Why did a turtle cross Route 66? September 1, 2007
Posted by Ron in Books, Highways, History, Preservation.1 comment so far
To get to the other side, of course. 
In the space of less than a mile on Old Sapulpa Road (aka Route 66) in Oklahoma, we encountered a small flock of wild turkeys and this turtle.
The turkeys didn’t have a problem. When a couple of motorcyclists approached from the other direction, they simply flew to the other side, scolding the riders as they roared past.
The turtle needed help. Old Sapulpa Road isn’t Interstate 44, but it’s busy enough that the slow-moving creature was taking its life in jeopardy. So we stopped the vehicle we were riding, picked up the turtle and deposited it into the safety of a grassy ditch on the other side.
The turtle trying to cross Route 66 is a prominent symbol at the beginning of John Steinbeck’s novel, “The Grapes of Wrath.” The turtle is turned upside-down by a passing truck, struggles to right itself, and continues on its journey.
Many of us now see the turtle as a symbol of modern-day Route 66. Through decertification and interstate bypasses, Route 66 was upended and left for dead. But it righted itself and is plodding onward.
But the Mother Road wouldn’t have righted itself without the help of its people, and it continues to need that support.
That’s where I — and you — come in.
The story on Route 66 katsina dolls September 1, 2007
Posted by Ron in Toys.add a comment
This column in the Cincinnati Enquirer provides a lot of good information about Hopi-made wooden katsina dolls (aka kachina dolls), which were and are a common souvenir offered along Route 66 in the desert Southwest.
I didn’t know this before, but there are genuine katsinas, and Route 66 katsinas.
As tourist traffic increased, imitation katsinas dolls were produced for sale at roadside stands. Fondly known as Route 66 katsinas, these dolls are easily discernable from their authentic counterparts; Route 66 katsinas evolved into standardized figures.
Although Route 66 dolls are not real katsinas, there is a market for them and they can be considered desirable for those who collect Southwestern folk art, especially the older pieces.
Prices for katsina dolls vary greatly. Late 19th and early 20th century Hopi katsinas can be worth thousands. Those carved in the 1920s bring several hundred dollars, and contemporary dolls can be purchased for a couple hundred or less. Early Route 66 dolls have fetched as much as a few hundred dollars, but most can be acquired for under $100.
The article has photos of circa-1910 katsinas that recently were sold for more than $5,000. So don’t throw one out if you find one in your grandparents’ attic.
George Maharis, singer? September 1, 2007
Posted by Ron in Music, Television.add a comment
Apparently so. Check out these videos of an old jukebox playing one of his old 45s.
According to AllMusic.com, the “Route 66″ television star released two albums in 1962. The Collectibles label combined the two into one compact disc in 2000. And, yes, Bobby Troup’s “Route 66″ is one of the songs that Maharis recorded.
