Table of Contents
Route 66 Rocked by 6.6 Quake by Sara Selene Faulds
Crossroads LA is a Major Success by Geoffrey Willis
Where Does Route 66 End by Dan Harlow
Historic Aztec Hotel by Geoffrey Willis
Nuggets from Needles by Maggie McShan
World Class Tour by JoAnne Willis
Colorado Street Bridge Reopens by Geoffrey Willis
Over the Road by JoAnne Willis
Helendale Rendezvous '93
Arizona - Visitor's Center Opens in Hackberry
Route 66 Outreach
Traveling Route 66
Traveling the Two Sixes on Two Wheels
Route 66 Rocked by 6.6 Quake
by Sara Selene Faulds
At 4:31 on January 17, Mother Nature dealt Route 66 a heavy blow with a 6.6 earthquake.
Every historic building in downtown Santa Monica on Route 66 was damaged. The brick
buildings were the most severely damaged, especially above the first floors. Most of these
buildings were not reinforced.
The damage consisted of the upper story brick walls, parapets and decorations falling
to the ground. Some buildings look to be a total loss. Luckily, because the earthquake
happened in the early morning, there was no one on the sidewalks. Otherwise, there might
have been many injuries or deaths.
On Tuesday, the day after the quake, I walked along Santa Monica Boulevard (Route66)
looking at all the damage. It made me sick at heart. Already, the precious and perhaps
irreplaceable brick was being scooped up by tractors and hauled away. Santa Monica was
losing a major part of her character and now Route 66 its historical roots in Santa
Monica.
Since that first walk in the ravaged area, I have noticed a few businesses which have
small stacks of bricks saved for the future renovation of the building. At this time,
however, no one really knows which buildings will be saved and which will be torn down.
The Santa Monica City Council did pass a resolution encouraging the restoration rather
than the demolition of damaged buildings.
There is one bright note. From what I have been able to see so far, it appears the
beautiful Mayfair Theatre survived fairly well.
I have begun talking to the Santa Monica Planning Commissioners interested in
preservation about the possibility of owners of these buildings being eligible for some
additional funding for restoration of their historical buildings. I made the case that
these buildings are on Route 66, which last year was designated a State Historic Highway.
State and federal preservation officials also toured Santa Monica's damaged historic area,
and restoration plans are hopefully in the works.
We will bring you further updates on the fate of Santa Monica's Route 66 buildings and
photos of the quake's damage in the next issue of ROADSIGNS.
Where Does Route 66 End
by Dan Harlow
Evidence that Route 66 extends from Lincoln to Ocean Avenue along Santa Monica
Boulevard lies firmly in the ground at Palisades Park. Here, in 1952, a plaque was placed
stating simply, "Will Rogers Highway, dedicated 1952 to Will Rogers, Humorist, World
Traveler, Good Neighbor. This Main Street of America, Highway 66 was the first road he
traveled in a career that led him straight to the hearts of his countrymen."
The plaque was placed that summer as a caravan of vehicles completed a tour of Route 66
sponsored by Warner Brothers, Ford and the Main Street of America Assoc. The tour began in
Chicago and was carried out as an honor to Will Rogers, promotion of the soon to be
released motion picture of his life story, and recognition of Route 66.
However unofficial this landmark may be, it clearly represents the spirit of Route 66
and its many contributions to American culture. For those who have stood before it and
gazed into the blue horizon of the Pacific Ocean, this marks the western terminus of Route
66.
Transportation officials and map makers will tell you otherwise. The official end of
Route 66 is where it junctioned with 101 highway some ten blocks east and south of Ocean
Avenue. Had we rested with views of officialdom there might be little reason to now raise
the question. When there were no other signs on Route 66, the plaque at Palisades Park
told of a very special highway.
If you want to see where Route 66 made its last juncture with another major road,
follow the maps and turn south on Lincoln. If you want to experience the spirit of 66,
follow your heart and keep driving west.
Nuggets From Needles
by Maggie McShan
Well! Glory Be! The City of Needles has its Route 66 signs up marking both Broadway and
Front Streets because both carried the old road at different times. White shields with
black lettering have been used. In addition, many businesses, including yours truly, have
purchased larger signs which are like, or similar to the Caltrans model and display them
on their own premises. Tourists are noted taking photos of all signs, and, for shame, a
few have been swiped.
A fine new Best Western Motel has been opened at the west end of town, and a California
Pantry restaurant in connection with same will soon open. The Wagon Wheel Restaurant which
is part of Historic Lynns Broiler before freeway, was recently expanded and welcomes 66
visitors. Nearly all the road businesses offer 66 tees and other Mother Road memorabilia.
We have organized a Needles Chapter of Route 66 Association. The purpose is to easier
handle events here. We're not mad at anyone, but dearly love all of you. We just felt that
Needles, as the Gateway to California, is important enough to have such an identity. We
require our members to first be members of CHR66A, and our dues for the chapter is $10 per
year. That's so we will have a small fund for entertaining those travelers when we welcome
them to Needles and to California. Members so far were already members of the California
group.
Our chapter functioned in the reception we gave to the European Antique Car Tour (CAAR)
in October. The Women of the Elks served luncheon to the visitors, and the Chapter gave
each foreign visitor a bag of keepsakes from our town. Most were donated by merchants, but
some were bought by the Chapter. A lively time was enjoyed in Santa Fe Park. Entertainment
included music by the Mojave Indian Band, and also traditional bird singing and dancing by
Mojave artists. The Needles High School Mustang Band also provided music, and the Mojave
ladies demonstrated their beadwork art.
The City of Needles cordoned off the section of old Front Street in front of the
Museum, and the beautiful old cars were displayed in all their glory. Local folk who are
multilingual came out and chatted with foreign visitors in their own lingo. It was a great
occasion.
We greatly appreciated Vivian Davies and Dave Settle traveling to Needles for the
event, and the great deal of help they gave to us.
More recently, on a lesser scale, we welcomed the Corvette Tour from Belgium. The
reason we didn't get more elaborate was the lack of advance notice, but a few of us were
able to meet with them, and to present greetings and gifts.
We arranged for a dinner meeting at the Hungry Bear Restaurant for the National Park
Service Committee which is charged with researching the impact of Route 66 on our American
History. As a result of their inquiry about restoration projects, we treated them to a
buffet breakfast at the Old Trails Inn, where they were given a tour of that project.
According to a letter received from chairman Mike Bureman. They were pleased.
And Hurrah! Needles Chamber of Commerce is in the process of publishing a new map I've
compiled information on Route 66 in our town of Needles for the map.
World Class Tour
by JoAnne Willis
Perhaps the most spectacular event for Route 66 in 1993 was the CARR Rally Club of
Ancient or Club of Antique Automobiles and Rallies depending on the translation. September
through October, 273 participants from Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great
Britain, Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland shipped their own classic European and
American cars to Baltimore.
They jeeped around in Virginia, went to our nation's capitol, but principally were here
to get their kicks on Route 66.
It was overwhelming to see most of the cars professionally stenciled with such verbage
as "Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles", "The Mother Road",
"CARR Rally-1993 Route 66". Also, many had the Route 66 emblem on the cars.
besides familiar classics such as a 60's Corvette and Cadillac, there was a 50's Skoda, a
1924 Vauxhall, 1928 Tatra, 1934 Alvis, a Citroen, a Goggo (which get 70 miles to the
gallon), and other wonderful vehicles. Most displayed their country's flag and a U.S. one
too. There was a bus and a DAF truck stocked with car parts, still one or two cars just
couldn't make it by the time they got to the Mojave. There were five accidents. We best
know of a Polish man whose 1928 BMW was totaled near Springfield, Illinois. The man had a
stitched leg, but luckily was no worse off.
Their last stop of the rally was the Santa Monica Pier on October 12. Some members of
the Model-T Club of Southern California were there to usher them in. The display of cars
was beautiful. They had obviously found time to polish them after such an arduous trip.
The Pier Restoration Corporation and Bernard Management Services, developer of the future
Club 66, provided a platform and sound system for the reception. City of Santa Monica
officials and Mitchell Cohen, representing Bernard, congratulated the CARR Rally as did
CHR66A President, Geoffrey Willis. Willis let them know that their epic event would be
chronicled to the National Park Service to approach Congress so that they would appreciate
the truly international appeal of Route 66.
Willis also presented a plaque to CARR's 66 tour organizer, Wil de Hek of Holland and
individual paper certificates of the plaque were given to all participants. The plaque and
certificates were produced by former president of CHR66A, Dan Harlow.
I took a lot of pictures on the pier and was frustrated not to get to talk to more of
the participants. Of course, I quickly found Adrian Polaczek with his bandaged leg. He's
the man who lost his BMW. A couple from Holland and their son told me about their Skoda.
They pointed out the funny attachment of modest fins that the manufacturer had added to
the Skoda design to mimic the American 50s fins. I asked a bubbly British lady for an
anecdote. She said the rally got off to a hilarious start in Chicago. Like many who get
confused with the one way streets and the lack of signs, eager caravaners found themselves
facing each other at all four stops of an intersection-"now what?"
There was even a Russian ballerina on the rally. The Los Angeles Times reported that
Olga Vikrova and British mechanic Geoff Purkiss were married the day before the tour began
and spent their honeymoon on the rally. The car carried both a "Just Married"
sign and a "For Sale" sign. The couple hoped to sell the 1966 Austin to save the
shipping charge home.
On the rally's last night at Olde World Village, Huntington Beach, I presented a
collage of artwork and greetings from Orange County children. I then circulated a poster
for comments from the Europeans. Here's a couple I understand.
"We loved to do the trip 66. It was fantastisc, really!"
"We want you to keep Route 66 alive!"
Arizona Visitor Center Opens in Hackberry
Artist and naturalist Bob Waldmire has opened the Old Route 66 Visitor Center at the
site of the old Hackberry general store in Hackberry, Arizona.
Waldmire is well known for his fine detailed drawings of Route 66 published as maps and
postcards. The purchase of the authentic 1930's homestead and station was made possible by
Edwin & Virginia Waldmire and the Cardinal Hill Farm of Rochester, Illinois. The
facility will be incorporated as a non-profit educational foundation for the protection of
the land, buildings and resident species of plants and animals.
Planned indoor and outdoor exhibits will showcase the region' s human and natural
histories. Included in planned projects is a 24-foot map painted on an inside wall of the
store and visitor center. The Edwin Waldmire Memorial Library honors his father who is
known as the inventor of the corn dog and owner of the Cozy Dog in Springfield, Illinois.
The extensive collection of books the late Waldmire enjoyed are available to readers and
researchers.
In addition to the attraction within the center, an interpretive hiking trail leads
visitors to the natural wonders of the desert landscape.
For information on the center or the artwork of Bob Waldmire send a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to Old Route 66 Visitors Center, Box 46, Hackberry, Arizona 86411.
Colorado Street Bridge Reopens
by Geoffrey Willis
On the sunny and smogless morning of December 13, three years of work and dedication
paid off as Pasadena's historic Colorado Street Bridge was reopened. City officials,
preservationists, media, and the general public gathered to celebrate the rededication
eighty years to the day from its first opening in 1913. A parade of vintage vehicles,
bicyclists, roller bladers, and pedestrians shared in the fun of being the first to enjoy
crossing the beautiful restored landmark. As traffic roared by on the 134 Freeway just to
the north, the scene on the bridge had the simple leisurely atmosphere of a turn of the
century picnic. Even a barber shop quartet entertained at Defender's Park at the east
entrance. Colorado Street Bridge photo by Dan Mahnke The bridge was closed in 1989 due to
the concerns over its ability to withstand any earthquakes. At a cost of 27 million
dollars, the earthquake retrofitting project took 33 months to complete. Only one month
later, January 17, the landmark met its first test, the Northridge Quake. So far so good.
Among the many significant facts of the bridge's history is that it was once a part of
U.S. 66. From 1935 to 1940 westbound travelers crossed it to Figueroa Street and then into
downtown L.A.. When 66 shifted to the Arroyo Seco Parkway (later known as the Pasadena
Freeway), the Colorado to Figueroa alignment continued to be used as alternate Route 66.
The Colorado Street Bridge not only gives us and future generations a fulfilling historic
and aesthetic experience, but also with a viable and versatile alternative to the often
crowded 134 Freeway for crossing the Arroyo Seco. This restoration project proudly stands
as an example of historic preservation at its best.
Helendale Rendezvous '93
The second annual Helendale Rendezvous, September 25, was a great example of what a
country community festival can be. In addition to volunteers tirelessly serving pancakes
for breakfast, hot dogs for lunch and barbeque for dinner, the event was well focused on
local history and lifestyle. Many historic displays and demonstrations depicted aspects of
desert life such as saddle making historic western clothing, quilting, gold panning and so
forth. Historic associations represented were The Mojave Historical Society. Victor Valley
Museum and California Historical Route 66 Association.
Especially gratifying to us was the focus placed on Historic Route 66. Bus tours to Old
66 highlights were offered from noon to 4 p.m.. The tours were so popular that they
quickly sold out and some of us were not able to go. We're counting on the tours to be
offered again this year. The spotlight then turned to dedication of the Route 66 monument
at the corner of Old National Trails Highway (Rt. 66) and Vista Road. A Harry S. Truman
impersonator recreated the original dedication address which was given in 1926 when the
road first opened. A caravan of antique cars and a Boy Scout honor guard participated in
this special moment. It was a symbolic representation of how the famous road has been a
common thread through the generations of this Mojave community.
It was now time for fun and games at the Helendale Elementary School including a horse
shoe tournament, slingshot contest, and bottle toss. The evening rounded out with ragtime
piano music and vocalizing by The High Desert Harmonaires and The Sweet Adelines. Ermal
Williamson, a towering man in cowboy attire known as "Duke of the High Desert",
humored everyone with his uncanny impersonation of John Wayne. At 9 p.m. the Rendezvous
Sing-a-Long closed the curtain on a great day.
OVER THE ROAD
New Mexico
Blue Swallow Soars to New Heights
If you are a local to eastern New Mexico, you may know that TC is a moniker for
Tucumcari. But, you don't have to be a local to know of the Blue Swallow Motel. Owner
Lillian Redman whose date of birth is November 11, same date as the road outside her door,
was pleased to hear that her motor court has been placed in nomination for the National
Register of Historic Places. A less familiar honor, Blue Swallow Motel has also been
placed on the State Register of Cultural Properties.
According to the release from the Office of Cultural Affairs, Santa Fe, "The Blue
Swallow Motel is one of the best examples of a largely unaltered pre-war tourist court
remaining along Route 66 in New Mexico." Built by a local contractor, W.A. Huggins,
the motel court was started before WW II and completed in 1942. Mrs. Redman has owned the
motel since 1958 and has been a gracious inn keeper to all travelers from around the
world.
California
Photo Exhibit Portrays Route 66
An exhibition of photographs of the highway by artist Shellee Graham is now on display
and continues through April 17 at the Thomas Winery Plaza.
Titled "Return to Route 66: Photographs from the Mother Road," the exhibit is
presented by the Rancho Cucamonga Visitors Bureau.
Graham has chosen 66 photographs that illustrate Route 66 and also clearly show her
talents. Included in the exhibit are both black and white as well as color prints. Unusual
techniques such as the print titled "The Wagon Wheel Motel" from infrared film
helps to create a mood for the show without taking away the power of her work as
documents. The unpretentious portraits of Route 66 personalities is a comfortable reminder
that it is people that has made Route 66 America's Main Street.
Blue Swallow photo by Shellee Graham
Graham lives in Bridgeton, Missouri. Her first exhibition of Route 66 photos was in St.
Louis in the spring of 1992
The Rancho Cucamonga Visitor Bureau is located at 7965 Vineyard Avenue at Foothill,
Suite F-5, Rancho Cucamonga. For information on the exhibit and hours call 1-800-JOG RT66.
Missourri
Coral Court Motel Closes
The Coral Court Motel in St. Louis is closed. Even it's sign has been removed perhaps
for safekeeping. This makes it easier to get a glance as you drive by of the individual
units of gleaming tile, the pyramid shaped glass bricks and built-in garages. It's a
unique motor court in many ways. Although it's on a still bustling stretch of 66, it's
nestled among tall oaks like streamlined modern cabins in the woods.
After closing, 12 of the 77 units were condemned for structural damage. It was placed
on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. However, Jim Powell, president of the
Route 66 Association of Mo. says that nothing can save the Coral Court short of perhaps
five million dollars.
At this time, Powell , who has been named benefactor, and others are raising funds and
seeking volunteers for groundskeeping and other immediate needs. A search is on for
developers who will come to the rescue of this most attractive and significant motor
court. Some interesting ideas have been floated such as making it some kind of 66 version
of a colonial Williamsburg with museums, shops, crafts and so forth.
Route 66 Outreach
Antique and Collector Swap Meet includes Route 66
R.G. Canning Attractions, producers of the Rose Bowl Flea Market/Swap Meet and many
other shows and exhibitions, has opened a new attraction at the San Bernardino outdoor
market on the grounds of the National Orange Show. The new Antique and Collectors Swap
Meet opens every fourth Sunday of each month and features more than seventy vendors of
antiques and collectibles. Free space is offered to car clubs and vintage car owners.
The new attraction has been organized by CHR66 member Harold Smiley. Through his
efforts, our association has been given exhibition space to promote 66, our activities,
merchandise and events.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank R.G. Canning for the support and
interest in Route 66.
For more information on the Antique and Collectors Swap Meet you may call Harold Smiley
(909) 882-6858.
Route 66
The search for Route 66 continues and now mapmakers are beginning to contribute. The
Thomas Brothers map company has included one Route 66 alignment in their current books for
San Bernardino and Los Angeles areas.
The CHR66A guide "Guide to Route 66 in California" was a resource and the
late alignment is illustrated by Historic Route 66 shields.
The San Bernardino issue of Thomas Bros. also shows Route 66 as a feature on the cover.
"Guide to Route 66 in California" is about to go into its second revision and
third printing. As CHR66A prepares for publication of the guide, it welcomes comments,
corrections and any new knowledge.
If you have documented evidence that may contribute to the guide, please contact us by
mail.
Crossroads LA
is a Major Success
by Geoffrey Willis3
On October 17, 1993 the California Historic Route 66 Association was pleased to be
invited to Union Station, the scene of an exciting event. Sponsored by the Los Angeles
Conservancy (LAC), it was titled "Crossroads L.A.-The Junction of the City's Past and
Future." Celebrating the LAC's 15th anniversary, the center-piece attraction was an
astounding array of cakes sculpted in the image of city landmarks such as the Coliseum,
City Hall, the Central Library, The Queen Mary, and many more including the less elegant
Tail O' The Pup. They smelled as good as they looked and tasted even better. To promote
the LAC Preservation Network Program (PNP), the Fred Harvey Restaurant Building showcased
many area historical/ preservation organizations including several along Historic Route
66. This facilitated a valuable exchange of dialogue, newsletters and business cards
between our associations. opening the door for the achievement of mutual goals in the
future. The event drew an impressive response from the public. Event goers showed
considerable interest in our CHR66A exhibit. You could tell that many of them were
genuinely pleased to discover that such a group exists. We acquired pages of signatures to
receive the National Park Service Route 66 Resource Study. Live music and Ethnic food kept
the party rolling while tours of the beautifully restored train station provided an
opportunity to view a familiar landmark with new eyes. The event concluded with an auction
conducted by Huel Howser which raised sums to help fund LAC advocacy projects and develop
the PNP. On behalf of our association, Route 66 Clothing and Goods along with Buckles By
Mike donated a framed, limited edition poster map of Route 66 by Bob Waldmire, one of the
few left that was signed by the artist. Congratulations to the LAC for producing this
rewarding and memorable event.
TRAVELING THE TWO SIXES
ON TWO WHEELS
Pedalers Welcome
Wanna bicycle to Chicago? "Route 66 by Bicycle for Seniors and others Young at
Heart" is a pay as you go tour scheduled for April-May.
A meeting to discuss the tour will be held at the Whittier Main Library on February 14,
7 p.m.. Dan Mahnke, author of "Antique Roads of America-Bicycle Guide for Route
66" is the featured speaker Mahnke is a board member of CHR66A and points out the
trip west to east has the wind in favor.
For information about the spring tour, contact Ed Wizek, 545 Perth Ave., La Puente, Ca
91744. (818) 333-8507 evenings. Wizek would like to hear from anyone who has made the trip
by bike.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION
John and Patricia Lane are active in two associations. They are members of the SCMA,
Southern California Motorcycle Association, and the California Historic Route 66
Association.
The Lanes paired the two groups in the SCMA's tours of Route 66. In 1992 and 1993, they
were gracious in recognizing CHR66A and including the Association in the plans for the
Gypsy tours of the Mojave between Kingman and Victorville.
Participating motorcyclists received a guide and booklet on Route 66. Quizes, prizes
and games were all part of the package.
For more information about SCMA and tours you may call (818) 303-4168.
ILLINOIS ENTHUSIASTS
George and Marcy Rimini started the Illinois Route 66 Motorcycle Division last March in
connection with the Route 66 Association of Illinois. They are hoping to find group
leaders in communities up and down the route. For more information write or call: R.R. 2,
Box 16, Girard, I1 62640 (217) 965-4748 or (217) 782-4573.
Aztec Hotel is 66 Landmark
by Geoffrey Willis
On a portion of the original Route 66 in Monrovia stands the charming Aztec Hotel.
Located at 311 W. Foothill Boulevard, the restored hotel is on the National Register of
Historic Places. It was built in 1928 by colorful architect Robert Stacy-Judd whose
creations were inspired by Mayan and Aztec structures.
This was his first commissioned job in America. He had designed theaters with an
Egyptian theme in England. Some of his other creations include the First Baptist Church in
Ventura, the Masonic Temple in Tujunga and the Atwater Bungalows in Elysian Park.
Besides the beautiful lobby, banquet room and adjoining patio, the Aztec houses the
Elephant Bar and Restaurant. The atmosphere is casual and familiar amid an array of ornate
features. Brass railings and the stained glass provide color and class while a dozen
antique lighted ceiling fans spin in whisper- quiet motion from a single belt drive.
Although the menu offerings are limited, the dinners are very substantial and a good
value. In addition to steaks and prime rib, are chicken roquefort, served on a bed of
creamy fettucini, and tasty fried chicken breast served with real mashed potatoes. The
homemade soups that night were lentil and New England clam chowder. Both were excellent.
The house honey- mustard salad dressing and fresh baked rolls were also a hit.
Unfortunately, the seafood offerings are being scaled back and were not available. In
addition to the menu, there are nightly specials on a chalkboard as you enter.
Our visit to the Elephant Bar and Restaurant was enjoyable and satisfying. The Aztec
Hotel is a landmark deserving of our support. Give it a try.
NOTE: The Aztec Hotel will be the site of the Association's
"Spirit of Route 66 Celebration" on May 21. (see page 3).
