Route 66 Podcast

The Cadillac Ranch is one of the most popular stops along Route 66, and on this very special episode, host Anthony Arno speaks with the only surviving who created the art installation. At 81 years old, Chip not only talks about establishing Ant Farm, the creative group behind the Cadillac Ranch, but two other "unimaginable" projects that honor the automobile. Join Anthony as he talks with Chip about Pivoting away from a traditional career as an architect How Ant Farm was established and the origin behind the name Finding and burying 10 classic Cadillacs in Texas The intention was never to allow visitors defact the cars with grafitti Working with Amarillo businessman Stanly Marsh, who financed the project Bruch Springsteen sings about The Cadillac Ranch Quietly relocating the ranch down the road 23 years later Modifications to cars that were burried at the Cadillac Ranch Preserving the Cadillac Ranch Special anniversary celebrations The secret behind the Cadillac Ranch MEDIA BURN Creating a "spectacle" was the goal Evil Knieval meets a lunar launch with a JFK impersonator Secretly renting the parking lot of the Cow Palace Setting 100 TV's on fire- you only get one chance GM TRAINING VIDEO 1950'S GM training video for sales force Widely accepted for something so basic from decades earlier Public performance at Whitney Museum Chip played the rold of customer Age of Youtube culture What would be done differently? What happened to Ant Farm movement? Ant Farm fire Chip's public Persona and recognition today EALI & Columbia University Ant Farm Archives

To celebrate the centennial of Route 66 in 2026, the very first episode of the year features the life of the Father of Route 66- Cyrus Stevens Avery. Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he talks with Susan Croce Kelly, author of Father of Route 66: Cy Avery. More than establishing Route 66, Avery was a proponent of the Good Roads Movement and advocated for paved roads at the introduction of the automobile in America. Highlights from the show include: Teaming up with Quinta Scott in 1990 to write Route 66: The Highway and Its People Searching for Route 66 Avery's childhood Avery travels west in a covered wagon at age 13 Awareness of road conditions as a young pioneer Populariity of bicycles in establishing paved roads Avery pulls America out of the mud What did Avery get right? Replacing named roads with numbered roads Road construction and technology Need for proper signage with road travel Rapid growth of automobiles with Model T introduction Railroad perspective regarding paved roads Avery reluctantly accepts the number "66" for his road Secretary of Agriculture in charge of road construction What did Route 66 get right that the other highways of the day missed out on? US Highway 66 Association established to promote the road Proposing a 3400 mile coast to coast footrace along Route 66 The Bunion Derby puts Route 66 on the world map The Great Depression years Running for governor of Oklahoma Providing clean drinking water to Tulsa Avery's biggest achievement (not Route 66) Modernizing the Tulsa airport Reflection Importance of trip west for Avery in a covered wagon Replacing Route 66 with the Interstate Highway 1969 Highway Beautification Act removes local billboards Route 66 as a tourist attraction today Centennial Plaza in Tulsa honors Avery Newspaper Women of the Ozarks book

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

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 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 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

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 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

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

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.

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.

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