Events - Event View

The Story of Iconic Route 66
 
This is the story of Route 66 (Los Angeles to Chicago) from its beginning in 1926 through its demise in 1985 to its rebirth today.  The presentation uses mostly historic photos to show the development of the “Mother Road” as John Steinbeck described it in “The Grapes of Wrath”.  With increased travel after World War II came the additional need for food, fuel, and lodging.  This transformed the economies of the towns through which the route passed.  Route 66 even received its own theme song, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” sung by Nate King.  The beginning of the end came with the Interstate Act in 1956 which envisioned a system of roads on which one could drive at a high rate of speed from one end of the country to the other without stopping.  However, many portions of this highway have been designated State and/or National Scenic Byways.  These, along with Federal, State, and private grants, have helped revitalize Route 66 for the benefit of communities, travelers, and business attractions.  Today, you can still enjoy the drive on about 85 percent of this highway across eight states.
An analysis of a 1960 TV series titled “Route 66” and the 2006 movie “Cars” will show how these shows increased the visibility of the highway.  
Please join Gary Jann with his presentation about Route 66, a living memory, and one of the most romanticized highways in the country