As the schedule is quite tight today, and possibly through the weekend, we have an abbreviated post today. When the dust clears I have a number of things to share and as a result may be a bit long winded. For those who know me, that should not come as much of a surprise.
First, a little something from the west coast. Historian and author Scott Piotrowski has been hosting a series of very interesting, or so I have been told, walking tours of Route 66 in Los Angeles County. In reading his blog, where you will find details about the walks, and his guide book to Route 66 in the metro area my curiosity has been aroused and we hope to take on of his tours soon.
Bob “Boze” Bell of True West magazine, and a fellow Kingmanite, posted some very nice words about the new book in his blog yesterday. Here is the link.
After reading this, and his lament about the lack of cafes in little towns, I sent him a note offering to drive if he would buy the pie. I know the individuality and charm of the small town cafe has largely been swept away by Subway, McDonalds, and Jack in the Box, but all along Route 66, the last bastion of mom and pop enterprise, they are thriving.
If you doubt my words I have three suggestions – Palms Grill Cafe in Atlanta, Illinois, Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois, and the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas. Of course I could add a few dozen others to this list such as Joe & Aggies in Holbrook or Emma Jeans in Victorville but you get the idea.
America is not all box stores and sterile, generic blandness. You just have to take the time to look for it. Or you can drive Route 66.
If you are in the area of Arcadia, Oklahoma this Saturday it might be a good idea to stop by Pop’s. Three legendary names associated with the resurgent interest in Route 66 – Jerry McClanahan, Jim Ross, and Shellee Graham – will be unveiling their latest book, Route 66 Sightings, a colorful tome featuring some of the best work by these artists as well as some very interesting stories.
As a final item of the day, I have a question. Who is planning on attending the International Route 66 Festival in Victorville next year?
