Victorville Route 66 Museum - The Tour Starts Here
Starting Point - Directions
The tour starts at the corner of 6th and "D". This is the site of the First
National Bank building, now the home of the California Route 66 Museum.
I-15 North "D" Street exit. Turn right at the end of the off ramp,
proceed to 6th Street, turn right and park.
I-15 South "E" Street exit, turn left on "E" street to 6th.
Turn right on 6th, cross "D" street and park.
#1 - THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
16849 "D" Street
Notes
The First National Bank opened on May 26, 1917, on a telegraphic charter for Washington
D.C. It was first located on 6th Street in the building which was the Old Coco Cabinet
Shop (the only building available at the time) until the new building at 6th and
"D" Street was completed in 1918. For security, it had an electric vault and a
large manganese safe. An old man and his dog slept in the bank each night, which was
heated by a coal oil stove. There were 186 depositors from a population of 750. Elton
Goble, co-founder and first president of the Victor Valley Board of Realtors, was the
cashier from 1917 until 1922. The bank remained at the same location until its failure in
about 1931.
#2 - U.S. HIGHWAY 66
Directions
The front entrance of the First National Bank (California Route 66 Museum) is on
"D" Street, the street name for Route 66 in these parts.
Notes
The miracle of the early twentieth century was the construction of a vast network of
highways that gave automobiles a place to go. The development took more than a century to
happen. At first, highway building was a local venture and roads were marked and
maintained by booster groups supported through individual donations. It was 1925 before
the country adopted a plan for a national highway system and almost 15 years later before
those highways were paved coast to coast.
U.S. Highway 66 was a product of the grassroots movement for better roads and was one
of the main arteries of the 1926 National Highway System. It was a highway which grew to
become a symbol for the American people's heritage of travel and their legacy of bettering
themselves by moving west.
Unlike other national highways, Route 66 did not follow a single trade route
established by generations of travel. It traversed sections of several old trails at its
eastern and western ends, but it cut out on its own through the young state of Oklahoma
and covered a lot of empty space before it finally reached California.
The Route began in Chicago and continued through the prairie land of Northern Illinois,
south across the Mississippi River, the corner of Kansas, Oklahoma City, and the Pan
Handle of Texas, the barren plains of New Mexico and on from Amboy to Barstow, to
Victorville, ending up at the Will Rogers Highway near Santa Monica.
Old Route 66 (National Trails Highway) extends through Oro Grande, into Victorville and
continues up 7th Street to what is now known as Interstate 15.
#3 - THE JAIL
16830 "E" Street
Directions
Proceed north on 6th Street (cross "D" street) to "E" Street and turn
left. A "point of interest" sign marks the site of the jail which is currently
being restored.
Notes
In 1907 the first jail "opened for business". Constable Ed Dolch was
instrumental in getting the structure built. Lack of running water or heat, plus the the
type of punishment (helping to drain the nearby swamp), were deterrents to criminal
activities. Originally erected on "E" Street.
#4 - THE BARREL HOUSE
16805 "D" Street
Directions
From the jail return to "D" Street, turn right, one block to 5th Street, turn
left. The corner of 5th and "D" is occupied by the Barrel House.
Notes
The Barrel House was built in 1914 of cinder block and cement from the Oro Grande cement
plant. In the early days it was a restaurant and jewelry store; in 1933 it became the
Barrel House Liquor Store.
#5 - METHODIST CHURCH
15557 5th Street
Directions
From the Barrel House proceed south on 5th Street to 5th and "B" Street, the
site of the first church in Victorville. If you are driving park on 5th.
Notes
The United Methodist Church, at the corner of "B" and 5th Street, was completed
on November 22, 1914, at a cost of $1,200. All labor was donated. Oliver M. Butterfield
was the first pastor. Prior to organizing the building of the church, he traveled 100
miles to Victorville by Santa Fe train every Saturday, returning each Monday to his
studies at the University of Southern California. He drew up the plans for the church,
helped dig a full basement, and raised money for the construction.
#6 - MCDOUGAL COTTAGE
16805 Yucca
Directions
From the Methodist Church proceed south on 5th to 5th and Yucca, turn left, and if you are
driving - park.
Notes
This house, located on 5th and Yucca, has an air of mystery and a unique architecture for
the desert; hand constructed arches, built-in candelabra, and porthole type windows. It is
believed that Captain McDougal, an old Scottish seaman, built it in the early 1900s. He
lived alone and was reputed to be a cynical, anti-social character.
#7 - OLD VICTOR SCHOOL
15476 Sixth Street
Directions
From the McDougal House proceed east on Yucca to 6th Street and turn left. Old Victor
School is just past Forrest Ave. but if you are driving turn right on Forrest, park and
walk back to the site.
Notes
Old Victor School was built in 1922. Upon its completion, the facility served as the
elementary school of the community. In 1960 the school was closed and used primarily for
storage.
In June 1982 the Victor Elementary School District decided to dispose of the school. As
a result of strong public support, the Victorville City Council adopted a resolution for
the purchase of the property so that the building, its integrity, and historical
significance could be preserved. In February 1983 restoration was started and an open
house was held on July 2, 1985, after the renovation process was completed.
The building was, and still remains, unique as compared to other structures in the City
and surrounding area. The building remains on its original site and the frame and stucco
construction are unaltered. It is conservative, elegant, and depictive of the Chicago
School of Architecture with hardwood floors throughout.
#8 - VICTOR VALLEY JR. HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
Directions
From Old Victor School proceed east on Forrest Ave. Cross Seventh St. You will see the
Victor Valley Jr. High School Gym on your right.
Notes
The construction of the gymnasium was a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project and
most expenses were covered by federal funds, including all labor with the exception of the
Construction Superintendent.
In April 1935 construction was authorized to begin, with completion occurring within
the 1937-1938 school year.
#9 - VICTOR VALLEY V
Seen From Forrest & Hesperia Road
Directions
From the parking lot of the Victor Valley Jr. High School Gym you will have an
unobstructed view of the Victorville "V".
Notes
In 1930 the Victor Valley High School site was where Victor Valley Jr. High is currently
located. The Victorville "V" was placed on the side of the hill as a landmark
for the high school. Keith Gunn, then high school football coach and shop teacher, later
to become principal, spearheaded the project of the "V". Southwestern Portland
Cement Co. donated the cement and the students of the high school football team were
responsible for the actual installation.
#10 - VICTOR VALLEY MEMORIAL PARK
17150 "C" STREET
Directions
From the Victor Valley Jr. High School proceed east on Forrest Ave. to Hesperia Rd. and
turn left. Continue to "C" Street and turn right to the "Point of
Interest" sign.
Notes
According to past records, Victor Valley Memorial Park was the first cemetery in this
area. Originally (1916) the cemetery was located behind the existing Senior Citizen's
Center on Mojave & Victor Street. When the cemetery was moved to an old gravel pit
site at 11th & "C" Streets, graves had to be relocated to this new site.
#11 - INDIAN MARIE'S GRAVE SITE
VICTOR VALLEY MEMORIAL PARK
Directions If the gates are open enter the first gate, proceed past the war
memorial clockwise around the park to the marker opposite Marie Chapuli's gravesite where
you may choose to pay your respects.
Notes
Marie Chapuli, better known as "Indian Marie", lived in Victorville on 10th
Street between "C" & "D" where she made local news by establishing
squatter's rights to a picturesque shack used for centuries as an Indian campground in
Victorville. She came from the war-like Paiutes of Nevada and Utah. She was born in the
mountains surrounding Big Bear Lake and arrived in Victorville in the early 1890s. She was
known for her handmade baskets made from reeds from the Mojave River. Marie died July 13,
1960, at the approximate age of 104 and is buried in Victor Valley Memorial Park.
#12 - 8TH STREET COMMUNITY CENTER
15615 8th Street
Directions
From the Memorial Park retrace your steps on "C" Street. Continue on
"C" Street to 8th. The 8th Street Community Center is on the corner of 8th &
"C".
Notes
On September 12, 1941, local USO Representative, Imogene Garner Hook announced the start
of a drive to raise local funds for a USO building. On October 10, 1941, President
Franklin Delano Roosevelt approved $45,000 support for the project, along with a grant for
2066 workers from the Victorville Army Flying Field. Construction began in the latter part
of 1941 on property purchased from the Appleton Land Water and Power Company.
In 1945 the board members of the newly formed Park and Recreation District purchased
the USO Building from the federal government to use as a local recreation center. The name
was changed to the Victorville Community Center.
#14 - THE CHANTRY HOUSE
15604 6th Street
Directions From the Community Center continue on "C" Street to 6th and
turn right. The Chantry House is on the corner of 6th & "C". You are now
back at the Museum (corner of 6th & "D").
Notes
Built in 1899, it was one of the first houses in Victorville. Originally owned by Robert
& Susan Turner, it was purchased by Robert Chantry in 1917. Behind the house was an
ice plant. Twelve tons of ice were made daily to provide to the High Desert residents.
Later a public swimming pool was added and called the "Crystal Plunge".
#13 - VICTORVILLE HARDWARE
15582 7th Street
Directions
From the Chantry House continue on 6th Street to "D" Street and turn right. Make
another right on 7th Street. Just past the intersection of 7th & "C", mid
block on the right hand side is the old Victorville Hardware site currently the Western
Outdoor Power Equipment Co.
Notes
Originally opened in 1923 by "Judge" Arch Farrington, who later became a Justice
of the Peace. He and the sheriff dispensed justice in the town, especially on Saturday
nights when the locals, miners, and Indians would occasionally "mix it up".
During its years in operation, V.V. Hardware was owned by many civic minded individuals.
The business continues to operate as Western Outdoor Power Equipment Co., Inc.
#15 - SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FAIRGROUND SIGN
14800 7th Street
Directions
Continue south on seventh - watch for the Fairground sign on your right.
Notes
Originally belonged to Sunland Ford. When no longer needed, they temporarily
"parked" the sign at the fairgrounds. It was later decided that they didn't want
the sign and, as it was easy enough to change the word "FORD" to
"FAIR", the fairgrounds did just that and added a few embellishments. The sign
is a special neon art sign which was popular in the Forties.
#16 - GREEN TREE INN SIGN
14173 Green Tree Blvd.
Directions
From the Fairgrounds continue south on 7th. Stay in the right hand lane. As you bear right
onto Palmdale Rd., the Green Tree Sign can be seen on your left.
Notes
The sign for the Green Tree Inn is unique and has sentimental value as a landmark
symbolizing Victorville. The sign was erected in 1963.
#17 - OLD SHERIFF'S OFFICE
14343 Civic Drive
Directions
Continue on Palmdale Rd., past the I-15 overpass to Kentwood Dr. Turn left on Kentwood Dr.
to Civic Dr., turn right, bear to your left to Civic Center where you will see the
familiar shape of the "Point of Interest" sign. Park in the lot adjacent to the
sign. The Sheriff's Office is located on the left side of the City Hall building.
Notes
Built in 1870 at Lane's Crossing on Turner Road, it was moved in 1898 to Hwy 395 &
Palmdale Road. In 1905 it was moved to 7th Street where it was used for a sheriff's
office, justice court, brand inspector's office, notary public, Highway Patrol, dynamite
permits (mining), County Welfare, and marriage parlor. The upstairs provided sleeping
quarters for deputies and many a weary traveler. It served the public until the 1950s when
it was moved to Apple Valley and used for a real estate office. It was then dismantled
again and reconstructed at its current location between City Hall and the San Bernardino
County Court Offices.
This information was obtained from a pamphlet published by the City of Victorville
entitled "Historic Points of Interest in Victorville" The material was
re-numbered and arranged so that the points of interest are presented in a sequence
suitable for driving and/or walking.
16849 "D" Street
16830 "E" Street
16805 "D" Street
15557 5th Street
16805 Yucca
15476 Sixth Street
Seen From Forrest & Hesperia Road
15615 8th Street
14800 7th Street
14343 Civic Drive