Penny Black recalls road trips with her Dad.
"I remember Route 66 was a world of wide wonders, really cool roadside attractions, just the oddities, I loved it." she recalled.
Her father used to drive his family back and forth from California to Illinois. As an adult, Black started driving Route 66 herself. One day, she stopped in McLean, Texas and recognized a gas station from her childhood.
"I got a bit emotional. I recognized it. I asked about the road and was told it was the old route 66. That old gas station was my revival. Whenever I see it, that's what brought me back."
Decades later, Route 66 has come to mean something much more.
"It's a feeling you just can't put your finger on. My dad died in 2014. I don't know if those road trips really registered with him how important it became to me."
A passionate traveler, a historian, a preservationist, she's one of the hundreds of so called "Roadies" who share their love for Route 66.
Lisa: "You're called a Roadie. What does that mean?"
"Well, it's different to a lot of people. A Roadie is somebody who just gets it and realizes it's not just a road, but it's the people, the people who you meet along the way, the ones who make you want to come back. The Roadies are the people who save and promote the businesses and tell stories to others."
"Roadies" make pilgrimages—sometimes repeatedly—along all or parts of the 2,448-mile Mother Road running from Chicago to Santa Monica.
"Where ever I go, I am a Route 66 tour guide even before I became a paid "roadie". she said.
She is widely recognized within Route 66 communities, and participates in milestone celebrations, road trips and regional heritage projects.
"I get calls all the time, asking about the best stops along the route, how to get around and I get a call to come over to Shea's and meet people like you."
We met Black in Springfield outside the old Shea's gas station across from the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Shea's is one of the most storied and celebrated roadside landmarks along Route 66.
While we're there, she's stopped by two women passing through Springfield.
"Are you here for Route 66 ?" she asked.
"Yes, we're from Northern California. We've been meeting people all along the way," said the tourists.
Then a father and daughter from Belgium arrive.
"I'm Olivier and we're from Belgium. We came all the way to Springfield to see you and your place," said Olivier Bisback. "We started in Chicago and we are driving Route 66 to St. Louis first. This is the soul of Route 66 I suppose."
"We're so happy to have you guys, welcome to America," said Black, who takes pictures with all her visitors.
All of the tourists are making the treck from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Black says it's what Route 66 is all about: magic, memories and community.
"Everyone gets something different out of it. Everyone falls in love with the lore, the romanticism and the history. Once you get to know people on the road, it's old home. Where do you do that ? Some of the mom and pops that own some of the most awesome motels, it's all about meeting people and hearing their stories about why they took the road trip." she said.
Black says she never dreamed Route 66 would become her way of life but admits she's a little possessed by the spirit of this highway.
"I have a T shirt that was made for me. It says "obsessed' and the 's' is 66 for Route 66," she smiled.
Lisa: "This has become your life's work ? "
"It has. I don't think it was every meant to be. It's too fun to meet people, I always say I never go without a hug on Route 66. It's rejuvenating. As soon as April hits, we're out greeting people again. When August hits, it's such a busy season when people pass through Illinois." said Black, who's often referred to as one of the "Keepers of the Mother Road".
"I love when people say they want to come back. I love when they take the time to make the stops. More Americans need to do this, learn about Americana, learn about the people who live and work here. Get out there and do it. People ask me what is my favorite place along the route, I say my favorite place is wherever my favorite people are at that time," she smiled.
Black continues to photograph with her on-the-road travel journals, capturing historical architecture in midwestern towns like Lincoln and Springfield, sharing her work across historic preservation communities to keep the spirit of the road alive.
She's also included in the certified Keepers of the Mother Road exhibition series. She frequently collaborates with local art galleries, such as The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, and regional tourism departments to celebrate the Route 66 centennial.
For more information about Shea's Gas Station click here and for more information about Route 66 "roadies" click here.
