Route 66 Podcast

Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno, as he talks with probably two of the most popular authors of Route 66:  Jim Ross and Shellee Graham.  Together, Ross and Graham have written over ten different books featuring The Mother Road.  Their latest book, Route 66:The first 100 Years, covers the complete history of the road- before, during, and after the popularity of America's Main Street. Highlights from the show include: How did two Route 66 advocates ever meet and eventually become a married couple? Earliest memories of Route 66 Living in one of the most remarkable homes on Route 66 What makes, Route 66 The first 100 Years,  different from every other Route 66 book? Publishing a Route 66 book with complete artistic control What came first: The words or pictures? Sifting through hundreds of vintage Route 66 images to include in the book The Legend of Route 66  Route 66 Native American influence  Trading Post or Tourist Trap? Two Guns  The story of The Apache Death Cave  Route 66 Renaissance  Painted Desert Trading Post Naysayers of Route 66 Route 66 Fact or Fiction? Route 66 Crossings (Route 66 bridges) Deep Tracks Project (Mapping hundreds of Route 66 alignments) Traits of a Route 66 traveler Website: Jim Ross Website: Shellee Graham

Despite being just a few miles from the end of the route, the Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, CA, is like walking into a time capsule.  This 1910 establishment is the only operational compounding pharmacy on Route 66,combining a working pharmacy with a soda fountain bar. Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he talks with Brenden Shaniani, partner in the Fair Oaks Soda Fountain about life in a working pharmacy that tried to distant itself from the Walgreens and Rite-Aid type pharmacies. Highlights from the show include: Fair Oaks Pharmacy as a time capsule Original 1915 proprietor,Gertrude Ozmun An unusual wedding proposal that Ozmun could not resist by a hopeful US Senator Various iterations of Fair Oaks Pharmacy Connection between a soda fountain and a pharmacy Soda fountain lingo Previous owner, Michael Miller, talks about his 1500 mile trek to Missourito relocate an authentic Route 66 soda fountain shop  Parents purchase of Fair Oaks after immigrating from Iran Running a pharmacy as a family business A walk through the pharmacy gift shop and the most popular items Fair Oaks Pharmacy in pop culture Most popular visitors to Fair Oaks Pharmacy Proudest moments at the pharmacy Celebrating 110th anniversary of Fair Oaks Pharmacy Other area attractions in South Pasadena Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including Rob and Cheryl Cochran - Maryland Reed Coles - Nebraska Jim Crabtree – California Todd Farrell - Nebraska Rich Havlik – Minnesota Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Mark Wilson - Texas And from the United Kingdom Charli Beeton     Route 66 Tours led by Route 66 Podcast host, Anthony Arno Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon.      

There are many Route 66 museums, but probably one of the most comprehensive and largest museums is the Route 66 Oklahoma Museum.  Route 66 Podcast talks with Pat Smith, curator of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.  The displays are all professionally laid out and are part of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with Pat Smith about the following: Introducing the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum Where is Clinton, OK? The Oklahoma Historical Society Comparason to other Route 66 museums Pat Smith - Curator Earliest memory of Route 66 The 1995 opening of the museum Staff and Volunteers Annual visitors Origin of artifacts for Route 66 Museum Authentic Valentine Diner Typical donation inquiries Layout of Museum Classic car collection The museum decade by decade The Gift Shop Past museum milestones Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Centennial celebration planning Pat's favorite gallery Famous (and not so famous) museum visitors Planning your visit to the museum Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including Rob and Cheryl Cochran - Maryland Reed Coles - Nebraska Jim Crabtree – California Todd Farrell - Nebraska Rich Havlik – Minnesota Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Mark Wilson - Texas And from the United Kingdom Charli Beeton     Route 66 Tours led by Route 66 Podcast host, Anthony Arno Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon.    

THE ARISTON CAFE The Ariston Cafe located in Litchfield, IL, is the longest continously operated family restaraunt along Route 66.  Established by Pete Adam, a Greek immigrant who arrived here in America in 1905 at the age of 15. Hear the whole history of The Ariston Cafe by the founders son, Nick Adam.  At 85 years old, Nick tells about how his father arrived here in America with no clear vision and worked in a wide variety of occupations from managing a Boston shoe shining parlor to working in a Colorado mine.   Even before considering the restaraunt business, Pete returned back home to Greece in 1919 to help fight the Greco-Turkish War.  After the war, Pete returns back to America and his life would change forever when a complete stranger offers Pete $1000 to open up a Greek diner. Highlights from the show include: The arrival of 15 year old Pete Adam to America Decision to return back to Greece to join the war effort Pete tries to make it again in America a second time The Candy Kitchen Days A total stranger gives Pete an ultimatum 1924 Ariston opens up Past guest, Phil Gordon, recalls two Ariston locations Growing up at The Ariston The dream of law school Earliest memory of The Ariston Most popular dishes Life with Demi Adam Most memorable patrons at The Ariston Walking away from the Ariston Life after The Ariston (The Litchfield Route 66 Museum)  is The Ariston important to Route 66? Local appreciation of The Ariston 100 years of advice to any Route 66 business owner 100th anniversary celebration of Ariston   

  The Cajon Pass is probably one of the most important sites along Route 66 in southern California.  Long before Route 66. was established, the pass was an important route for early settlers, who often had to disassemble thier wagons to cross over the San Gabriel Mountains. Join host Anthony Arno as he talks wtih local hsitorian, Mark Landis about the evolution of the pass from The Spanish Trail, The John Brown Toll Road, The Old Trails Highway, and eventually Route 66. Even more impressive is the work of William Bristol, who in 1919 saw the potential of future motorist passing through the region after journeying across the Mojave Desert.  Bristol was an entrepreneuar, poet, stone mason, and artesian who established Camp Cajon at the top of the pass, a place for weiry motorist to rest after making the treterous journey across the desert.   Highlights from the show include: Geographic location of Cajon Pass Cajon Pass Rou Early footpath for Native Americans Old Spanish Trail John Brown Toll Road Old Trails National Highway Route 66   Arrival of William Bristol into southern California Citrus Farmer Poet 1919 Dedication of Camp Cajon Flood of 1938 Relocation of Route 66 Other monuments in Cajon Pass region Visiting Cajon Pass today Bristol re-invents himself Acorn Lodge Death of Bristol How will Bristol be remembered? The Popular Summit Inn Restaurant on Route 66 Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including Rob and Cheryl Cochran - Maryland Reed Coles - Nebraska Jim Crabtree – California Todd Farrell - Nebraska Rich Havlik – Minnesota Mary Nicholson – Pennsylvania Mark Wilson - Texas And from the United Kingdom Charli Beeton BUSINESS LEVEL SPONSORS 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. ROUTE 66 TOURS Route 66 Tours led by Route 66 Podcast host, Anthony Arno Please consider supporting both The Route 66 Podcast and Scholarship Program through Patreon.   Meet our 2024 Route 66 Scholarship Recipient, Emma Wheeler    

Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno, as he talks with Joseph Baxter , a dedicated preservationist and volunteer at the Round Barn.  It's the only Round Barn along Route 66, but even more impressive is the history of the barn and its builder, William Oder.     Early  history of Round Barns Needed skill and architectural knowledge for construction The genius of William Oder and his Round Barn Last minute construction revision to make Round Barn a focal point for area social dances Frank Vrana years and eventual deterioration of barn Vrana family donation of the Round Barn Luke Robinson and the Over-the-Hill Gang Round Barn reopens (1992) Planning your visit to the Round Barn Other area attractions    

Join Route 66 Podcast host, Anthony Arno, as he talks with Emma Wheeler, the latest winner of a $1000 Route 66 College Scholarship Award.     Emma is currenlty a sophmore at Maryville University, studying secondard education.     Highlights from the show include: Hometown: Augusta and Washington, Missouri Corn Pipe Capitol of the World Notable residents - Jack Wagner Closest point to Route 66  (Cuba, MO) Earliest memory of Route 66 and Pixar's Cars Nearby Route 66 sites Awareness of Route 66 among friends Family interest in classic cars Washington Town & Country Fair High School Highlights Personal Hobbies Maryville University and Career Goals Video Submission Video Format Video segments 2022 Route 66 Scholarship Program Episode 2020 Route 66 Scholarship Program Episode

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 

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