Revisiting the 'Mother Road,' Route 66, which turns 100 this year

NPR | By Davia Nelson,

Nikki Silva

Published August 10, 2026 at 4:19 PM EDT

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the legendary U.S. Route 66. We revisit a 1984 documentary made as the last stretch of the highway was being bypassed by the Federal Interstate System.

Davia Nelson

Davia Nelson and Nikki Silva, better known as the Kitchen Sisters, have been producing radio stories for NPR since 1979.

Nikki Silva

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.