Historic Jefferson Highway

Award-winning author Laurel Corona joins Big Blend Radio to discuss her captivating new historical novel, "Aloha Wanderwell Takes the Wheel," inspired by the extraordinary true story of pioneering adventurer Aloha Wanderwell—the first woman to drive around the world.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba—the northern gateway of the historic Jefferson Highway—Aloha Wanderwell (born Idris Hall) left boarding school in France at age 16 to join Walter Wanderwell's around-the-world automobile expedition. What followed was an astonishing life of global exploration, filmmaking, cultural discovery, and history-making road trips across six continents.
In this engaging conversation, Laurel shares what inspired her to tell Aloha's story after a decade away from publishing, the historical research behind the novel, why historical fiction is vital to preserving women's history, and how travel helps us better understand the world and one another. The discussion also explores Aloha's Canadian roots, her connection to the historic Jefferson Highway, and why this remarkable woman deserves to be remembered alongside history's greatest explorers.
Learn more about Laurel Corona and her books at https://www.LaurelCorona.com Check out our Big Blend book review of "Aloha Wanderwell Takes the Wheel" by Nancy J. Reid: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/aloha-wanderwell-takes-the-wheel 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the fascinating story of America's early motor camping movement and how it forever changed road travel, tourism, and hospitality across the United States.
As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Their featured guest is Daniel Hershberger, roadside historian, researcher, and presenter at the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration in Joplin, Missouri.
Long before today's RV parks, campgrounds, and roadside motels, adventurous motorists packed tents and supplies into their automobiles and headed out to explore America's growing network of highways. Daniel shares how motor camping evolved from a practical way to travel into a nationwide pastime that helped shape roadside tourism, local businesses, and the American road trip tradition.
The conversation also explores the evolution of tourist camps, the rise of auto courts and motels, the development of roadside hospitality, and the important role the Jefferson Highway played in connecting communities and encouraging travel across North America.
Roger Bell also shares updates on the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. Daniel Hershberger will be one of the featured presenters, sharing his research on America's early motor camping movement and roadside tourism. The event also includes special Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66. Registration is now open at https://jeffersonhighway.org/. 
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
LEARN MORE: - Plan your own Jefferson Highway adventure with the new Jefferson Highway Travel Guide: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
- Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch:https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ 
- Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every fourth Thursday (except holidays). Follow the podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Celebrate Pittsburg, Kansas' 150th Anniversary Year with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast exploring the history, culture, food, music, and heritage of Crawford County in Southeast Kansas—just in time for America 250, the Route 66 Centennial, and the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference.
Featured guest is Chris Wilson, Marketing & Communications for Explore Crawford County and Treasurer of Southeast Kansas Tourism.
Travel the original Jefferson Highway through Crawford County as Chris shares stories about historic road alignments, original concrete pavement, century-old iron bridges, Lincoln Park's Jefferson Highway campsite, and the remarkable preservation efforts taking place throughout the region.
The conversation also explores Pittsburg's rich coal mining heritage, the famous Amazon Army march, Big Brutus, colorful murals, public art, museums, genealogy research, and the diverse immigrant cultures that helped shape Southeast Kansas. Discover why the area is famous for its legendary fried chicken restaurants, live music, local breweries, scenic backroads, and authentic small-town experiences.
Don't forget the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference, taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, including the conference's popular Sociability Caravan motor tours celebrating the Jefferson Highway and Route 66, including Crawford County! 
Learn more about Crawford County in Southeast Kansas:https://explorecrawfordcounty.com/ 
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway"—runs from Winnipeg, Canada, to New Orleans, Louisiana. More: https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide:https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
📰 Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch:https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ 
The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every fourth Thursday (except holidays). Follow the show at:https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

Just in time for National Road Trip Day (May 22), this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the history, heritage tourism, and community spirit of Butler, Missouri, a vibrant destination along the historic Jefferson Highway.
As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Featured guests are Samantha Stump of the Butler Chamber of Commerce and Doris Fuller of the Butler Historic Preservation Commission.
From colorful murals and historic downtown sites to upcoming celebrations and classic car culture, this engaging conversation highlights how Butler is preserving its Jefferson Highway legacy while welcoming modern travelers and road trippers.
Learn about the upcoming Jefferson Highway Car Show in Butler on June 13, along with the community’s efforts to promote heritage tourism through storytelling, signage, preservation projects, and downtown revitalization. 
The episode also explores Butler’s fascinating history, including its recognition as the first city west of the Mississippi River to have electricity, its connection to Americana travel culture, and the importance of small-town experiences along America’s historic highways.
Roger Bell also shares updates on the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Celebration taking place in Joplin, Missouri, from September 19–22, 2026, including details about the event’s sociability caravan motor tours. Registration is now open at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
The discussion also highlights how communities along the Jefferson Highway continue to attract visitors through local events, murals, dining experiences, and authentic hospitality that celebrates the spirit of the open road.
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
Learn more about Butler, Missouri:- Butler Chamber of Commerce:https://butlerchamber.com/ https://www.facebook.com/butlerchamberofcommerce 
Butler Historic Preservation Commission:- https://www.facebook.com/butlerhistoricpreservationcommission/ 
Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide:- https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
Subscribe to the Jefferson Highway Dispatch:- https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/ 
The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show explores the rich history, culture, and enduring appeal of two of America’s iconic roadways — the Jefferson Highway and Route 66.
As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith. Their featured guest is Jeremy Morris, President of the Route 66 Association of Missouri and owner of The Parsonage at Red Oak II.
From historic sites and roadside attractions to outlaws, musicians, and local legends, this engaging conversation highlights the unique stories that define travel along these legendary routes. Learn how small businesses, community pride, and preservation efforts keep the spirit of Americana alive, while also learning about upcoming centennial celebrations and special events in places like Joplin, Missouri.
You will also hear about the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, and why this event is a must for history enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone passionate about preserving and exploring America’s historic highways.
Whether you're drawn to the scenic beauty of the Ozarks, intrigued by haunted highways and historic buildings, or inspired by the people you meet along the way, this episode celebrates the timeless experience of road tripping through America’s heartland.
Learn more about Route 66 in Missouri:https://www.missouri66.org/ 
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide:https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday. Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Historic Jefferson Highway" Show features Roger Bell, President of the Jefferson Highway Association, who shares insights on the connections between the historic Jefferson Highway and Route 66, along with a glimpse of the upcoming Crossroads of America Centennial Conference in Joplin, Missouri.
As always, the show features Roger Bell, Co-Host and President of the Jefferson Highway Association, along with host and producer Lisa D. Smith.
From early 20th-century road development to modern-day road trip adventures, this conversation explores how these iconic highways helped shape American travel, culture, and tourism. Roger highlights Joplin’s role as a historic crossroads, discusses the evolution of highway systems, and shares why every community along these routes has a unique story to tell.
Hear about the Crossroads of America Centennial Conference taking place September 19–22, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, and why this event is a must for history enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone passionate about preserving America’s historic highways.
The Jefferson Highway Association originally founded the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway—also known as “The Pines to the Palms Highway”—runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn more at https://jeffersonhighway.org/ 
Plan your journey with the Jefferson Highway Travel Guide website:https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/ 
The Big Blend Radio "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday (except on holidays). Follow the show at https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com 

Welcome to the final installment of our 4-day special series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville, Texas" part of the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast. Today is the Foodie Finale! Greenville’s culinary scene is thriving, blending historic atmosphere with modern flavor. 
Along with telling you about some of our favorite experiences like The Ashen Rose Bar & Grill, Peddler's Pizza, Prairie Coffee Co., and PhatCakes, we take you to Glenda’s Kitchen for authentic comfort food that feels like home. Glenda talks about her legendary chicken fried steak and 25 years of community service! 
Then we head downtown to Landon Winery, where tasting room manager Patrick Harrison walks us through their award-winning Texas wines in their historic building. 
🔗 RESOURCE & TRAVEL PLANNING LINKS:* Greenville Tourism: http://travelgrenvilletx.com/* Texas Travel Directory: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas* Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/* Jefferson Highway Dispatch Updates: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/* Glenda’s Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/GlendasCafe/* Landon Winery: https://www.landonwinery.com/* Peddler’s Pizza: https://www.peddlerspizza.com/* The Ashen Rose: https://www.facebook.com/theashenrosepub/* Prairie Coffee Co.: https://prairiecoffeeco.com/* PhatCakes: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093269536686* The Texan Theater: https://www.facebook.com/TexanTheater/* Comfort Suites Greenville: https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/greenville/comfort-suites-hotels/txb47
 
DON’T MISS THE OTHER 3 EPISODES:* Part One (History): https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-one* Part 2 (Arts): https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-two* Part 3 (Style & Stage): https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-three

Welcome back to Day 3 of our 4-day special series, "Find Your Heart in Greenville," part of the Historic Jefferson Highway Podcast.
This series is the result of our personal visit back in the fall of 2025, a trip we agreed to after meeting the incredible Stacey Foley at the Jefferson Highway Conference in McAlester, Oklahoma, earlier that summer.
Today, we are talking Style and Stage. Greenville has transformed its historic downtown into a bustling entertainment district. We stroll through the downtown and enjoy the interactive Hearts of Hunt County Art Trail, and the incredible murals—specifically "A Legacy of Performance," which showcases all the legends who have played here.
We take you inside the Greenville Municipal Auditorium (GMA), a national treasure that has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, making it a state-of-the-art venue with sound systems rivaling major arenas. Hear about the backstory of this renovation in our first podcast with Micah McBay and Stacey Foley (linked below).
Then, we take you inside The Texan Theater, owned by Barbara Horan. It is truly a house concert experience. From the Houdini posters found in the walls to the Skybox VIP seating, it is where legends like Billy Bob Thornton and Lukas Nelson come to play for an intimate crowd.
Finally, we close the show at Rebel Mary’s Boutique. Tammy Harris is a former nurse turned boutique owner who believes fashion is about confidence. We’re talking about her incredible upcycled silk pieces and the "Community over Competition" spirit that defines Greenville’s small businesses.
🔗 Links Mentioned in this Episode:* Greenville Tourism: http://travelgrenvilletx.com/* Initial Episode with Stacey Foley & Micah McBay: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/e/greenville-texas/* The Texan Theater: https://www.facebook.com/TexanTheater/* Rebel Mary's Boutique: https://rebelmarys.com/* Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/* Jefferson Highway Dispatch Updates: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/* Plan Your Texas Trip: https://www.jeffersonhighwaytravelguide.com/travel-directory/texas
PART 1 & 2 OF THIS SERIES- Part One: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-one- Part Two: https://jeffersonhighwaydispatch.substack.com/p/greenville-texas-part-two