Route 66 Podcast

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 To sell or not to sell?

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

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:

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: ABC, What Do You See? Rolling Along Route 66Q, X,ZABCBookABC Book 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) Name selected for Highway CafeMuch Praise to Shamrock Architect Cars Hazel Jannsen (U-Drop Inn Ambassador) Newspaper Account: U-Drop Inn to Offer Public Finest in Foods and 24 hour Service Baldo de Leon (U-Drop Inn café entrepreneur) That’s an Awful lot of Coffee, Mr. NunnYou don’t know what you don’t know Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters! MidPoint CafeGilligan’s Route 66 ToursJack Rabbit Trading PostHere It Is Episode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. United Kingdom The Netherlands 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 CafeGilligan’s Route 66 ToursJack Rabbit Trading PostHere It Is Episode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. United Kingdom The Netherlands 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, IllinoisJim Crabtree - CaliforniaRoute 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 - MinnesotaMary Nicholson - PennsylvaniaBrian Sawyer - IndianaEvan 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 To sell or not to sell? 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 CafeGilligan’s Route 66 ToursJack Rabbit Trading PostHere It Is Episode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. United Kingdom The Netherlands 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:

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 CemeteriesCemetery Tourism as an upcoming industryThe US agrees to a proposed program to train British in the USThe Spartan Flying SchoolKeeping the operation top secret in the early daysA 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 armsBritish adjusting to American life while the war is raging back homeThe final count laid to rest: 15 Cadets and a local womanKenneth Raisbeck: recreating the final flight of for the 70 year old son who he never metAnnual Remembrance Ceremonies at GAROrigin of fatal accidentsCol Gale HalversonThe Candy BomberFrantie "Francis" Mae HillMother of the boys buried in OklahomaWhy should we care for British soldiers laid to rest in the US?Honoring the British war dead in the states - justification and reasoningEverlasting relationships cadets formed with locals Local museums honoring the RAF cadetsDobson MuseumNE OK College, OklahomaOther notables buried at GAR CemeteryRichard KeltonGeorge ColemanElvin and Lovell MantleJohn BeaverAtha CardinCharles Banks WilsonWilliam CampbellBooger 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 CafeGilligan's Route 66 Tours Episode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. United Kingdom The Netherlands 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:

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: 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 CafeGilligan's Route 66 Tours Episode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. United Kingdom The Netherlands 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 Website: Art of John Pugh RON ADAMSON Quick Draw 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: End of the TrailBattle for Santa Monica Bay Website: 66 to Cali Facebook: 66 to Cali Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters! MidPoint CafeGilligan’s Route 66 Tours Episode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. And from the United Kingdom 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: 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: Facebook: The Midpoint Cafe Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including BUSINESS LEVEL MidPoint CafeGilligan’s Route 66 ToursEpisode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. And from the United Kingdom 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: WEBSITE: Windy City Road Warrior Facebook: Windy City Road Warrior Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including BUSINESS LEVEL Mid Point CafeGilligan’s Route 66 ToursEpisode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. And from the United Kingdom 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: 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: Lile Art Gallery, Amarillo Facebook: Lile Art Gallery Article: Cadillac Ranch Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including BUSINESS LEVEL Mid Point CafeGilligan’s Route 66 Tours Episode # 10 Tales from the Coral Court Motel. And from the United Kingdom 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: 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: This extended version of The Route 66 Podcast is only available to Patreon members and also includes Rich talking in depth about: 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

At 92 years old, Peter MacDonald is just one of five surviving Navajo Code talkers who played a vital part in World War II during the Battle of Iwo Jima, where 25,000 lives were lost over a period of 6 weeks. Upon his return home, he was sworn to a vow of secrecy for 23 years until the Marines declassified the mission while working as a Project Engineer on the Polaris Missile Project for Howard Hughes. MacDonald has also served as a four time Chairman of The Navajo Indian Nation, a position similar to a governor of native American territory. Join host Anthony Arno as he talks with local Route 66 realtor Jacque Kellogg who connects the Navajo Code talkers with a little known motel that sits on Route 66 in Flagstaff, AZ.