Gallery PROGRESS on Jul 15, 2010 at 10:57:41 pm

---

As of yesterday (July 14) I now have my artwork hanging in the newly remodeled main room of my gallery building!

Still much to do before my grand opening (driveway, sign, exterior paint, etc) but now Route 66 visitors can view my paintings in a proper setting (although its been fun meeting with travelers in my living room!)

So please stop by if you can. If I am not in the gallery bldg, please call my cell (903 467 6394) or go next door to 310 Manvel.

McJerry

Seaba Motorcycle Museum on Jul 02, 2010 at 5:45:40 pm

---

Yep, the motorcycle museum is finally open at the former Seaba Station in Warwick, OK (west of Chandler). Inside this historic structure is packed a grand assortment of vintage motorbikes and gear, plus DX brand gas station memoribilia. I'll post hours when I have them.

Goat with Gas on Jul 02, 2010 at 5:44:04 pm

---

Yesterday the Natural gas powered 1966 GTO stopped on its eastward journey along 66 at POPS in Arcadia. Michael Wallis was there with another rousing speech (as was his lovely wife Suzanne) and to present a "business of the year" award to POPS (accepted by Michael Doepke). All present (including Kathy Anderson of "Bones of the Old Road" fame) got to sign the accompanying trailer. POPS even provided free cheeseburgers, fries and soda pop!

Betty Courtney on Jul 02, 2010 at 5:40:19 pm

---

Sadly, Betty Courtney, one of the famed "4 women on the Route" of Galena, KS, recently passed away. Her funeral was July 1.

Tri State festival on Jun 21, 2010 at 8:26:12 pm

---

The Tri State Festival held at the Downstream Casino in OK, near Joplin, Mo and Galena and Baxter Springs KS, was a blast. Kudos to Carolyn Pendleton, Melba Rigg, and everyone else who worked extremly hard to pull it off.

Many well-deserving roadies won awards:(thanks to Kathy Anderson for the list)


Bob Waldmire - Artist of the Year

Dean Walker - Ambassador of the Year

Dan Rice/66-to-Cali - New Business of the Year

Marty & Geri Bilecki - Lifetime Achievement Award

Gary Turner - Mother Road Person of the Year

Pops, Arcadia OK - Business of the Year

Melvera Heisch, NPS - Cyrus Avery Award

Bob Gehl, MO -The Founders Award

and lastly, some dude named Jerry Mcclanahan won The Will Rogers Award...

A highlight for me was getting to visit again with my good friend Akkey Takieuchi from near Osaka Japan, along with his charming wife Yasuko (kawaiii)and his lovely daughter Ayako. I believe this may have been Akkey's 17th trip to the states...as the Japanese say: "SUGOI !!"

Another highlight was during Michael Walli's speech, when he said that only an "imbecile" couldn't follow 66 using my EZ Guide!

Route 66 is one big family that reaches worldwide. I am proud to be a member.

McJ

Another Loss to the Route on Feb 24, 2010 at 4:27:39 pm

---

Lenore Weiss passed away on February 22, 2010. Along with her husband John, she worked tirelessly for Route 66 preservation, especially in their home state of Illinois. Successes include the restoration of the Standard Station in Odell, Illinois.

Bob Waldmire on Dec 17, 2009 at 11:10:07 am

---

Beloved Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire passed away on December 16.

Bob has been a vital part of the Route 66 resurgence, and his work and example will continue to inspire roadies as long as we still revere the Mother Road. Besides his awesome creativity and intelligence, Bob will be remembered for his warmth, patience and sweet, warming smile.

I am glad I was able to attend his Last Art Show in Springfield Illinois on November 22. This incredible outpouring of love and affection was the perfect cap to a life well lived.

The road will miss you, Bob...but your presence will endure across the entire length of Route 66, and in the hearts of those you have touched across the world.

All Pumped up! on Nov 12, 2009 at 12:08:29 pm

---

Yesterday I installed a 1925-era G&B Model 176 visible gasoline pump in front of my (in progress) gallery!

A kind gentleman gave me a great deal on this highly weathered, but extremely cool looking old hand-pumped, nearly 9 foot tall relic of the road.

I need a few parts (like the glass cylinder and pump handle) but I think I will not restore it, at least for a while. I like the "patina" this old pump has now.

Look on the gallery page for a photo (not for sale!)

2010 NM Route 66 Motor Tour on Oct 26, 2009 at 10:33:11 pm

---

I just recieved notice that the NM Route 66 Association will be hosting their first Route 66 Motor tour on July 23-25 of 2010.

All vehicles are welcome. Go to www.Rt66NM.org to download a registration form.


Mcjerry

Corvettes on Sep 01, 2009 at 7:22:41 pm

---

Lots of Vettes doing 66 this week, headed to Bowling Green KY for a big event!

Monday I had a group of 15 Vettes visit the (still in progress)Gallery (they were using the EZ Guide) led by Bob Brown. Most were from the San Diego area. They invited me to eat luch with them at the Rock Cafe in Stroud, so I fired up my 57 Chevy Wagon and led the way. Of course I had to impress the Corvette drivers. When we arrived, I was asked if I had a Vette engine in my wagon. Nope, just a 283. But I had them pushing to catch up!

Our group of 29 shocked and awed the two waitresses working the Rock that aft, but they were very efficient, and the food was great.

Tuesday morning, another group of 150 Corvettes stopped for breakfast at the Route 66 Interpretive Center in the fabulous 1937 Armory that Chandler fortunately had the foresight to restore.

Getting your kicks on Route 66 in a classic Corvette..where have I heard that before??