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The People and Stories of Route 66

Route 66 tells many stories of the American people in the 20th century. These stories reflect a diversity of communities, cultures, and perspectives of the road, and provide opportunities to reflect on American history, identity, and sense of place. While stories continue to be captured and told, enjoy this collection as a starting place for learning more about the people and stories of historic Route 66.

There are also a number of other oral histories of Route 66 available by request. Please contact us for more information, or visit Research Route 66 for any of the following stores:

  • Arizona Interview with Lawrence and Stella Sanchez at Rod’s Steak House in Williams, Arizona – August 2, 2007 Interview with Ena Middleton at the Best Western Chieftain Inn in Chambers, Arizona – August 3, 2007 Interview with Bob Waldmire in Portal, Arizona – September 7, 2007
  • California Interview with Dennis Casebier in Goffs, California – March 18, 2006 Interview with Dan Harlow – April 27, 2007 Interview with Elmer Long at the Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California – July, 2008
  • Illinois Interview with Buz Waldmire in Springfield, Illinois – November, 2010
  • Missouri Interview with Skip Curtis in Missouri – October, 2005 Interview with Anne Walker in East St. Louis, Missouri – May 9, 2006 Interview with Kirk Pearce of Missouri Route 66 – January 6, 2009
  • New Mexico Interview with Michael Wallis in New Mexico – January, 2006 Interview with Sally Noe in Gallup, New Mexico – March, 2006 Interview with Armand Ortega at the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico – June 28, 2007 Interview with Bob Audette in New Mexico – September, 2007 Interview with The Rapaports Milan in Bluewater, New Mexico – January, 2009 Interview with Ralph Moya in Newkirk, New Mexico – December 9, 2011 Interview with Richard Delgado in Santa Rosa, New Mexico – December 9, 2011
  • Oklahoma Interview with Laurel Kane of Afton in Oklahoma – May, 2011
  • Texas Interview with Delbert Trew in Shamrock, Texas – January 4, 2006 Interview with Jake and Bea Fortenberry and Linda Drake in Adrian, Texas – September 29, 2007 Interview with Linda Drake in Vega, Texas – September 29, 2007
  • Other Interview with Paul Taylor of the Route 66 Magazine – March 7, 2006 Interview with Bob Moore – March 16, 2006

Last updated: December 9, 2024