Table of Contents
Getting Those Signs Up! by Vivian Davies
New Historic Route 66 Signs Go Up In Upland
Historic Highway 99
Lincoln Highway Association
Nuggets From Needles by Maggie McShan
Route 66 by Bicycle
Association Annual Dinner Features Michael Wallis,
A New Song for Old 66
New Mexico Communities Seek State Support
The Grapes of Wrath
We Get Letters...
Remembering Route 66 by Bob Coath
Newton's - The Outpost Cafe
Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma Opens in April
GETTING THOSE SIGNS UP! by Vivian Davies
As a California having just driven the Commemorative Shield Relay from Chicgo to Santa
Monica, one thing that I appreciated was the many visible Route 6 shield signs - of all
kinds. Every one of them were informing the traveler that he was, indeed, "on the
road again.
Many are "roadsigns" posted alongside the road. Some of the local directional
signs in Missouri have an outline of their state in the background. In Kansas, the shield
background is their sunflower.
It's great to see some businesses with some kind of a Route 66 shield sign on their
building. Other businesses use Route 66 somewhere in their name and that makes it
prominent as one drives by. In Williams, Arizona, the Route 66 shield is in the center of
their NO PARKING signs which hangs from their lamp post!
I have spotted a few new Route 66 shield signs on businesses in California, too.
Association members might pursue this great idea. And I am glad to tell you that there are
Route 66 shield roadsigns now up in Needles, Barstow, Victorville, San Bernardino, Rancho
Cucamonga, Upland, Claremont, La Verne, Glendora, Azusa, Duarte, Monrovia, Arcadia and
Pasadena. We hope to see signs going up soon in the "Westside Story" i.e.,
cities of Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
And how about a big drum roll and a TA-DAA! for our Caltrans who has mounted
directional signs prior to freeway off-ramps - including the second directional
sign at the off-ramp.
We are not only promoting, preserving, educating but identifying Route 66 in
California.
NEW HISTORIC ROUTE 66 SIGNS GO UP IN UPLAND
Travelers on Foothill Blvd. will know they are on Route 66 in the town of Upland.
Historic Route 66 signs, sponsored by Ford of Upland, were placed on the north frontage
parkway in February.
Ford of Upland has operated its dealership on Route 66 since the early 60s and have
embraced the new movement to preserve and promote the famous highway.
As business members of our Association, Ford of Upland has participated in special
events such as the Asleep At The Wheel music tour and our annual dinner.
Upland joins the other communities which currently have Route 66 signs. Other cities
have plans to post the historic Route 66 signs and there are miles and miles left to mark.
HISTORIC HIGHWAY 99
Introduced by Assemblyman Statham February 10, 1993, "Assembly Concurrent
Resolution No. 19 Relative to Historic U.S. Highway 99" (ACR 19), is great news for
historic highway aficionados in California.
This is a copy of the Summary: "This measure would state that the remaining
portions of former U.S. Highway 99 are recognized for their historic significance and
importance in the development of the state. The measure would request the Department of
Transportation, as specified, to identify any section of former U.S. Highway 99 that is
still a publicly maintained highway but is not designated as having formerly been U.S.
Highway 99 and to designate that section as 'historic U.S. Highway 99'. The measure would
also make provisions regarding funding, as specified."
An association, similar to ours, has been formed: "'Route 99 Association of
California' - to preserve and foster improvements on old U.S. 99 throughout
California".
They definitely welcome support and input from our readers. For further information
write Douglas I. Pruitt, PO Box 5185, Cottonwood, CA 96022 or call 916/347-3338.
LINCOLN HIGHWAY ASSOCIATION
The recently-formed national Lincoln Highway Association will hold its charter
conference in Bedford, PA, Wednesday June 9, 1993, through Sunday, June 13.
The original Lincoln Highway Association was formed in 1913 to promote a
"coast-to-coast rock highway". The highway is on or near U.S. 30 west from New
York city for most of the way across the United States, and follows I-80 from western
Wyoming to San Francisco.
Membership information may be obtained by writing Gregory M. Fraanzwa, LHA President,
c/o The Patrice Press, 1810 W. Grant Road, Suite 108, Tucson AZ 857445 or call the firm at
602/882-0906.
TOURISM IN CALIFORNIA
Watching for those out-of-state plates during the tourist months of summer may be
surprising. It surprised state tourism officials who found that Californians were
vacationing in their own state in greater numbers than visitors from elsewhere.
In 1991, Californians outnumbered other leisure travelers by 4 to 1 according to a
study by the state Office of Tourism. The 194 million travelers counted included 157
million who were touring their own Golden State. Arizona, Washington, Oregon and Nevada
brought the most visitors from out-of-state. New York and Colorado were also well
represented. Visitors from foreign countries numbered 5-1/2 million.
And a lot of those travelers discovered Route 66.
NUGGETS FROM NEEDLES by Maggie McShan
"Friends of El Garces" is the name chosen by a new organization recently
formed in Needles for the purpose of acquiring and funding a viable reuse of our historic
Harvey House.
The organization is being set up as a non-profit, public benefit corporation.
A bit of history: Construction of the building was begun in 1906, and it was completed
with landscaping in place by 1908. The name, El Garces, was chosen in honor of Francisco
Garces, a missionary who visited this area in 1776 and met with the Mojave Indians.
This was the second Harvey House built in Needles. The first being a wooden structure
destroyed by fire early in 1906. Several lives were lost in the tragic event, so El Garces
was constructed of solid concrete.
Strong Mojave Indians supplied the main labor force, climbing the tall ladders and
carrying cement as the walls went upward. Later, in the active passenger train era, Mojave
Indians had the exclusive right to sell their handicraft to train passengers. Because of
these traditions present day Mojaves are interested in restoration of El Garces, as are
the local white, hispanic and Afro-American citizens, all of whom have had historic roles.
The Needles Museum called the original organizational meeting of the Friends in January
to kick off the new Association - the main focus of which was to save El Garces. Sixty
persons attended. The museum will continue giving a helping hand and plan to hold a tea in
the near future for surviving local Harvey girls
El Garces was primarily aimed at serving train passengers, but it was also a Highway 66
facility, being located in the heart of Needles on the original route of the Mother Road.
The beautiful Santa Fe park is maintained by the city of Needles and conveniently
located between El Garces and the Needles Museum. Route 66 is on three sides of the park
and travelers often stop to picnic, visit the museum and photograph El Garces.
Robet Chesney is the president of the Friends. Persons wishing to participate in this
worthy historical project are invited to join with individual membership fees of $15 and
family fees of $20. Several benefactor memberships range from $100, $500, $1000, $5000 or
more. It will be a costly project, but once finished the building will be self-supporting.
Send checks to Friends of El Garces, PO Box 942, Needles CA 62363
"Going West on Route 66" is the theme of the annual Needles Rodeo parade
slated for April 17. The rodeo is at the fairgrounds April 16, 17, preceded by
"Picnic in the Park Western Day Event", held - where else? Santa Fe Park, with
El Garces in the background. Y'all come!
ROUTE 66 BY BICYCLE
If you travel very many miles of Route 66 you're likely to see at least a few travelers
pedaling their way along America's Main Street. To help those two-wheel travelers, Dan
Mahnke has published a guide designed for the cyclist.
Titled Antique Roads of America, Bicycle Guide for Route 66, this 100-page guide
includes all eight states. Designed as a rally or tour guide rather than travelog, it can
take some time to sift through the legend and mileage. However, once understood, there are
plenty of helpful details such as legend notes for gas, food, lodging, camping and even
bike shops.
Concentrating on the route of the 1920s, Mahnke takes note of those stretches which are
not conducive to bicycle travel, and offers the traveler alternatives. Turns which can be
easily missed are pinpointed. Unfortunately, there are no maps.
Each of the chapters begins with a short essay of significant sites or travel tips, and
the many photos taken by the author are decent highlights of the road.
Although this guide is sold as a tool for cyclists, auto travelers may find it helpful.
The book is currently selling for $9.95 and is available through mail order or selected
retailers.
ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER FEATURES MICHAEL WALLIS
As the spring issue of Roadsigns goes to press, the final plans for the annual
dinner are well underway.
We are proud and pleased this year to have Michael Wallis as our special guest. Wallis
is author of Route 66: The Mother Road and recently published Pretty Boy, The
Life and Times of Charles Arthur Floyd.
Highlights of the dinner and fair will be found in the next issue of Roadsigns
including a look at the books and their author.
A NEW SONG FOR OLD 66
The 66 Park In's where I used to score
Don't let them replace it
With a discount store.
Preserve a piece of yesterday
Let me hear somebody say,
My heart belongs to Old 66
Landmarks of Route 66, some well preserved, others teetering on the edge of extinction,
are traced in Old 66, the new single by singer, songwriter "A" Side
Willie (Geoffrey Willis). Called Willie by his friends at work, he coined the pseudonum in
1987 when he won first place in a St. Louis song contest, jazz category, for a humorous
piece called After Christmas Syndrome. Free recordings were awarded on a set of 45
rpm singles. Being in first place, "Willie" was placed on the "A"
side.
In 1989 After Christmas Syndrome was part of his self-produced album, Should've.
Syndrome and others were played on St. Louis and Chicago radio stations and on
nationally syndicated Dr. Demento.
In 1990 Willis was inspired by an article about a movement to revitalize Route 66.
Already having strong sentiments for saving landmarks no longer to be taken for granted,
Willie wrote Old 66 to carry the message. He and his wife, JoAnne have been an
active part of the movement ever since.
Old 66 is produced on cassette in two styles: A big band, swing arrangement to
reflect the heyday of the route and a folk-pop version to evoke its rural feeling. It's
fun to hear when you're going down the two-lane road - in your car or in your mind.
Priced at $5.00 (including shipping) the cassette is available through mail order.
Checks should be made to G. Willis, 263 So. Cypress, Orange CA 92666.
NEW MEXICO COMMUNITIES SEEK STATE SUPPORT
The New Mexico state legislature is considering a bill to support the preservation and
promotion of Route 66. Sponsored by Gallup representative Gloria Howes, the bill calls for
matching funds and signage.
Coordination of several agencies including the State Department of Tourism, Highway
Commission and Economic Council is expected to complete proposals.
Among the proposals is the selection of a state Route 66 Working Committee, visitor
guides, banners and special events such as the Route 66 Art Show.
If passed, the bill will provide funds to match funds raised by the communities of
Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Moriarty and Gallup.
THE GRAPES OF WRATH
The saga of John Steinbeck's Fictional migrant family, the Joads, is being retold to
modern audiences at a time when they may be all too aware of what hard times can mean.
The successful Broadway adaptiation by Frank Galati was recently performed by the
California State University, Fullerton theatre department. The production was directed by
Don Finn with music direction from William Koon, and received both favorable reviews and
good numbers at the box office.
Music written by Woody Guthrie and new music adapting Steinbeck's words including a
tribute to the "Mother Road" moved the narrative and brought back the image of
Route 66 when it was lined with vehicles all pointing west.
The Fullerton production ended March 14, but watch for other revivals of this most
satisfying and thought-provoking drama.
WE GET LETTERS...
We just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how much we enjoyed using your Guide
to Historic Route 66 in California, this past Friday, Oct. 9. My wife Dottie and I
drove from San Diego to Needles via Interstates 15 and 40 with the express intention of
taking Route 66 back on Saturday. We started in Needles and took most of the day, driving
and stopping as the mood struck us, to reach San Bernardino where we turned for home.
Along the way, we stopped at the Goffs Schoolhouse, where we had a wonderful visit with Jo
Ann Smith of the Friends of the Mojave Road. By the way the "Route 66 House"
used as the superintendent's home during the construction of the '31 alignment has been
successfully moved from Essex to the schoolhouse site. The Friends of the Mojave Road will
use it as a library and office. They plan to restore the schoolhouse to its original
school configuration.
While we were using the Guide to get to the schoolhouse, we did find one minor error
that you may wish to correct for future editions. On page 6 in the pre-1931 alignment
through Goffs (National Old Trails Route) box, reference is made at mile 14.3 to seeing
the schoolhouse "off Landfair Road to the right". The road as marked on the
street sign is "Lanfair" (no d). We mentioned this to Jo Ann and she told us
that the road is named for an early family that settled in the area
One other note, even less important but a "nice to know", concerns the
drinking fountain at Essex at mile 1.7. We had stopped both to see the fountain and get a
drink of water. Gentleman that I am (actually Dottie ran faster!) I let my wife have the
first drink. She turned the handle a moderate amount and was immediately rewarded with a
washed face and wet hair. The water pressure is so strong that, after she recovered from
her bath, when we checked it by opening the handle fully the water hit the lower part of
the roof! We both had a good laugh and since it was too good to pass up, got some
pictures.
Other than some driver errors, like missing a turn or two, we found your Guide very
useful. Just before heading for home on I-15 we saw the old orange juice stand in Fontana.
It really belongs in a museum somewhere.
Congratulations on a job well done and thanks for a very informative guide. We're
looking forward to driving the rest of the Route 66 from San Bernardino to Santa Monica
and using the Guide again.
[The correct spelling of Lanfair is already set for the next printing of the Guide,
along with updated info about the orange which is in storage awaiting restoration and
relocation in the Plaza of the new Wal-Mart Fontana Square. - ed.]
A VISIT DURING THE SHIELD RELAY COMMEMORATIVE TRIP
Thank you so very much for the three pictures. I really loved the picture of the Will
Rogers Highway plaque [in Santa Monica]. It sends all kinds of vibes to me. I
recall our caravan of 1952 from Illinois to the placing of the plaque at Santa Monica.
Such wonderful memories! And I appreciate your lovely picture reminding me of a very
pleasant evening. Ssince the picture was taken I have graduated to a cane. Hopefully
before long can discard it also.
I've read the "Special Anniversary Issue", [of Roadsigns] again and
again. Truly a fascinating issue! You people are to be commended on the newsletters and
the activities of your association. Continue your efforts.
I miss our trips to CA in days gone by. Wishing you a very successful "Annual
Dinner" in March. My regards to Dan Harlow. Gladys Cutberth, Clinton, Oklahoma
A DOCUMENTARY?
Was so very excited when my membership card, Roadsigns, and Guide arrived
today. Please pass along my compliments to Darin Kuna and yourself for the very beautiful
and professional job on the Guide. It is the best I have received so far. Have
heard from seven of the eight state associations as of this date. I have joined your group
as well as Arizona for the time being. I will try to attend your next Saturday meeting at
Griswold's in Claremont.
I have had a long love affair with the old roads of especially California for many,
many years now. I have done photo essays on Route 99, The Old Ridge Route in 1954, and
have driven and photographed California-1 from the Mexican border to Monterey Calif. in
1962. I saw a special on "Eye On LA", 2-part series, on old Route 66 a few
months back on KABC Channel 7. I've written to them asking if they would rebroadcast it or
if we could get a copy of same for CHR66A members.
My father and his parents and family migrated to Los Angeles from Endicott, NY in 1928
by car. His memory of the trip is spotty at best. No photographs or log of the trip
survived to today. He does tell stories that are very interesting to listen to. He is 85
now and still in good health. You asked for help in your very nice letter. I have an
interesting suggestion if it already has not been done by one of your interested members.
I would like to produce a video documentary on Route 66. Santa Monica to the bridge on
the Arizona state line. My plan is as follows: To start at the Pacific Ocean on Santa
Monica Blvd.at dawn on an unplanned day. To start with the Pacific Ocean, the pier sign,
street sign(s), "Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Ave" and all points east. I would
video tape each scene with all background noises and running narration as taping went
along. I would cover each street and town as the old Route 66 went through it. Also, a
then-and-now feature could be added by using old black and white photographs of landmarks
and videotape of the now condition. I could add a theme of musical background including
for the most part big band music and Get Your Kicks on Route 66 by Nat King Cole, Beyond
the Blue Horizon by Jeannette McDonald, and "The Happy Wanderer" etc.
I have an excellent collection of big band country and western hits of the '30s, ''40s,
and '50s. I could use selected songs as background to the narration and background noises.
The only problem I face are title displays for the video project. I could use hand
lettered title cards or if one of your members had a video character generator that could
superimpose the titles over a tape of the Caltrans Historic Route 66 sign. This would give
the tape that added touch I think it needs.
How does this sound for a project for the CHR66A club? If you have any comments or
suggestions please don't hesitate to write. I won't plan to start til March of '93 at the
earliest. Just as soon as spring like weather hits us.
Documentaries could be made of all other states on Route 66. I only hope if my project
ever goes to completion it will be realized by CHR66A members favorably. I'm not
professional by any means however I will do an excellent job on the end results.
Enough of my ramblings for now. Hope you can read my hen scratching on these pages.
Please write with any comments if you or any Assoc. members cares to. I remain your new
member, Robert Stowell, Ontario, CA.
HOPING TO DRIVE THE ROAD
I am writing this letter to you, to send in my application fee to join your
organization. I am an avid Route 66 fan, and I have been trying to find other people or
organizations with similar interest in this grand old highway. Unfortunately I have never
traveled the "Mother Road" except one time, and only a short stretch of it then,
but nonetheless, I still have a great respect for what the road stood for, and for how it
shaped the very fabric of America. I have a trip planned for next summer and it will
involve traveling as much of the old highway as I can possibly still find, and talking to
as many of the old timers who made the highway what it was.
I am most especially interested in finding and purchasing any old Route 66 memorabilia
such as post cards, photos, road maps, etc. I'm sure there are lots of other people who
also collect this type of material but I am hoping someone can steer me in the right
direction.
I talked last night, at great length, with Mrs. Susan Crose Kelly, who wrote the book Route
66: The Highway and it's People, and she steered me in your direction, as well as
another organization in Illinois. I am looking forward to receiving the newsletters and in
sharing my excitement for the highway. Kerry G. Douvall, Merrillville, IN.
ANY SIGN COLLECTORS OUT THERE?
My name is Brian Smith and I live in Carmichael, California. I am trying to preserve a
small part of California history by collecting old porcelain enamel traffic signs erected
from 1920 to 1960. My collection contains a representative sample of the various types of
signs erected by the state's two automobile clubs and the old California Division of
Highways. Ihave done extensive research about old traffic signs and wish to find other
collectors. If you collect old traffic signs or need information about early signing
activities in the state, please contact me at Brian Smith, PO Box 255143 Sacramento CA
95865.
REMEMBERING ROUTE 66 by Bob Coath
Route 66, The Main Street of America,
That's her claim to fame.
For more than six historic decades
This road had shown the way
To change the lives of people
In business or at play.
The Roaring Twenties set the stage,
A new era was at hand.
For transportation ushered in
A new machine driven by man
No turning back to slower days,
No signs of great remorse,
The end of time at least had come,
To unleash the weary horse.
An auto called the "Fliver",
New roads had paved the way,
To challenge time and distance,
The driver had his way.
Every town this highway entered,
They welcomed all who came,
A new world of commerce,
Where one could gain.
From town to town this road would link,
Both village large and small,
The Main Street of America,
Where pride and love stood tall.
This Mother Road held promises
As decades changed our needs,
She served our nation well indeed,
Providing mobility was her creed.
Today the interstates pass her by,
She even lost her name,
Is that any way to treat
This Mother Road of fame?
But now in words we briefly write,
Remembering another day,
A world we knew not long ago,
And yet, has passed away.
NEWTON'S - THE OUTPOST CAFÉ
Odds are that when two major highways intersect there's a good reason to stop. Of
course safety suggests stopping even if the law doesn't, but seasoned travelers also know
that a major intersection can mean a discovery of major significance.
In 1928, the intersection of Route 66 and U.S. 395 gave birth to the outpost, a café
and fuel stop south of Victorville. The original site is now The Outpost Wedding Chapel,
but the tradition of good food and hospitality is carried on by the present owner, G. E.
Newton.
Newton built the present Outpost Café and Station in the early 60s when the interstate
buried Route 66 near the Cajon Pass. In the spirit of old-time hospitality, Newton treated
the Route 66 Anniversary Shield Relay to a free breakfast.
The breakfast selections are served from 11 pm to 11 am with eggs served all day.
Plates are modestly priced from $1.25 to $6.95 and consist of country-styled combinations.
The Outpost Café is open 24 hours and a stop for lunch or dinner can be just as
rewarding as that early morning meal. Burgers headline the lunch column with such
additional treats as a California Roll of roast beef, cheese and ortega chilis.
Deli-styled sandwiches are also available. Lunch plates range from $2.75 to $5.25
Dinner features daily special and soups that can satsfy the hearty hunger for a T-bone
steak at $8.95, or fit a budget with a chicken fried steak for $6.25.
Homemade pies are baked on the premises as are other pastries and dessert delights.
The feel of the roadside diner is maintained with counter service and the friendly
sense of "glad to see ya". Located at 8685 Hwy 395, Phelan, CA 92371. Off the
interstate just north of the Cajon pass.
ROUTE 66 MUSEUM IN CLINTON OKLAHOMA OPENS IN APRIL
A Route 66 museum is scheduled to open in Clinton, OK April 2nd. This is the
first official state museum anywhere devoted to the memory of U.S. Highway 66. It will be
housed at 2229 West Gary Blvd. in the building where the Western Trails Museum has been
located.
The museum will contain photographs of remaining landmarks still standing along the
entire route from Chicago to LA, and much more memorabilia. Mrs. Gladys Cutberth has
volunteered to donate her entire collection of Route 66 memorabilia to the museum.
