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
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:
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
46. The original London Bridge relocated to nearby Route 66
Friday, January 14, 2022 • Duration 01:00:24
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.
45. Munger Moss Motel Ramona Lehman FINAL
Friday, November 19, 2021 • Duration 01:00:37
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
Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters!
44. Miami, OK: Final Resting Place for 15 British Training Pilots
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 • Duration 01:00:49
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
Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters!
43. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Saturday, September 25, 2021 • Duration 42:07
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:
Earliest knowledge of the Tulsa Race Massacre
Urban legends and myths about the riots with stories about the 1921 riots
Discovering a rare photograph that would spark an interest in further researching the riot
A talk with a survivor who was 16 years at the time
WD Williams provides a first hand account
Origin of the Greenwood neighborhood
Timeline of events beginning at the Drexel Building
The Tulsa Tribune reports on the incident
Lynch mob assembles outside the courthouse
The one spark that caused the attack on Greenwood
Race Riot or Race Massacre?
Extreme lengths to cover up the events for years later
The 3 remaining survivors today
Search for mass graves
Importance of President visiting Tulsa in 2021 to remember race riots
Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters!
42. WINSLOW, AZ: Standin' on the Corner
Monday, August 2, 2021 • Duration 01:00:39
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
Early interest in art
The art of Trompe-l'oeil (Trick the eye)
Chico State Mural: Breaking through the
Does an opitcal illusion always work
Earliest memory of Route 66
The Winslow mural contest
Basis of mural design competition
2004 fire
Importance of research prior to planning a mural
Life expectancy of murals
What happens when a mural just ins't working?
Murals that have really played trick on people
Hermosa Beach mural honoring The Biltmore Hotel Era
41. END OF THE ROAD - The Santa Monica Pier with Dan Rice
Thursday, July 1, 2021 • Duration 01:00:44
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:
Earliest memory of Route 66
Background in Family Therapy
Surviving a traumatic brain injury
Selling American made Route 66 t-shirts
Origin of End of the Trail sign
Convincing Santa Monica Pier to erect a historical Route 66 sign
Does Route 66 officially end on the Santa Monica Pier?
Transitioning from a shop on wheels to a permanent shop on the Pier
Early history of the Santa Monica Pier
The 1939 Battle for Santa Monica Bay with mobster Tony Cornero
Suggested sights for travelers arriving into Santa Monica Pier
The Georgian Hotel
Where is the original mobile vendor cart that Dan started his business with?
The day Bobby Troup’s daughter Cindy stopped at the shop
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.
40. MIDDLE OF ROUTE 66: The Midpoint Cafe
Thursday, June 3, 2021 • Duration 35:40
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:
Earliest memory of Route 66
Working as a waitress at The Midpoint Cafe and later purchasing the cafe
One thing that Brenda wishes she knew before purchasing The Midpoint Cafe
Welcome to Adrian, TX and nearby towns along Route 66
Early history of The Midpoint Cafe (Zellas’ 1928)
References in Cars movie (V-8 Cafe) and previous owners Fran Houser, Dan Purschwitz
Origin of Ugly Crust Pies
Annual output of updated Ugly Crust Pies (Midpoint Ugly Pie)
Most popular flavors of pie that Route 66 customers want
The Midpoint Cafe Gift Shop and popular souvenir items
A typical day at the cafe at the height of tourism season
Most memorable visitors and repeat customers
The moment of panic: when a tour bus pulls into the parking lot
Seasonal Hours
Most popular gift shop items that Route 66 travelers are purchasing
Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including
BUSINESS LEVEL
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.
39. BEGINNING OF ROUTE 66: Chicago Road Warrior Tour Guide Dave Clark
Friday, May 21, 2021 • Duration 01:00:29
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:
Earliest memory of Route 66
Favorite spots along ’66
Importance of urban stretches along the road
Early entry into tourism
Where does the road begin in Chicago? Tracking down the official beginning point
Is there an end sign in Chicago?
Must See Stops in Chicago
Restaurants :
The Berghoff
Lou Mitchells
The Castle Gas Station
Buckingham Fountain
Logistics of starting a Route 66 tour in Chicago
Authentic Route 66 Hotels in Chicago
The W-Hotel (formerly The Midland Hotel)
The Club Quarters Hotel
JW Marriott (former bank building)
Hyatt Hotel (former Cook County Hospital building)
Getting Chicagoans to embrace The Mother Road
Traveling original alignments of 66 as you leave Chicago
Alternate highways in Chicago
Planning your first stops along Route 66 after departing Chicago
Thank you to Route 66 Podcast & Scholarship supporters, including
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Route 66 Podcast, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
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
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
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
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.
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
And from the United Kingdom
Charli Beeton
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:
First road trip on Route 66
Publishing End of the Trail, an autobiography featuring the recovery from a near fatal car crash
Business lessons learned while driving around Los Angeles
International News covers the placing of the famous Route 66 sign on the Pier
Suggestions for famous Route 66 attractions in California
Suggestion for nearby budget accommodations
Original hints of Route 66 in Los Angeles and current resurgence taking place in LA
Celebrity customers visiting the shop
Memorable everyday people to visit the shop
Potential business opportunities along Route 66
Details about the progression of the California Route 66 Association
Other popular stops along Route 66 in California
Congratulations to this months Patreon winner, Kristin Haackenson, from Washington, who has won a bag of Route 66 brand Santa Monica flavored snack mix.
Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours featuring tours of Route 66 in Ford Mustang convertibles, stays at historic Route 66 motels, and daily breakfast.
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.
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.
Mid Point 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.
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
And from the United Kingdom
Charli Beeton
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:
Additional Chicago restaurants:
Millers Pub
Henry’s Drive In
The best menu deals
Additional Sites
Castle Gas Station (Car Wash)
Chicago Board of Trade Building
Visiting non-Route 66 sites in Chicago
Budget friendly Chicago Motels
Ohio House
Airport region hotels
Early days of traveling and interest in Chicago
Where are the vintage motels in Illinois?
Past monthly Zoom Meetings featuring Route 66
Published book featuring Abraham Lincoln sites in Illinois
Most interesting travelers along Route 66
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.
