    Jim Rensen

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon.

  • WINSLOW: Standin' on the Corner Park

    Popularized by the famous song, Take It Easy, one of the most famous street corners along Route 66 features a line from a popular song that was written by Jackson Browne. Today, Winslow, Arizona, contains a small park on a corner of Route 66 featuring both a mural and bronze statue. Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with both of the artists who have made the Winslow corner one of the most popular stops along Route 66.

    JOHN PUGH

    Early interest in art The art of Trompe-l'oeil (Trick the eye) Chico State Mural: Breaking through the Does an opitcal illusion always work Earliest memory of Route 66 The Winslow mural contest Basis of mural design competition 2004 fire Importance of research prior to planning a mural Life expectancy of murals What happens when a mural just ins't working? Murals that have really played trick on people Hermosa Beach mural honoring The Biltmore Hotel Era Bucket list items Standin on the Corner hints

    Website: Art of John Pugh


    RON ADAMSON

    Earliest interest in art Working at Montana lumber mills Making a living as an artist The Charlie Russell Art show entry sells for $1K Creating art Quick Draw First Bronze work: Indian bust Winslow calls for a statue Parameters for Winslow statue The final decision to award Ron the project A last minute adjustment to the prototype in front of the committee Earlier photograph of grandfather holding a guitar along Route 66 some 60 years earlier Does the statue represent anyone in particular? Constructing a homemade foundry to create the statue Last ditch efforts getting the statue to fit the foundation in Winslow Last minute setup in Winslow the day of the dedication ceremony Being an unknown artist with a really famous statue along Route 66 The day Don Henley showed up in Winslow Other work by Don Adamson Chain saw carving Earliest memories of Route 66

    Historic Photo of Ron's Grandfather along Route 66 with Guitar

    Website: Ron Adamson

    YouTube: Home Footage of statue being created

  • Dan Rice operates one of the most famous Route 66 souvenir shops along Route 66, located on The Santa Monica Pier. Dan is a past president of the California Route 66 Association and was instrumental in placing the famous End of the Trail sign on the Santa Monica Pier. This is the final episode in a 3 part series featuring The Beginning, The Middle, and The End of Route 66.

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Dan about:

    Earliest memory of Route 66 Background in Family Therapy Surviving a traumatic brain injury Selling American made Route 66 t-shirts Origin of End of the Trail sign Convincing Santa Monica Pier to erect a historical Route 66 sign Does Route 66 officially end on the Santa Monica Pier? Transitioning from a shop on wheels to a permanent shop on the Pier Early history of the Santa Monica Pier The 1939 Battle for Santa Monica Bay with mobster Tony Cornero Suggested sights for travelers arriving into Santa Monica Pier The Georgian Hotel Where is the original mobile vendor cart that Dan started his business with? The day Bobby Troup’s daughter Cindy stopped at the shop President of California Route 66 Association Traveling the road today Similarities between Route 66 and Dan’s life

    Website: 66 to Cali

    Facebook: 66 to Cali

    Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters! MidPoint Cafe, Adrian, TX – Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Jon B – Rhode Island Mary Beth Busutil – Florida Jim Crabtree – California Mike Fort Route 66 author and photographer – Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson – Washington Rich Havlik – Minnesota Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Brian Sawyer – Indiana

    And from the United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon. This episodes Patreon supporters will have access to an additional 25 minutes of conversation with Dan, including Dan discussing:

    First road trip on Route 66 Publishing End of the Trail, an autobiography featuring the recovery from a near fatal car crash Business lessons learned while driving around Los Angeles International News covers the placing of the famous Route 66 sign on the Pier Suggestions for famous Route 66 attractions in California Suggestion for nearby budget accommodations Original hints of Route 66 in Los Angeles and current resurgence taking place in LA Celebrity customers visiting the shop Memorable everyday people to visit the shop Potential business opportunities along Route 66 Details about the progression of the California Route 66 Association Other popular stops along Route 66 in California

    Congratulations to this months Patreon winner, Kristin Haackenson, from Washington, who has won a bag of Route 66 brand Santa Monica flavored snack mix.

  • This is the second part of a three part series, featuring the beginning, middle, and end of Route 66.

    Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno, as he talks with Brenda Bradley, owner of The Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, TX. Cited as the midway point between Chicago and Santa Monica, The Midpoint Cafe sign outside is probably one of the most popular signs along the route that travelers will stop to take a picture of during their journey along Route 66.

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Brenda about:

    Earliest memory of Route 66 Working as a waitress at The Midpoint Cafe and later purchasing the cafe One thing that Brenda wishes she knew before purchasing The Midpoint Cafe Welcome to Adrian, TX and nearby towns along Route 66 Early history of The Midpoint Cafe (Zellas’ 1928) References in Cars movie (V-8 Cafe) and previous owners Fran Houser, Dan Purschwitz Origin of Ugly Crust Pies Annual output of updated Ugly Crust Pies (Midpoint Ugly Pie) Most popular flavors of pie that Route 66 customers want The Midpoint Cafe Gift Shop and popular souvenir items A typical day at the cafe at the height of tourism season Most memorable visitors and repeat customers The moment of panic: when a tour bus pulls into the parking lot Seasonal Hours Most popular gift shop items that Route 66 travelers are purchasing The most popular sign outside the cafe window The lure of Route 66 Next on Brenda’s Bucket list

    Facebook: The Midpoint Cafe

    Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including

    BUSINESS LEVEL

    MidPoint Cafe, Adrian, TX – Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Mary Beth Busutil – Florida Jim Crabtree – California Mike Fort Route 66 author and photographer – Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson – Washington Rich Havlik – Minnesota Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Brian Sawyer – Indiana

    And from the United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program.

    Congratulations to this months Patreon winner, Mary Nicholson, from Pennsylvania, who has won a bag of Route 66 brand snack Sweet & Salty flavored snack mix.

  • BEGINNING OF ROUTE 66: Chicago with Windy City Road Warrior Dave Clark

    David Clark , operates Windy City Road Warrior and offers walking tours of Chicago along Route 66. The first in a 3 part series features everything you need to know about starting (or ending) a Route 66 tour in Chicago, IL.

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Dave about:

    Earliest memory of Route 66 Favorite spots along ’66 Importance of urban stretches along the road Early entry into tourism Where does the road begin in Chicago? Tracking down the official beginning point Is there an end sign in Chicago? Must See Stops in Chicago Restaurants : The Berghoff Lou Mitchells The Castle Gas Station Buckingham Fountain Logistics of starting a Route 66 tour in Chicago Authentic Route 66 Hotels in Chicago The W-Hotel (formerly The Midland Hotel) The Club Quarters Hotel JW Marriott (former bank building) Hyatt Hotel (former Cook County Hospital building) Getting Chicagoans to embrace The Mother Road Traveling original alignments of 66 as you leave Chicago Alternate highways in Chicago Planning your first stops along Route 66 after departing Chicago Wilmington (Gemini Giant) Joliet Dwight Pontiac Lincoln Springfield Windy City Road Warrior Tours Website Monthly Zoom meetings Walking tours Published books Traveling by train along Route 66 in Illinois Value of repeat customers Importance of Route 66

    WEBSITE: Windy City Road Warrior

    Facebook: Windy City Road Warrior

    Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including

    BUSINESS LEVEL

    Mid Point Cafe, Adrian, TX – Featuring both their Ugly Crust Pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Mary Beth Busutil – Florida Jim Crabtree – California Mike Fort Route 66 author and photographer – Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson – Washington Rich Havlik – Minnesota Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Brian Sawyer – Indiana

    And from the United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program. All supporters will receive an additional 15 minutes of conversation with David, where he talks about:

    Additional Chicago restaurants: Millers Pub Henry’s Drive In The best menu deals Additional Sites Castle Gas Station (Car Wash) Chicago Board of Trade Building Visiting non-Route 66 sites in Chicago Budget friendly Chicago Motels Ohio House Airport region hotels Early days of traveling and interest in Chicago Where are the vintage motels in Illinois? Past monthly Zoom Meetings featuring Route 66 Published book featuring Abraham Lincoln sites in Illinois Most interesting travelers along Route 66

    Congratulations to this months Patreon winner, Charli Beeton, from the United Kingdom, who has won a copy of The Road Crews Songs from The Mother Road CD. For next month, one lucky Patreon winner will win a bag of Route 66 Chicago Sweet & Salty flavored snack mix.

  • Bob Lile , otherwise known as “Croc” owns and operates Lile Art Gallery along 6th Avenue in historic Amarillo, Texas. He’s known for creating Cadilite jewelry using paint chips from the nearby Cadillac Ranch

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Croc about:

    His earliest memory of Route 66 Singing in the church choir (and Croc sings a verse for our listeners!) Lifelong scouting role Early interest in painting Life as a car salesman at the family Ford dealership Opening an art gallery later in life Discovering “Cadillte” art made from Cadillac Ranch paint chips Origin of “Croc” nickname Importance of Route 66

    Lile Art Gallery, Amarillo

    Facebook: Lile Art Gallery

    Article: Cadillac Ranch

    Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including

    BUSINESS LEVEL

    Mid Point Cafe, Adrian, TX – Featuring both their ugly crust pie and one of the most popular photo ops along Route 66, located exactly halfway between Chicago and Santa Monica in Adrian, Texas. Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast. Mary Beth Busutil – Florida Jim Crabtree – California Mike Fort Route 66 author and photographer – Shellee Graham and also my guest on Episode # 10 where she talks about her book, Tales from the Coral Court Motel. Kristin Haakenson – Washington Rich Havlik – Minnesota (Maureen Holt – Arizona) Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Brian Sawyer – Indiana

    And from the United Kingdom

    Charli Beeton

    Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program. All supporters will receive an additional 15 minutes of conversation with Croc, where he talks about:

    Additional childhood memories, WW II, and Route 66 Experience as a college student Learning art from the earliest masters and traveling around the world studying technique Early days of selling Route 66 ads for a pubnlication and the first art gallery Some of the most prized possessions at Lile Art gallery The most memorable tourist he ever led along Route 66 Other Amarillo attractions

    Congratulations to this months Patreon winner, Brian Sawyer from Indiana, who has won a Route 66 wall calendar. Congratulations Brian! For next month, one lucky Patreon winner will win a copy of The Road Crews Songs from The Mother Road CD. You can hear The Road Crew on Episode 14.

  • Roamin' Rich represents the latest generation of preservationists dedicated to promote and preserve Route 66. He is the president of the Missouri Route 66 Association, a key member in the Painted Desert Trading Post cooperative, and the person behind most of the shields you see painted on the roadway.

    Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Roamin' Rich about:

    His earliest memory of Route 66 The popular nickname Roamin' Rich His first act as a preservationaist Painting Route 66 shields on the road His largest shield ever placed to honor Gary Turner The infamous Chevy hood with Route 66 signatures The Missouri Route 66 Assocition Roamin' Rich and his YouTube channel The unknown fact about Route 66 Most cherished souvenier Painted Desert Trading Post, Gasconade Bridge, and other projects

    This extended version of The Route 66 Podcast is only available to Patreon members and also includes Rich talking in depth about:

    How he tried to honor Gary Turner with one of the largest Route 66 shields he ever painted in Paris Springs and why the Missouri DOT requested it be removed. Hear about the compromise they both agreed upon. Although it was "never his intention to become president," Rich talks about how the past president antagonized him one too many times and the final straw that caused him to run for president and overwhelmingly win the seat. You may be surprised at the grade he gives himself as president. His thoughts on the closing of the Eat-Rite Diner in St. Louis amidst a worldwide pandemic. What are some of the biggest challenges of operating a historic business along Route 66 in St. Louis?

    Thank you again to everyone who has supported both the podcast and scholarship program through Patreon. The 2020 - 2021 scholarship program is currently being rolled out and please encourage all students in grades K - college to apply. The college award will be $500.

    Congratulations to Patreon supporter Rich Havlik from Minnesota, who is the latest Patreon winner! Rich has won a Route 66 wall calendar.

    Roamin' Rich Links:

    Website: Roamin' Rich

    Website: Gary Turner (Gae Parita Service Station)

    Website: Missouri Route 66 Association

    FB Page: Painted Desert Trading Post

    FB Page: John's Modern Cabins

    FB Page: Eat-Rite Diner