THE MOTHER ROAD AT 100: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

A multimedia presentation by Route 66 Podcast host, Anthony Arno

Long before the internet, 5th grade teacher Anthony Arno did something that reached national attention. He had his students pedal 2400 miles in the back of the classroom aboard an exercise bike while they learned all about Route 66 throughout the school year. It was during that time students communicated with people living and working along Route 66, including popular authors, historic business owners, Chicago Mayor Daley, and even Bobby Troup- who wrote the classic Route 66 song for Nat King Cole in 1946.

Fast forward 25 years later, and Arno now hosts The Route 66 Podcast and travels the historic highway looking for stories you won’t find between the pages of any Route 66 book.

In 2026, Route 66 will turn 100 years old. Although the road has been replaced by the Interstate and no longer exists, the highway still remains the most celebrated road in the world. Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he presents a multimedia audio and video account of life before, during, and after the popularity of Route 66.

Hear short, firsthand multimedia accounts from people living and working along The Mother Road. The presentation will not only cover the heyday of the highway, but also life both before and after the heyday of the highway.

  • A 1924 coast-to-coast carnival type footrace across America to help promote Route 66
  • Route 66 in pop culture, from classic novels, songs, TV shows, and how the animated movie, Cars, has turned on even the youngest generation of roadies.
  • The mayor of a 1970’s town where the entire town was dismantled after being exposed to deadly toxins- every home, every police car, and even the water tower were completely purged and burried in a concrete vault the size of two football fields!
  • How an accomplished symphony performer refused to let the Interstate replace Route 66 and went directly to President Johnson for special consideration.
  • The promise of Route 66 to deliver dustbowl migrant workers to a better life in California, and what they discovered.
  • The unique architect of Route 66, including art deco service stations, neon motels, and historic railroad depots that have been converted into grand hotels
  • A German POW Camp that housed young soldiers during WW II and how they literally took care of the residents while the local boys were off fighting the war effort.
  • A final resting spot for a group of 13 British pilots and how after an accidental death, they were burried here in the states and a local woman promised the parents of the deceased men that she would look after the fallen soldiers for the rest of her life. She is now burried with them and has been honored by British royalty.
  • The life of 16 foot tall fiberglass giants that once were the marketing genius of popular fueling stations along Route 66 until a lawsuit ordered their destruction.
  • How the animated move, Cars, helped the resurgence of Route 66.

Presentations are now being booked for 2026!

  • Virtual Presentations
  • In-Person Presentations
  • Optional Jeopardy! Route 66 trivia game with prizes

Reserve Now to create a memorable experience for your patrons!

Perfect for libraries, museums, hotels, car clubs, and local organizations

Contact: Route66podcast@gmail.com

267-961-8211