A trip on Route 66

by Mike "Doc" Cobine
70373.2450@compuserve.com ,and
corvettedoc@geocities.com

Historic Route 66 signs are up in several places now in Illinois and Missouri, making travel easier. Since the old route is being marked, some sections are actually being repaved!

Illinois

Sections of the old four lane near Pontiac, IL have been repaved on one set of lanes only and the other section has been disrupted at intersections, so that there is a paved, maintained two lane road again. The other lanes are still intact except at intersections and blocked to travel.

Several interstate exit signs now show Historic Route 66 markings to indicate where to follow the route.

Sections of the old four lane near Litchfield, IL have also been converted to two lane operation, this time the south bound lanes.

Missouri

Sections of the old Route 66 and frontage roads covering the original road have gained some help in Historic route 66 signs to point the way. From Gray Summit to Cuba, Historic route 66 signs are up, with ones occasionally telling where to turn to follow the route.

The Wagon Wheel Motel and Restaurant that was formerly located between Cuba and Leasburg between the east and west bound lanes has relocated into Cuba on the original and eastbound lanes, roughly a half mile east of Hwy. 19. The former buildings between the lanes still stands and houses a winery. There is also an exit off of I-44 now at the old location. The new location is cashing in on the Route 66 fad, with a big sign welcoming all Route 66 tours and travelers.

Signs are also up west of Springfield along the old route heading to Carthage. Some have been up since '91, far pre-dating the signs in many locations.

Here are a few books:

  1. Route 66, The Mother Road, Michael Wallis
    This is the book that is pretty much the founder for Route 66 interest in recent years.
  2. A Guide Book to Highway 66, Jack D. Rittenhouse
    This is the original book of the road from the 40s. A good guide, except many of the businesses are no more.
  3. The Route 66 Traveler's Guide and Roadside Companion, Tom Snyder
    You need this to find the old road. I'd suggest getting this at least a month before you go, read it cover to cover, and then get a bunch of state maps and read it again.
  4. Route 66, Quinta Scott & Susan Croce Kelly
    This is what you can expect to see. It is a photo journal of Route 66.
  5. Route 66: A Guidebook to the Mother Road, Bob Moore & Patrick Grauwels
    This is the crowning collection of Corvette people cashing in on things already done. Some guys take a Corvette and do a book with lots of pictures. A good fun way to pay for your vacation. Several plugs for the Corvette companies they represent and other businesses.

Must see items, although I didn't: