Time is a bit tight this morning but there are a number of items that I wanted to share. Lets start with a great new book from Joe Sonderman and Arcadia Publishing.
This book, Route 66 In New Mexicohttp://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0738580295&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr, another in the “Images of America” series, is more time capsule than book. For 127 pages, Mr. Sonderman immerses you into the story of life on Route 66 in the Land of Enchantment with rare post cards and historic photos.
You do not have to be a fan of the old double six to appreciate this book. You merely have to have an interest in America as it was in the pre generic era.
Item two pertains to the continuing work on my next book, Ghost Towns of Route 66, and a few interesting discoveries.
In Tecolote in New Mexico, the designation of U.S. 66 in 1926 is modern history. In 1846, during the Mexican-American War, General Kearney stood in the plaza that fronts the pre 1937 alignment of Route 66, and proclaimed the citizens were no longer under Mexican sovereignty and that Governor Manuael Armijo had been removed from office.
San Jose is even older. This towns founding dates to the issuance of a land grant by Governor Don Fernando Chacon in 1794.
Another fascinating ghost town on the pre 1937 alignment of Route 66 in New Mexico is Romeroville. The namesake for this fogotten little village was Don Trinidad Romero, owner of freight company that ran goods from Kansas City to Santa Fe as well as a U.S. marshall, territorial represntative to the U.S. Congress, and probate judge.
Before his home in Romeroville was converted to an assylum and burned in the 1920s it was a centerpiece for the social life in northeastern New Mexico. The guest list included President Hayes and his wife, President Grant and his wife, and General Sherman.
The next items of note pertain to exciting things happening on Route 66. Last but not least are some news items from the Lincoln Highway.
What do you do with an outdated old mall? Well, in Amarillo a few artistic minded residents transformed one into a collection of art galleries. You can check out the results here.
What makes this of particular interest to us is that “Croc” Lile, an institution on Route 66 and an artist of some renown, has added our limited editon prints to his gallery. Needless to say, the Sunset Gallery rates high on our list of stops for the proposed Route 66 tour in May.
For inspiration this morning we turn to Jeff Burton. He has decided to make the trip from his home in California to the class reunion in Stroud, Oklahoma, via Route 66, by bicycle. The kicker is this will be his 50th class reunion! You can follow his epic adventure here.
Now, some news from the Lincoln Highway. We start with the upcoming Lincoln Highway convention.
Next, we have some great California tours coming up. Nebraska also has some interesting things on the calendar.
In the morning Ihope to have full details of the exciting events being planned for May here in Kingman. For fans of the old double six it will be one fort he history books!
