Table of Contents
Route 66 Anniversary Shield Relay
Vintage Auto Show on Santa Monica Pier by Shawn Abell
Bobby Troup Honored At Anniversaty Dinner - Santa Monica Pier by
Sara Faulds
Nuggets from Needles by Maggie McShan
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
This issue of Roadsigns is the second of two special anniversary issues. We
began with a little of the history of Route 66. In this issue you’ll find the
highlights of the Route 66 Anniversary Shield Relay and a look at Route 66 today.
ROUTE 66 ANNIVERSARY SHIELD RELAY LINKS EIGHT STATES
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 66TH BIRTHDAY
Drivers from across the nation and around the world celebrated the 66th
anniversary of Route 66 in the national Route 66 Anniversary Shield Relay.
Presented by the Historic Route 66 Associations in each of the eight route states, the
event began in Chicago on October 11 and ended in Santa Monica on the anniversary date,
November 11, 1992. Originated and coordinated the the California Historic Route 66
Association to honor the road and all those who have traveled, lived or worked on Route
66, the event was by all reasonable standards a success.
A one-of-a-kind Route 66 shield including symbols representing all eight states was
relayed in olympic torch fashion from state to state. The shield was created by artist Ric
Rice and served as the focal point for celebrations and ceremonies all along the route.
More then 300 participants signed the event parchment during the full month of travel.
The participation parchment will be displayed along with the commemorative shield once an
appropriate exhibition space is established.
Among the signatures are those of participants from as far away as New York, Sweden,
Germany, France and Japan. The eight states were represented well with enthusiasts
traveling from outlying towns and cities to join in the celebration.
The Ford Motor Company provided the official car, a 1992 Ford Mustang GT. Other
vehicles joining ranged from motorcycles to recreational vehicles and represented every
decade of the 66 years.
A kickoff dinner celebration was held October 10 at the Chicken Basket in Willowbrook,
Illinois. The dinner was set to acquaint the early participants with each other and to
outline the plans for the ambitious journey across America. The commemorative shield was
first unveiled at the kickoff dinner to both participants and well wishers.
What follows is a brief description of the highlights of the relay.
ILLINOIS
Vehicles, drivers and passengers from California, Missouri and Illinois gathered in
Grant Park in Chicago to begin what one driver said was "the chance of a
lifetime" Chance would surely play its role if so late in the travel season the good
weather would hold, motors continue their motion and no one lose the way on a 2,000 mile
trip to the Pacific
The line of vehicles poised to begin this ambitious adventure was colorful and
eclectic. In addition to the official car, was a Honda Accord also from California, the
’62 Cadillac that would be the first lead vehicle, a classic ’52 Nash Healy
convertible, a ’63 Corvair Ramp Side Pick Up and a ’64 Ford Fairlane that would
become notorious for its driver’s enthusiasm and dedication to Route 66. There were
others, but these were the ones of special note because the drivers had in some manner set
personal goals.
Dan Harlow and Vivian Davies from California had already driven their vehicles a
distance equal to that which lay before them in order to be at the beginning of the
historic event. Missouri driver Bob Lowden and his son Jay brought their Nash to be the
first of several father and son teams to participate. L.C. and Alberta Smith of Peoria,
Illinois were celebrating not only the 66th anniversary of Route 66 but their 33rd
wedding anniversary and both of their birthdays in their red and white Corvair. Ed Held of
Franklin Park, Illinois was on the relay to honor his grandfather who celebrated 66 years
as a member of a labor union. His ’64 Ford Custom was marked "Route 66 Highway
Patrol" plus many signs and stickers. Frank Lozich would be the first lead driver in
the ’62 Cadillac.
Illinois Association vice president Jeff Meyer accepted the commemorative shield and
placed it in the care of Lozich to lead the way. With antenna flags waving and horns
blowing the Route 66 Anniversary Shield Relay had begun.
The Swedish driving team and their ’77 Volvo 66 missed the launching of the event
but met the caravan at the Dixie Truck Stop and Route 66 Hall of Fame in McLean, Ill.
Their team of three led by Soren Johansen also included a 1992 Volvo as a support vehicle
to assure that all would go well. They joined the others for the trip to Springfield
Illinois and dinner at the famous Fleetwood Restaurant. Time requirements would not allow
them to continue with the caravan.
Springfield was shown off in great style the following day by Alderman and Illinois
Association member Ray Rowden and his son Mike, driving their ’78 Matador AMC.
Included in the special tour were the Lincoln historic sites.
Tom Teague, author, and president of the Illinois Association, led the caravan from the
Cozy Dog in Springfield to its meeting with Jim Powell, president of the Missouri
Association, and the loop into Missouri.
MISSOURI
Arrival in St. Louis at Ted Drew’s Frozen Custard was made particularly memorable
by the appearance of not only owner Ted Drew but the local parish priest Father Ayd who
blessed the caravan and its participants. Calling the relay a "pioneer
adventure", Father Ayd expressed the spirit and hopes of each person in his
appropriate and welcomed blessing.
The Route 66 Car Club of St. Clair, Missouri led the caravan from St. Louis to the
Meremac Caverns and on to Rolla where Wayne and Pat Bales would take the lead driving
their ’51 "Baby" Lincoln. A father and son team from California joined in
their "new" 1966 Chevrolet.
Following a Chamber of Commerce sponsored breakfast with spirited and productive
discussion of the future of Route 66, the caravan proceeded into the Ozarks of Missouri.
The Missouri not seen from the interstate is rich in color and history. The paintbrush
of fall had spread reds and oranges among the woods to match the piles of pumpkins set out
in preparation for the Halloween celebrations.
A stop at Roubidoux Woodworkers introduced participants to Bruce Debo whose family has
worked wood at the Devil's Elbow since 1830. Debo entertained with tales of 66 and the
surrounding hills pointing out the "Devil's Elbow" referred to the bend in the
river rather than the highway.
Ada Moore, owner of Hall-Moore Stuff, guided the caravan to the other Springfield
with stops at the Munger Moss Motel as well as less known sites. Missouri’s Route 66
is well marked and with patient observation the abandoned motor courts and other landmarks
can be found.
Out of Springfield and through Joplin the caravan was led by Tom and Glenda Pike and
joined by Graham Smith originally from England but now teaching in Springfield.
KANSAS
There is no mistaking Route 66 in Kansas as it is marked not only with sign posts but
white-stenciled shields on the pavement itself. And there is no mistaking the enthusiasm
of Kansans and their neighbors for the famous highway.
Although Kansas has the shortest stretch—only 13.2 miles—they area proud
Association and showed the spirit by hosting a picnic and car rally matching any on the
relay.
To greet the caravan at the Route 66 Park near Riverton were Scott Nelson, president of
the Kansas Association, and friends and families surrounded by classic and contemporary
vehicles from three states. Several MGs from the Kansas City area were present to show the
support of outlying communities. The college town of Lawrence, Kansas was well represented
by young celebrators. And Oklahomans crossed the line to link the commemorative chain.
Mrs. Harold Harlow greeted their son Dan in a warm welcome to his home state. And Ric
Rice, creator of the commemorative shield was honored by his father, Harold Rice.
Traveling from Wichita, they not only showed support for family but illustrated again how
wide Route 66 truly is in spirit if not pavement.
All enjoyed the hot dogs and homemade dishes of salads and baked beans and then visited
the now famous Marsh Arch Bridge crossing Brush Creek. The bridge was saved from
destruction by the efforts of president Nelson and the Historic Route 66 Associations.
Escorted by a Sheriff’s patrol car, the caravan which now numbered nearly fifty
vehicles crossed the Oklahoma line.
OKLAHOMA
At the state line, the caravan slowed as Danny Scott, president of the Oklahoma
Association, welcomed each driver with a magnetic Oklahoma Route 66 shield to mark the
occasion.
The main street of Quapaw, Oklahoma became a festival of vehicles and celebrators in
the center of the street as the commemorative shield was passed to the mayors of Quapaw
and Miami and well wishers joined to honor "America’s Main Street."
Miami, Oklahoma is home to one of the finest examples of theater architecture still
standing on Route 66. The Coleman Theater, built in 1929, hosted the commemorative shield
for an evening and a day. Visitors were treated to a complete and enlightening tour by
Jerold Graham. The theater presents both theatrical and cinema shows and screened
"The Grapes of Wrath" in honor of the 66th Anniversary of Route 66.
Rennick and Jackie Kreeger took care to see that the relay caravan and its participants
would remember well the small town of Miami. Complimentary pizza was served at his Pizza
Hut which is appropriately decorated as a fifties diner. He also led the caravan to the
famous single lane stretch (nine feet wide) of Route 66 just outside Miami, and helped
find other sites and pleasures of Route 66 hidden to all but the knowledgeable.
Leaving Miami, the caravan now included three 1992 Ford Mustangs. In addition to the
official car driven by Dan Harlow, his sister, Charlene Towne, steered a White GT and
Kreeger led the way in a black pony. Henry would have been proud.
After a brief visit to the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore the caravan proceeded to
Tulsa, known to many as the birthplace of Route 66. It was here that Michael Wallis,
author of Route 66, The Mother Road, made a stirring speech that would reverberate
again and again during the final miles of the relay.
"We are honoring not only that tattered and varicose concrete and asphalt, but
more importantly the people who remain, who spit in the dust and stuck there on Route
66."
With our caravan now led by Danny Scott, the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol escorted the
caravan to the Stste Capitol where the commemorative shield was on display until the next
day.
The city of Weatherford presented our Association and Dan Harlow with the key to the
city. The untimely schedule prevented the caravan from taking full advantage of the open
door reception, but Weatherford was clearly on the map.
In Clinton, Oklahoma a highlight was a wonderful visit with Gladys Cutberth in her
home. Gladys is the widow of "Mr. 66", E. J. "Jack" Cutberth, who in
the early fifties helped revive the old Highway 66 Association, which they renamed Main
Street of America Highway Association.
TEXAS
The panhandle of Texas is open country. The road takes few turns and the towns are
small with as many empty buildings as travelers can count. But, don’t count Texas
out.
In the tiny town of Shamrock you can fill up your tank with fuel and step back in time
at the Shamrock station and U-Drop Inn. In McLean the president of the Texas Association,
Delbert Trew, greeted the caravan at the Devil’s Rope Museum where the story of
barbed wire and the life of ranchers and cowboys was on display.
Also in McLean’s Devil’s Rope Museum is perhaps the best exhibit on Route 66
now presented from Chicago to Los Angeles. The caravan was reluctant to pass so quickly,
but had to go on to Amarillo.
Joined now by additional classic vehicles, the caravan arrived in Amarillo to a
reception at the Route 66 Antiques, hosted by owner George Rook. His "Grapes of
Wrath" truck was christened by Delbert Trew. Beer seemed more appropriate than
champagne and a can of Commemorative Birthday Route 66 Beer was poured enthusiastically on
the antique truck laden with the items one might expect the Joads to have carried.
NEW MEXICO
The Glen Rio welcome Center at the border of New Mexico was the scene of a gathering
which must have puzzled travelers unaware of the coming caravan and celebration. Classic
cars including a vintage New Mexico State Police vehicle lined the parking lot as a
"sheriff" joined Route 66 booster Bob Audette in handing out
"passports".
People had traveled from Tucumcari and Albuquerque and points on and off the road to
greet the Anniversary Shield Rellay at the Texas border and also a stop in San Jon.
TUCUMCARI TONITE!
Following a luncheon reception in Tucumcari, the caravan joined residents and others to
help celebrate the birthday of one of Route 66’s most famous motel owners, Lillian
Redman, whose Blue Swallow Inn is one of the most photographed and written about inns on
the route.
Mike Callen of TeePee Curios led the caravan out of the "town of 2000 motel
rooms" and into the southwest desert toward the city of Santa Rosa where a scheduled
stop at Joseph’s Café surprised and pleased any "out-of-state" caravaners
with a gifted T-shirt and a cap.
New Mexico’s Association president, Dave Nidel joined the caravan at the lunch
stop in Moriarty which included a meeting with the National Parks Service Route 66 Study
Team. Their presence added to the spirited discussion of Route 66 and its future.
Dinner in Albuquerque’s famous and much photographed Route 66 Diner hosted by
owner Tom Willis was followed by a rain storm that fell that night, clearing the following
day. Father Ayd’s blessing in St. Louis was credited for the near perfect weather the
travelers experienced on the entire trip. Lodging for two nights was enjoyed at the
historic and famous El Vado Motel near Albuquerque’s Old Town.
The Route 66 Revisited Art Exhibit now in its third year was still open in Gallup when
the relay caravan arrived. While time did not allow participants to view the entire
exhibit housed in two separate buildings, they were impressed with the variety and
creativity of the art and the presentation Gallup sponsors made possible. Route 66
obviously stirs the spirit.
ARIZONA
In the Grand Canyon State, many areas of Route 66 can be shown the traveler as
demonstrated by Teri Cleeland, ranger for the Kaibab National Forest. Her tour not only
showed how the route still passes through the majestic pines but also serves as a hiking
trail on the stretches of early abandoned alignments.
Yet another Route 66 car club, this one from Flagstaff, led the caravan from Winslow
into the city and on to Santa Fe avenue, now renamed Route 66.
Martin Zanzuchi hosted a reception at the fabulous Museum Club, a Route 66 roadhouse of
some renown. Hosted drinks and pizza kept participants happy for some time.
Seligman proved itself to be the booster it is said to be by putting on a potluck
dinner that drew many towns people as well as 66 enthusiasts. Angel Delgadillo and his
orchestra entertained in high spirited fashion and members of the caravan were presented
with special mementos.
The birth of the preservation and promotion movement we all now appreciate is said to
have taken place in Arizona and the Arizona Association. Its office in Kingman and the
town owned up to its name with grand reception at the local Taco Bell and later in the
historic Beale Hotel. Our California Association was presented with a signed Arizona
shield in honor of the occasion.
Coordinated by Arizona Association secretary Lynda Moore, the receptions were clear
indications of how the dedication to Route 66 in Kingman has made Arizona a leader in the
modern movement.
Closing the tour of Arizona in Topock, the caravan enjoyed a lunch at the local VFW
where Californians unable to make the entire trip were finally able to join in the fun.
CALIFORNIA
Needles, the Gateway to California, is proud of its place on Route 66 and Maggie
McShan, our Vice President East, was equally proud to show off her town. Dinner at the
Hungry Bear included introductions for the national coordinators Geoff and JoAnne
Willis—who until this point were unable to join the caravan they had worked so hard
to make possible.
Breakfast was sponsored by the Needles Firemen and was held at the local fire station.
Pancakes and trimmings were enjoyed followed by City Manager, Leon Berger, along with
Vice-Mayor Chris Christensen who spoke of their commitment to Route 66.
The desert of California is always a pleasure and was made worry-free by the addition
of an Automobile Club of Southern California Support Vehicle. It traveled with the caravan
to assure that any problems could be quickly solved. Although no major problems developed,
the assistance was much appreciated in a part of the country where early day breakdowns
could mean true disaster.
After a visit to Barstow’s Mojave River Valley Museum, the relay caravan was taken
by surprise when it arrived in Victorville. This once small desert town has grown a great
deal since the heydays of Route 66 and they provided a full-grown reception.
The caravan was led into town by a ‘40s vintage Ford to a gathering of some one
hundred folks including more classic and vintage vehicles. The Sweet Adelines serenaded
and the cars paraded. City representatives greeted the caravaners with messages of welcome
which included the cutting of a Route 66 birthday cake.
After a visit to San Bernardino’s restored California Theater, Bono’s
Restaurant in Fontana hosted a special Route 66 luncheon.
Claremont is the center of official activity for the California Association and booster
Sandy Sanford of Griswold’s Claremont Center took pains to see that the relay caravan
was made to feel at home. Following a special tour by Ginger Elliott of Claremont’s
Heritage, Inc., caravaners and well wishers enjoyed a dinner and slide show at
Griswold’s Smorgasbord. Among the noted attendees were Mayor Diann Ring and
distinguished citizens Roger and Mary Wheeler.
As the relay approached the final miles it had grown at its core to include Bob Audette
from New Mexico in his ’53 Chevrolet and artist Bob Waldmire originally from Illinois
but now setting up a Route 66 Information Center in Hackberry, Arizona. So compelling was
the concept and so ambitious the adventure that on short notice they decided to join
Harlow, Davies, Held and the Smiths who would complete the entire route.
Many local drivers in classic and contemporary vehicles joined in Pasadena to complete
the final leg into Santa Monica. The official car led the caravan to a hearty breakfast at
Barney’s Beanery and then on a loop past the Palisades and famous Santa Monica Pier
to the Mayfair Theater, the last of the still functioning theaters on Route 66 the
caravaners would visit. The commemorative shield was on display briefly for those who had
not yet had a chance to see and appreciate it.
Finally arriving at the Comfort Inn, Santa Monica, for the last reception of the tour,
caravaners were treated to a close look at Route 66 signs being posted in California and
photos displayed by Association member Dan Mahnke.
In appreciation for the assistance Choice Hotels International gave on the relay, Dan
Harlow and Ric Rice presented Jody Fields of Comfort Inn with the first Historic Route 66
sign in Santa Monica.
In closing the event Dan Harlow thanked all who participated including the Ford Motor
Company, Motel 6, the Historic Route 66 Associations and Choice Motels.
Holding the historic Route 66 sign high above his head he stated, "This is why we
did it. We want Route 66 recognized and we want it marked. Route 66 is still there. We
know. We traveled it."
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION INCLUDES VINTAGE AUTO SHOW ON SANTA MONICA PIER by Shawn
Abell
Blessed with perfect beach weather, the 66th birthday celebration of Route
66 wound up on Sunday, November 15, 1992 in Santa Monica, California, the western end of
The Mother Road
Helping the CHR66A celebrate the birthday of Route 66, approximately 50 classic car
buffs parked their pride and joy on the far western end of the famous Santa Monica Pier.
Pier visitors enjoyed checking out vintage cars ranging from a 1926 Franklin Oxford
sedan to Model Ts to Ford’s (one of our corporate sponsors) display of four new 1993
vehicles including a ’93 Lincoln Continental Mark VIII—a month before its public
introduction date. The ’26 Franklin, owned by George and Joy Howard was also 66 years
old! Jim Helmuth proudly displayed his 1941 Diamond T pickup after he became a friend to
the relay caravan by helping us out at his 76 gas station in Pasadena.
Two of the cars that drove the Commemorative Shield Relay all the way from Chicago were
driven by Illinois Route 66 Association members Edward Held from Franklin Park with his
1964 custom Ford and L.C. and Alberta Smith from Peoria, driving their 1963 Corvair Ramp
Side pickup. Also on display was a 1954 Chevy Bel Air owned by Bob Audette who joined the
Shield Relay in New Mexico.
The public was asked to vote for their favorite car. 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd place People’s Choice awards were special edition belt buckles
(gold, silver and bronze plated) donated by CHR66A member Mike Siakoolis of Buckles By
Mike. The first place winner was a 1960 T-Bird coupe owned by Rich McGiven.
Honored by the Board of Directors of CHR66A were Ed Ditmar and Phyllis Abell for their
efforts putting on the Classic Car Show. A special honor was awarded to Mike Siakooles for
his continued support of the association’s activities. Also lending a helping hand
throughout the day’s events were Angie Teichman, Tour Guide for Giovanni Tours and
Jeff Meyer, Vice President of the Route 66 Association of Illinois and Bob Waldmire, also
from the Illinois Association.
Sponsored by Valvoline, music was provided by "Cool Ray and the Shades" who
pleased the crowd with popular 50s and 60s music.
Route 66 memorabilia collected during the Anniversary Shield Relay (Oct 11 to Nov 11)
from Chicago to Santa Monica filled two display cases on the old Sindbad’s building,
(soon to be the site of Club 66) located on the Pier Boardwalk. The exhibit included the
scroll of signatures garnered during the relay. Adjacent was the Santa Monica Historical
Society’s two-panel display of historic Route 66 items for the event.
BOBBY TROUP HONORED AT ANNIVERSARY DINNER CELEBRATION AT THE SANTA MONICA PIER by
Sara Faulds
Club 66, a Route 66-themed restaurant, night club and retail store soon to be located
on the Santa Monica Pier, in joint effort with California Historic Route 66 Association
hosted a day-long anniversary celebration honoring the 66th birthday of Route
66, the Main Street of America on Sunday November 15th, 1992.
Following the vintage car show and the awards ceremony, at 5:30 the events moved from
the west end of the Pier to the Carousel area for a 6:30 p.m. fund raising dinner for the
eight state Route 66 Associations.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served and free rides on the carousel were
enjoyed by all as International delegations from Paris and Amsterdam were welcomed, along
with representatives from the Route 66 Associations in Illinois and New Mexico.
A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to singer, songwriter and actor
Bobby Troup who wrote the well-loved theme song of Route 66, Get Your Kicks on Route 66
45 years ago. Bobby also performed his song for the appreciative audience, who gave him a
standing ovation. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be an annual award to be presented
jointly by Club 66 and the California Historic Route 66 Association at future fund raising
events.
Songwriter Troup also received commendations from U.S. Congressman Mel Levine, State
Senator Herschel Rosenthal, County Supervisor Edmund Edelman and Santa Monica Mayor Judy
Abdo.
A large contingent from the Route 66 Association of Illinois included members Frank and
Rox Lozich, L.C. and Alberta Smith, President Tom Teague, Vice President Jeff Meyer, Ed
Held and Bob Waldmire. New Mexico’s Association was represented by Bob Audette.
Others receiving awards of recognition for their involvement in helping to promote
Route 66 and to ensure the creation of Club Route 66 on the Santa Monica Pier were Santa
Monica Council member Dennis Zane and Santa Monica’s new mayor, Judy Abdo. Additional
award recipients were the Santa Monica Historical Society and Sara Selene Faulds, Santa
Monica resident and Vice President of CHR66A, recognizing their involvement in the
protection, promotion and preservation of America’s Main Street.
Also recognized was the Dutch Route 66 Association and the French Company, Sonoto
Chrysler Group, which sent almost 80 representatives from Paris to the Anniversary
Celebration Dinner. These two European groups’ participation in this memorable event
highlights the growing interest in Route 66 by both European and Japanese visitors to
America.
Recognizing major contributions to the obvious success of the Anniversary Celebration
were three special awards presented by the Board of Directors of CHR66A to Geoff and
JoAnne Willis for their tireless and expert coordination of the Anniversary Shield Relay;
to Russell Barnard for his support of the eight state Route 66 associations and the
creation of Club 66, expected to be a destination point for travelers of "The Mother
Road"; and to Mitchell Cohen who coordinated the evening celebration as the First
Annual Anniversary Dinner, Dance, and Awards Presentation.
Resolutions were also presented to the California Historic Route 66 Association from
Senator Herschel Rosenthal and the City of Santa Monica officially designating November 9
through November 15, 1992 as Historic Route 66 Week in the city of Santa Monica.
The event concluded with a dance concert featuring the Mowtown Sound of "The
Suits".
NUGGETS FROM NEEDLES by Maggie McShan
Route 66 is among the attractions of the Needles Museum, located just across the Santa
Fe Park from Historic El Garces, The Harvey House. And, yep, the museum is right on the
old road where it forms a "U" around the park. The address is 929 Front Street,
the historic J C Penney building, with museum in one side and Soroptimist Community Thrift
Shop in the other. Open 10-2 every day except Sunday, and special openings can be arranged
for tours.
Our museum got off to a good start when we held a "sneak preview" on
September 12 last, to coincide with the Jamaica being staged in the park by TEAM. Once the
doors were open and exhibits in place, it just came naturally to open six days per week
with volunteers serving as hosts and hostesses, or "docents" if you want to be
formal about it. First day brought many visitors since there was a ready-made crowd in the
area.
