Table of Contents
Aztec Hotel
Mayfair Theater Threatened by Sara Salene Faulds
'66' Drive-in In Crestwood Torn Down by William Allen
Nuggets from Needles by Maggie McShan
Route 66 Merit Award
Arroyo Stones Build Arroyo Homes by JoAnne Willis
Peek Coffee Shop a 66 Diner of Old by Jim Munding
The Exotic World of Route 66 by Geoffrey Willis
Over The Road
- California - Generous Donation aids Association Publishing
- Texas - Texans Shake Rattle and Roll by Delbert Trew
- New Mexico - Federal Funds for Route 66 by Elmo Baca
- Arizona - State Studies Route 66
- California - Barstow, Signs of Pride
Aztec Hotel
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 the '20s 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.
The photograph was taken by JoAnne Willis and illustrates the exact location of the
landmark at 300 block of Foothill, Route 66.
NOTE: The Aztec Hotel will be the site of the Association's "Spirit of Route 66
Celebration" on May 21.
Mayfair Theater
Threatened with Demolition
by Sara Selene Faulds
In the last issue of ROADSIGNS, I reported on the damage to Santa Monica's historic
Route 66 buildings. In that article, I stated that neither the architecturally delightful
Mayfair Theater nor the main building of Henshey's Department Store seemed to be damaged
from the January earthquake. Unfortunately it turns out that each building apparently had
suffered extensive internal damage to supporting walls and ceilings. On May 9, both
buildings came before Santa Monica's Landmarks Commission for consideration. The owner of
Henshey's is hoping to demolish the building and according to rumor, a children's toy
store is interested in building at this site. The Commission continued this matter until
its May 23rd meeting.
Mr. Karl Schober, current owner and a descendant of the original Mayfair owner, also
went before the Landmarks Commission requesting permission to demolish his building,
stating safety and structural concerns due to damage caused by the earthquake. The Mayfair
Theater on Santa Monica Boulevard, Route 66, in Santa Monica has reportedly lost two walls
and had extensive plaster damage. At the meeting, the Commission heard reports on
structural and safety concerns from Schober and his engineers which supported his request
to demolish the building. The Commission also heard comments from the public who voiced
their concern with the possible loss of such an important and historic building, one which
has played a vital role in the growth of Santa Monica.
Louise Gabriel, President of the Santa Monica Historical Society, David Cameron, Past
Chair of the Landmarks Commisssion, City Council member Ken Genser, and myself, all
entreated the Landsmark Commission to first explore all possibilities for rehabilitation
of this beautiful building before ruling in favor of demolition. All who spoke made the
additional plea that should it be determined that the whole building cannot be saved, then
every effort be made to at least preserve the facade of the building and, if possible, the
lobby. The Landmarks Commission continued this action until further research into all of
the possibilities for preservation can be explored.
In her comments to the Landmarks Commission, Gabriel provided a brief history of this
marvelous landmark. She stated that it was the oldest legitimate theater operating in Los
Angeles. It was as she stated probably first built as an opera house. She went on to state
that the Mayfair was built in 1911 by Charles Tegner, a founding father of Santa Monica,
and was designed by architect Henry C. Hollwedel who also designed Henshey's and the
Bayside Women's Building. The theater, with its elaborate facade, was restored in 1973 and
again in'88. Its latest tenant, who had been booking a variety of acts, returned the
facility to Schober a few days before the earthquake. Apparently, under the lease Schober
had with tenants, it was their responsibility to take care of earthquake retrofitting.
Schober said, "They didn't".
During their discussions, one member of the Landmarks Commission relayed memories of
going to see his first movie at the Mayfair in the 1920s, a silent movie.
'66' Drive-in
Missouri
'66' Drive-in In Crestwood
Is Torn Down
By William Allen
of the Post-Dispatch Staff
Heartfelt memories poured from spectators Saturday as white clouds of dust billowed from
buildings crushed by bulldozers at the 66 Park In Theatre.
"This is like watching a good friend die," said one onlooker, Michael
Schmidt, 41, of Crestwood.
Said Travis Cape, 21, of University City: "lt's the end of an era.''
Schmidt, Cape and about 100 other people stood by as a crew from the Spirtas Wrecking
Co. Inc. toppled the giant screen, projection booth and concession stand at the outdoor
theater, on Watson Road just east of Sappington Road in Crestwood.
A National supermarket and several other stores will occupy the l9-acre site, where the
theater opened in 1948 on what was then Route 66. It closed in October.
The demolition proceeded "100 percenl according to plan," said Joe Lennemann,
wrecking crew superintendent. Shortly after 10 a.m., a bulldozer yanking on cables pulled
the screen to the ground.
"It was a real majestic fall," said Douglas Pentz, 30, of south St. Louis
County. "Then it was pretty much crash and wham."
An hour later the landscape featured three piles of jagged rubble criss-crossed by
bulldozer tracks and partial rows of headless car speaker poles.
Pentz, who worked for two summers at the theater as a projectionist, said the passing
of the drive-in would make it harder for him to remember the good times he had there.
"You would see families with station wagons full of kids coming in before a
show," he said. "I kind of wish a lot of these old memories could stay around
forever, but I guess that's progress."
Jim Gosnell and other members of the early Ford V-8 Club parked autos from the 1940s
and '50s nearby to pay tribute to the theater.
"Those were the cars we drove here when this thing first started," said
Gosnell, 61, of Kirkwood.
Schmidt was one of many people who videotaped the demolition. He remembered his job
selling popcorn at the concession stand and attaching letters to the marquee when a new
movie came to the theater.
"Changing the sign was always a treat, because we didn't have enough letters of
the same size and you had to be creative," he said.
Schmidt smiled as he reminisced about the miniature train, play-ground, Ferris wheel
and other attractions for fidgety children. He used them when his parents brought him to
the drive- in.
"It was really a family thing," he said. 'I've been coming here since I was 4
or 5 all the way through grade school and high school."
Several people expressed bitterness that a fond piece of their past was succumbing to a
shopping center. But, they admitted, it's a sign of the times: a single-screen, seasonal
movie theater can't compete economically in the 1990s.
"There will never be another drive-in built," said Cape, an outdoor theater
aficionado and member of the Route 66 Association of Missouri.
"We're losing a piece of popular Americana" he said.
On Saturday, the sign read: "Now Showing: '66 Drive-In: The Final Episode."
Just across the road stood the marquee of one of those multiscreen movie shows of the
'90s, the AMC 10 at Crestwood Plaza. Among the 10 features playing there: "On Deadly
Ground" and "Shadow Lands."
"The Coral Court is known far and well a classic art deco no tell motel. The 66
Park-In's where I used to score. Don't let them replace it with a discount store."
In 1990 the lyrics by songwriter "A" Side Willie also known as Geoffrey
Willis held hope. Plans in St. Louis were still shaping up to raise initial funds needed
to entice developers to restore the Coral Court. Today the song holds only half a hope.
Just up the way from the Coral Court Motel the landmark 66 Park In Theatre was demolished.
The drive-in theatre with its bold sixes was the only landmark to mark the busy city
thoroughfare as "Old 66". The Park-In bounced back with full features each
summer and a local newspaper had dubbed it "the drive-in with nine lives."
No more.
Nuggets from Needles
by Maggie McShan
My sister, Ruth Elizabeth Neal, spends much of her time with me now. We devote hours to
working in Footprints Garden and watching the world go by on I-40 which runs in tandem
with highway 95, and on the Needles Highway as well as Route 66.
Last weekend we decided to partake of the adventure directly and joined the Annual Fun
Run of the Arizona Historic Route 66 Association, and what fun we had. Their brochure said
"run what you brung" and what we brung was my '91 Chevy SlO PickUp.
We didn't get started until mid-after-noon Friday, but there was enough light to relish
the beauty of ocotillos in a full bloom between the river and Kingman. At the Orlando
Motel in Truxton, we found Elmer Ferenczy to be a charming host who urged us to hurry over
to the Frontier Cafe before closing and pay for the room when we returned.
At the Frontier my flower-loving heart raced at the sight of lilacs blooming and the
hostess allowed me to pick a spray.
Hurrying on to Seligman early the next morning, we found the one main street was lined
with beautiful classic autos. Our modern working machine seemed a bit out of place, but
never mind, we registered as number 612. We heard later that about 700 participated, from
dune buggies and motor-cycles to sleek and wonderful Corvettes.
We collected our packs which included delightfully colorful Tees and drinking mug at
Angel's Barbershop. Since the run itself was casual, we headed out at our own pace.
Among the highlights of the event was a barbeque at Peach Springs, which is the
headquarters of the Hualapai Indian Reser- vation. Pausing for awhile, we enjoyed plates
of delicious food, and observed the tribal singing and dancing.
Continuing on, we stopped for free cups of coffee at Valentine. Then it was on to
Hackberry for a brief tour inside Bob Waldmire's place. It is an old general store and
service station he is restoring in a most imaginative fashion. Adding our names to a giant
guest register, we noted the legend "Open by appointment or by chance." A
Kindred soul! That's how Footprints Garden operates.
Excitement was terrific in Kingman. A portion of Beale Street was blocked off, and
various mechanical rides and vendors were busy entertaining and hawking wares. After
walking until our legs were about to drop off, Ruth drove us home to Needles to sleep and
feed the chickens.
Early Sunday we hit I-40 with me at the wheel this time to join the tour over the
Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman. My Chevy knows this curvaceous road by heart and I enjoy
driving this scenic stretch of Old 66.
At Oatman, the streets were lined with marvelous vehicles, but not a donkey in sight.
Smart critters! Since we could barely get through and there was no parking for miles. we
decided to head on out for Golden Shores .
At Topock/Golden Shores we greeted Elnie Dorion, a local and one of the sparkplugs of
the run, and parked at a vantage point to see the beauties arrive and go through the
unique finish line, a giant shield arch. School Groups were serving food as a fund raiser
and we gobbled a delicious hamburger and cupcake while chatting with participants.
Suddenly clouds gathered right over us and a patter of rain messed up the shine on the
classic cars.
We didn't stay for the award ceremonies but hurried back to Needles to open the Museum
for those Fun Run people who would pass through. Waldmire dropped by as did some of his
friends from Illinois along with others.
Altogether a marvelous weekend, concluded with plotting to have Needles and the CHR66A
more involved next year.
Route 66 Merit Award
Route 66 Merit Award to be presented
to Needles Citizen Maggie McShan
Maggie L. McShan was born on Hargis Mountain in Arkansas in 1915, and began her
education in the beautiful forests and country schools. She continued with high school at
Gillham while living with her personality-plus grandmother, Kizzie Jane Hargis. Then it
was off to business college in Dallas, Texas and much later community college in
California. Her curriculum consisted mostly of natural history classes.
She married Frank B. McShan (Mac) in 1936, and settled in Needles on Old Route 66.
Although Mac and Maggie were not from the dust bowl, they were a part of the period when
California saw the migrations of the great depression. They observed the continuing exodus
and the filming of part of the Steinbeck classic "Grapes of Wrath" on the
Colorado River.
She has participated in the Route 66 revival since the beginning as an early member of
the Arizona Historic Route 66 Association. She was sent on the road to cover the first
anniversary of the association for Needles radio KSFE where she served as news director.
On that assignment she interviewed Governor Rose Mofford during ribbon ceremonies to
dedicate the Seligman to Kingman sector as historic highway. She was also able to
interview other notables such as Will Rogers, Jr. and Bobby Troup for her radio show.
She has represented Needles, Gateway to California, in the California Historic Route66
Association since its beginning and has served as vice-president east. Among her
activities on behalf of the Association have been numerous tours, greeting travelers,
arranging dinners and study sessions with the National Parks team.
As president of the Needles Regional Museum Association and volunteer hostess at the
local Museum on Route 66, she sees many travelers. She recently provided information
including mileage for the new Needles city map which will feature Route 66 and is a
consistent and engaging contributor to ROADSIGNS.
She helped organize the Needles Chapter of the California Historic Route 66 Association
and with Bernice Morris headed the committee to welcome the European Antique Auto tour of
Route 66 to Needles and California.
Her home is on Old Route 66. She recently convinced the city to so name her street as
it is an original portion of the historic road.
The Annual Merit Award will be presented to Maggie at the "Spirit of Route 66
Celebration May 21 in Monrovia as part of the annual event for the Association.
Arroyo Stones Build Arroyo Homes
by JoAnne Willis
Lately Pasadena's beautiful Colorado Street Bridge spanning the Arroyo Seco has
received much attention as it reopens after earthquake retrofitting. Something should be
said, however, for the beauty of the arroyo itself.
In 1925, a Los Angeles city ordinance decreed sixty acres of the arroyo bed to be a
playground for all people for all times.
Naturally, there were those who wanted to bring that beauty home, literally.
On March 6, there was a tour for guests of Highland Park Heritage Trust to the old
Hiner House, one of numerous homes in the area whose structural charm comes from the
rounded arroyo stones. This one is at 4757 N. Figueroa Street, old Route 66 circa 1935.
The eclectic Tudor styled cottage with its steep pitched roof was built in 1922 by
Boler and Boler of Chicago for Edwin C. Hiner. Hiner was founder of the music department
at UCLA. The two-story structure has fairly small rooms with charming oak floors and trim.
There is some mural work said to have been done by a student who couldn't afford his
lessons.
The guest house has an arroyo stone base and red shingles. It is known as the Sousa
Nook for John Phillip Sousa who stayed on visits.
There was often band practices held on the front lawn for performances across the
street at the historic Sycamore Grove Park. The home is restored with minor changes to the
original.
Other homes with varied arroyo stone construction are on North Figueroa at numbers
4935, 4939 and 4947.
The well known Lummis House and Garden is nearby at 200 E. Avenue 43. The home was
built by the founder and director of the Southwest Museum and is open for tours. Call
(213)256-4326.
Highland Park Heritage Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the recognition
and preservation of cultural and historical resources within the greater Highland Park
area.
For more information you may reach the trust at (213) 256-4326.
The Exotic World of Route 66
by Geoffrey Willis
Not far off National Old Trails Hwy., Route 66, in Helendale stands a unique and
unexpected attraction. The Exotic World Burlesque Hall of Fame and Nostalgia Museum is a
non-profit organization in operation since 1980. It was founded by the late exotic dancer
Jennie Lee Arroyo, whose credits included a regular column called "Who's Who in Burly
Q" appearing in the centerfold of the popular 1940s tabloid Hollywood Confidential.
The feature showcased photos of the burlesque stars and Arroyo's own responses to
questions from fans. She later left Hollywood and opened her own nightclub in San Pedro.
The Sassy Lassy operated into the mid 70s. With her health declining, she sold her
nightclub and bought land in the high desert. It was then that friend Dixie Lee Evans, a
burlesque star of the 50s came to nurse the ailing Arroyo and the idea for a museum was
born.
Evans, famous as the Marilyn Monroe of burlesque, transformed what were once goat sheds
into thirteen rooms of exhibits which range from breakaway sequined gowns to elbow length
gloves and from Gypsy Rose Lee's black velvet cap to Jayne Mansfield's couch. Her newest
acquisition is the famous fan dancer Sally Rand's original set of fans. The ivory alone is
valued at five thousand dollars.
Photos and magazine covers also pay a tribute to the burlesque queens of the past such
as Tempest Storm and Blaze Starr.
Evans says that she's been trying for years to group the exhibits according to artist
and era. However, the project is constantly interrupted by film crews making
documentaries, tours, magazines and the unexpected visitor. The museum has been featured
on Donahue, Sally Jessy Raphael, the Discovery Channel and in the Wall Street Journal.
Once a year the museum sponsors the Miss Exotic World contest. Awards are presented to
the top three young contenders in the art of striptease who are backed up by a live band.
This year's top honors went to Susan Adair, "Catherine Delish", of San Diego who
performed in a huge champagne glass amid an array of colored bubbles. Another important
feature of the event is the Legends Award. This year's recipient is Sheri Champagne who
not only danced in champagne glasses, but used that shape in every aspect of her costumes
from head to toe. She is donating a wardrobe estimated to be worth $80,000 to the museum.
Of course, Best Costume is a major award in the annual pageant. Speaking of costumes,
plans are in the works for a Carmen Miranda costume party this fall. Stay tuned for
details.
Exotic World is located at 29053 Wild Road, Helendale, CA 92342 and is open 10 a.m. to
4p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday). From northbound I-15 in Victorville take the
D St. exit (Nat'l Trails/Route 66) and go 17 miles to Vista Rd, left to Helendale Rd, turn
right to Wild Rd, turn right again and follow to the museum (also on your right). For more
about Exotic World you may call (760)243-5261.
Peek Coffee Shop a 66 Diner of Old
by Jim Munding
Pic's Coffee Shop was referred to in the San Bernardino Sun as "the kind of place
where the locals have breakfast, and Pic's cafe is a diner that looks and feels like it
hasn't changed since opening in 1956."
The old Pic's, now called Peek Coffee Shop, is owned and operated by the Kim family.
Mr. Kim is a great 66 enthusiast and has his cafe loaded with Route 66 souvenirs. His
friendly personality and warm smile will greet you and his love for old 66 is evident by
his clothing which is usually a 66 tee shirt, hat and always a pin or two.
Mr. Kim said that he planned to fix an old sign and point it toward I-15 nearby. He
said this huge neon sign will say "Historic Route 66" with an arrow pointing to
the old road. He wants everyone to be reminded of the "Mother Road" as they
travel by on the newer freeway.
Peek's is located 12 miles north of San Bernardino on the end of a portion of Route 66.
Take the Devore off ramp from the Barstow Freeway (215). It is also reached from the I-15
southbound from the Devore off ramp to Cajon Blvd. north to the dead end.
There are many interesting things to do and see along old California 66 and a meal or
cup of coffee at the old Pic's is truly a memorable stop. Be sure to tell Mr. Kim that you
appreciate his support and interest in our favorite highway.
DOWN THE ROAD
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD #3985 "CHALLENGER"
May 21-24 Ontario-Barstow-Las Vegas
The largest operating steam locomotive in the world will travel the tracks along RT66.
Tickets are sold out but it will be possible to view the train along the route and at the
Ontario station at 8:30 morning departure and 6:30 in the evening when it returns. The
train which came from Promontory, Utah will also stop at the beautiful Barstow Depot.
SIXTH ANNUAL CAJON PASS WALK May 28, 29 Memorial Day Weekend Choose to walk one
or both days. Camping overnight and potluck dinner. Approx 5 miles. Free Registration.
(760) 244-7621 or (760)247-0383
"RETURN TO ROUTE 66:Photographs from the Mother Road"-exhibition
Through May -Kingman, AZ.
Missouri photographer Shellee Graham's exhibit will now be at the Beale Hotel,
Kingman, AZ. (602) 753-2297
ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL-Flagstaff Aug 11-14 Annual event features variety of
activities and exhibits. (800) 842-7293
The latest in the series of Bob Waldmire postcards is the California landmark, Bono's
Restaurant. Postcard #40 depicts the restaurant and Geli located on Route 66 at 15395
Foothill Blvd., Fontana. The postcard is available at Bono's of course, and if you wish
more information on Waldmire's art, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Old 66
Visitors Center, Box 46, Hackberry, AZ 86411.
COLORADO STREET BR1DGE PARTY JUNE 11. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Pasadena, CA Presented
by Pasadena Heritage, the party is on the bridge and celebrates the reopening of the Route
66 landmark. (818) 793-0617
FIFTH ANNUAL ROUTE 66 RENDEZVOUS SEPT 15-18 San Bernardino, CA Expanded to four
days of cruises, exhibits, contests and vendors.. (800) 20 RTE66
