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Keep the Show on the Road!

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Posts posted by Keep the Show on the Road!

  1. Bbutko’s comments on the loss of the Lincoln Motor Court in Cheyenne and roadmaven and beckyrepp’s replies in the Lincoln Highway Discussion section prompt a thought (Yes, I have one, at least twice a day).

     

    Why don’t we start a Vintage Motel (and Meal) Guide? I don’t think it would be helpful to pan dumps, but it would be helpful to share good stays (and eats). The result should be more business and a brighter future for some vintage places.

     

    My wife and I are reluctant to try places that are not listed and described in guides like the AAA Tour Books. We don’t like to ask an owner/ manager to show us a room before we check in, so we miss places that are clean and pleasant, but not rated. If we could look on American Road Forum for recommendations, it would help.

     

    I do know of some vintage places that are absolutely great, but will never be listed in AAA. Maybe we could create a simple rating system for things like cleanliness, noise, amenities, etc.

     

    For example, I know of a place on US 101 in Yachats, Oregon that has an ocean view, is at most 200 yards from the beach, is as clean as a whistle, and goes for under $75 a night with a full kitchen, easy chairs, couch, and dining room table! It is quiet and comfortable. The furniture is vintage 1950’s and there is no telephone or WiFi (Oh Happy Day, use your cell phone.)

     

    It isn’t a true roadside artifact like the Lincoln Motor Court, but it is a sweet stay from the 1930’s. And on the weekend the restaurant down the road has a great meal and a guitar player/ singer straight out of the 60’s.

     

    This may be an old and failed idea, but if it hasn’t been tried, are we game? Any comments?

     

    As a corollary thought…Gees that’s my limit for the day…why aren’t American Road advertisers listed and described on an American Road site…or are they and I don’t know where to look? When I’m on the road with my WiFi I would look up an advertised place and eat or stop there. (You don’t think I carry the magazine back copies with me, do you?).

     

    Just trying to Keep the Show on the Road!

  2. Wow! Bisbee to Needles in a single message. Looking forward to your pictures. Especially the Gadsden Hotel. I had not heard of it before but, after your description and a visit to their website ( http://www.hotelgadsden.com/ ), it's on the list. Also hoping you've got a shot or two of the Space Age Lodge in Gila Bend.

     

    Right......., I drive fast!

     

    We left Bisbee and climbed up Mule Pass with a little snow falling. We intended to spend the night in Tombstone, but there was no room at the inn for Ole Bo, Malamute Wonder Dog so we ended up in Tucson at a whore house. Seriously.

     

    We stayed at a nice motel (I’ll spare the name) costing over $115 for a room. Next door and on the floor above a full scale brothel was operating. Tucson brags about its “old west” feeling but we hardly expected this! The three girls and their madem were very courteous, and we didn’t really figure out what the deal was until late that night! It added a “special” touch to our stay in Tucson! In the morning the girls petted Bo goodbye, but Sheila, Rose of the Road, wouldn’t let them pet me goodbye.

     

    The next day we stayed on the freeway all the way to Gila Bend. Gila Bend is on Old 80 and brags that the population is 1700 and 5 old crabs!

     

    We stopped at the Space Age Lodge for dinner. (Denny, I’m sorry I didn’t get photos.) The motel / restaurant was built in the 1960’s with a space age theme by a fellow associated in a business way with NASA. They even had satellites on the roof! The place was remodeled in 1996, and it lost the satellites, but retains a lot of its former glitz.

     

    The most interesting landmark in Gila Bend was the Stout Hotel, complete with its old neon sign advertising it had Steam Heat. Stout’s was built in 1927 and must have been an important stop on the old highway. Photos will be posted in the gallery ASAP.

     

    From Gila Bend northward, old 80 runs to the west of the more modern highway. About 23 miles north of Gila Bend and along old 80 is the 1920’s Gillespie Dam. It was the biggest privately financed irrigation project in the United States, but a flood in 1993 breached the dam. The fantastic 1927 Gillespie Bridge crosses the Gila River here. You don’t find many six span steel truss bridges anywhere else, do you? This one is a beauty!

     

    Before irrigation projects drained the river, you could float from here all the way to Yuma. Now you would need a sand buggy most of the way!

     

    We followed old 80 past Arlington then picked up the old road that took us northwest to Salome. Rose of the Road wanted to visit Quartzite and its flea markets / outdoor bazaars, so we detoured down US 60 to the desert RV capital of the world. The bazaar was fun and we have never seen so many RV’s in one place. They are parked everywhere, not just in RV Parks, but all over the desert.

     

    The drive on to Needles through Parker was uneventful. We would have looked Parker over more closely but there was a crowd in town for a race and the highways and byways were clogged with folks, making sight seeing impossible.

     

    Needles turned out to be a great overnight stop. The 66 Motel greeted us on the way into town and we “discovered” the El Graces Hotel, one of the Harvey Hotels of old. You can’t help but be awed by what was built to accommodate the rail tourist of the 1920 and 1930’s. These places were palaces. It makes our modern overnight stays in motels seem like stops in the back woods. Even in its abandoned and neglected condition, the Graces is impressive. I hope the people of Needles and Arizona manage to restore the place.

     

    We are on to Route 66 through Goffs and Amboy n the morning.

  3. After leaving Deming westbound , we flew along on the interstate with what appeared to be the old road just off to the right (north). It ran straight and true, and at each cross wash, dipped down like a roller coaster, a typical thing on old two lane roads. I recall as a kid urging Dad to maintain speed on roads like that so we could get the sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach! If you remember those dips you will also recall that coming out of the dip the road was black with crankcase oil jettisoned off cars by the force.

     

    We pulled into Lordsburg for a look. Loardsburg is definitely worth a stop. The old route takes you to the old downtown laid out facing the railroad track. It is now called Motel Drive but in its Old Spanish Trail days its name was Railroad Avenue, for obvious reasons.

     

    The famed Hidalgo Hotel, built in 1928, stands out with its tower at the east end of the old business district. The corner where the pickup is parked in the photo was a Texaco station in the 1950’s.

    LORDSBURG HIDALGO HOTEL & TEXACO STATION

    (Non members must click link to view the image)

    LordsburgHidalgoAR.jpg

    1950’s postcards show a vibrant thoroughfare with businesses on both sides of the road, but the construction of Interstate 10 bypassed the city and cut off its downton US 80 tourist traffic.

     

    The real treat of the day was old US 80 (now state route 80) and the Old Spanish Trail south to Douglas and Bisbee. The vistas were absolutely breathtaking, and unexpected. The mountains loomed ahead and unique rounded rock formations crowded up nearer the road. This is also mining country, and one enterprising mine company has created a little western false front attraction and offers mine tours.

     

    We stopped in the Old Spanish Trail town of Rodeo and attempted to match the present buildings with the photos in the 1913 Arizona Tour Book. We had some luck and enjoyed a long conversation with two women in the Community Art Gallery which occupied what had once been a saloon. They seemed pleased to share that the building had once housed a brothel.

     

    We walked down to the combination grocery, video rental, and restaurant and had lunch at one of the four tables. Some terrific photos of the town and store with 1920 autos in front grace the walls, and a map of old US 80 is displayed as well.

     

    Of course the locals gathered there for lunch, and the Mayor had his own table, complete with sign “The Mayor’s in”. The big news in town was that someone was building 30 new houses. It looked to me like that would more than double the size of Rodeo. Some of the locals were a little doubtful that the houses would sell but one of the sub contractors commented that 5 had already sold.

     

    Across from the grocery/ was the foundation of the railroad station shown in the 1913 Arizona Tour Book. As late as 1952 the Southern Pacific’s Golden State Limited passed this way, but now the tracks and the station are gone.

     

    We drove along old 80 which parallels the railroad bed for many miles. The old rail stations that were landmarks for the early day driver are gone. Not so at Douglas, which is a bustling border town, complete with its old railroad stations.

     

    We would include on our must see list the Gadsden Hotel in downtown Douglas. The interior is impressive, authentic and well maintained, and about as close to a 1930’s feel as you can get. The lobby has the old fashioned wooden phone booths and an elevator with a real live elevator operator, who takes your floor number as you step on. The window mural at the head of the marble stairs that lead to the mezzanine is beautiful, and the stuffed cougar at its base is an interesting reminder of earlier times. (Gallery photo to follow.)

     

    The exterior is attractive and was undergoing some repainting and renovations which spoiled the picture but bids well for the hotel.

     

    We followed old 80 and the Old Spanish Trail to Bisbee. Coming into town on the old road (the new road bypasses the town) you pass a deep open pit mine and on the hillside opposite there is what appears to be an abandoned reducing or processing facility.

     

    The narrow main street snakes through a canyon barely wide enough to accommodate the roadbed and the business on either side. The town’s residences are piled practically on top of each other up the steep sides of the canyon.

     

    The former business houses along the street are occupied by tourist oriented establishments today, but maintain much of the charm and appearance of earlier days. Along the old road, an early day garage is evident with its characteristic wide door, and the post office occupies an impressive building visible in the 1913 photos. I will post pictures in the gallery.

     

    We are in Needles this evening, after a stay in Tucson and Gila Bend along old 80. We will pick up Route 66 in the AM headed toward Barstow via Goff, Amboy, Bagdad, etc.

     

    The report on the remainder of old 80 and Needles will have to wait until tomorrow.

     

    I’m on a dial up connection tonight, so photos will have to wait also.

     

    Keeping the Show on the Road!

  4. Looking forward to your impressions of Bisbee since it's on my to do list.

     

    I've only been to Tombstone once but it was during the annual Clanton Family Rendezvous, a time when the popular but increasingly questioned idea that the Earps were the good guys in a certain gunfight gets less support than usual. A fun visit. Sounds like you may be pretty familiar with this area so know that Tombstone is almost 100% amusement park - not Six Flags roller coaster amusement park but Disneyland fantasy amusement park. Practically the whole town seems to make its living off of three dead guys.

     

    In that area, Old Spanish Trail kind of means US-80 and if you're thinking of following that route you might want to keep your eyes open for a copy of Eric Finley's Phoenix to San Diego Traveler's Guide. And, in addition to Jeff's (Is his middle name really In?) previously mentioned site, you might find DriveTheOst useful.

     

    Thanks for the lead to Jeff’s site. He had the other link you mention, so I copied both to my hard drive so I can follow their directions. Both are great sources and deserve praise for their excellent efforts.

     

    It has been 30 years since I was in Tombstone, and the Shoot Out in the OK Corral was the big story even then. It is interesting that the lengthy description of Tombstone in the 1913 Arizona Road Maps and Tour Book has no mention of the event, or any of the participants. Ah, the old west comes alive!

     

    The 1913 book has photos of old hotels (not old then) that I will keep my eye out for. I’m pretty sure that Douglas or Bisbee will have some surviving examples. Also, both sites you recommended mention an abandoned Texaco Station outside Deming I will look for.

     

    I don’t have the time to drive many of the abandoned sections of the National Old Trails on this visit, nor am I encouraged to do so in the current rain storm. None the less, they look worth another visit.

     

    I noticed in the last few issues of American Road that there is a section on the Old Spanish Trail now. Bravo! Based on the relatively unchanged human landscape outside the isolated towns in southern Arizona and New Mexico, I expect this to be a fertile hunting ground for old (and younger) roadies. I’m looking forward to seeing what has been suggested!!!

     

    I now really regret not packing some of my old maps and guides. Hobbs or even the later Gosha guides of the area would have been extremely helpful. Happily Sheila, Rose of the Road, enjoyed the trip and wants to come back. Ole Bo, Malamute Wonder Dog, exhausts himself looking out the back window of our sedan. I suppose people in passing cars think we have the ugliest kid ever.

     

    You have been really helpful! Thanks again for helping Keep the Show on the Road!

  5. I haven't seen any of this east of Tombstone but Jeff (Is his last name really Tucson?) has and gives some good guidance here. Poke around his excellent site and you'll find good info on AZ & CA, too.

     

    If your route includes Bisbee, check out the Shady Dell. It's a "motel" using old trailers. I've wanted to stay there ever since I heard about it but have yet to actually do it.

     

    Any clues on the specific route you have in mind?

     

    Thanks for the reply. BTY, you are right about snow and garden hoses in Northern Arizona!

     

    I haven’t been down into Bisbee, so I think I will go Deming, Lordsburg, down SR80, to Rodeo, Douglas, and into Bisbee. It looks like the old road went through Tombstone, then through Fairbank and then into Vail by a route that doesn’t show on my state level map.

     

    We will stop in Tucson to see friends, and visit one of my old alma maters, the University of Arizona. After that, I am vague.

     

    I’ll look at your suggested link.

     

    Thanks again!

  6. This probably continues the "day late" streak but that may be just as well. East of Holbrook, there is a choice of NOTR routes. I can't put my finger on the details just now but I believe that the Gallup route was sometimes almost impassible (mud?) so a route through Springerville was used. Arizona's Madonna of the Trail is actually in Springerville (although I recall that the choice may have had more to do with people than places). I'm curious as to what that 1921 Blue Book holds regarding the NOTR around there.

     

    The reason I said that it might be just as well that this arrives late is that you are hopefully on your way to check out El Rancho and not even thinking about a detour to see one statue (not that there's anything wrong with that:-).

     

    The 1921 Automobile Blue Book doesn’t show a route between Holbrook and Albuquerque, except by way of Hunt, Concho, St Johns, Springerville, and Socorro. Nothing is shown between Holbrook and Gallup.

     

    My 1920 Bluebook is at home, but my reproduction 1913 Arizona Road Maps and Tour Book which I took along is also silent regarding a road east from Holbrook toward Gallup. Tibbs may have done some maps of the area which I can check when I get home, and I think I have ACSC strip maps from around 1917 covering the route through Arizona and probably New Mexico.

     

    It looks like the main (National Old Trails) route went down through St Johns and Springerville. The Blue Book has a long description of Springerville, the typical Blue Book description of the condition of the road, and of course the turns and landmarks matched to mileage. If you or anyone else request it, I could post the pages involved when I return home..

     

    If you have a specific question I might answer, let me know.

     

    And thanks again for the great advice, it helps Keep the Show on the Road!

  7. We are in Deming, New Mexico this evening, and will head west in the morning on the Old Spanish Trail. Any advice on what to see along the way?

     

    For anyone following our earlier east bound trip, on Route 66, photos are posted in the album under the name Winter on Route 66. The threat of snow in Northern New Mexico and Northern Arizona dictated a southern route back, and how better than on the Old Spanish Trail.

     

    My 1921 Automobile Blue Book notes a bank on the right at Pine and Gold Streets in Deming. The bank building still exists and is a beautiful structure, now occupied by the Deming Community Art Gallery. If it isn’t raining in the morning, I’ll try to get a photo for the American road Forum Gallery.

     

    I also tossed my 1913 Arizona Good roads Illustrated Road Maps and Tour Book (a 1987 reproduction, shucks) in the suitcase, and will use it as well.

     

    We will Keep the Show on the Road, and thanks for the prior advice on Route 66 under that heading.

  8. You are correct - there is quite a story about Meteor Crater, Meteor Crater Observatory, Nininger, Rimmy Jim, and Harry Locke. I love Locke's cartoons of Rimmy Jim . . . there are some reprinted with permission in Romance.

     

    I'm enjoying reading about your trip. . . Keep those posts coming.

     

    The adventure continues! We enjoyed a magnificent sunset this evening that displayed the blues and pinks so often seen in photographs of the Southwest.

     

    We got your and Denny's advice in time to stop at the El Rancho in Gallup. I told the desk clerk we were there because the folks at American Road Magazine had recommended it as a must see. I got a big smile and a double thumbs up! It was too early to stop for the evening, but we may on our return if we go through Gallup.

     

    ElRanchoExterior08.jpg

     

    The lobby with its huge stone fireplace is really evocative of the lodges of old, with the elk heads, overstuffed furniture and classic lighting. We agree, it is a must see. I took a few photos of the interior, exterior, and sign, which I will add to the album I have posted here under the name Winter on Route 66.

     

    El%20Rancho%20Interior04.jpg

     

    Before we reached Gallup we took a couple of hours to visit the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. Route 66 went right through what is now the National Park, and is marked by an old car body where it crosses the main park road.

     

    I try to bring along the WPA Writer’s Project Guide for the states we travel through. Published in the very late 1930’s or pre war 1940’s they remain wonderful guides even today. The mile by mile descriptions of the scenery along Route 66 in the Arizona book provide wonderful looks into the past.

     

    The Guide says of the road here “From the highway are many glimpses of Navaho men riding their scrubby ponies, of Navaho women weaving beside their igloo-shaped hogans, and of their children guarding the sheep.” Not so today, but the scenery is unchanged.

     

    We stopped at the Painted Desert Inn, which is part of the National Park, and is well preserved and maintained. The 1940 description of “a pueblo-type structure with varying floor levels” fits today.

     

    PaintedDesertInn21.jpg

     

    We made a stop at the famed Laguna Pueblo. Route 66 went within a couple of blocks of the historic San Jose De Laguna Church, built in 1699! A local Native American and a friend were chatting outside the mission, and consented to give us a tour of the interior of the venerated building. Paintings on elk hide adorned the alter, and all around the side walls are designs in various colors.

     

    Mission219.jpg

     

    We are in Santa Fe this evening, on the pre 1937 section of Old Route 66, expecting snow tonight, and trying to Keep the Show on the Road!

  9. Don't forget you can post images right here on the forum. Just click here for instructions: http://americanroadmagazine.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=28

     

     

    Thanks! I've done that now but how does anyone know?

     

    I appreciate the help and suggestions! That way we can help Keep the Show on the Road!

     

    This probably continues the "day late" streak but that may be just as well. East of Holbrook, there is a choice of NOTR routes. I can't put my finger on the details just now but I believe that the Gallup route was sometimes almost impassible (mud?) so a route through Springerville was used. Arizona's Madonna of the Trail is actually in Springerville (although I recall that the choice may have had more to do with people than places). I'm curious as to what that 1921 Blue Book holds regarding the NOTR around there.

     

    The reason I said that it might be just as well that this arrives late is that you are hopefully on your way to check out El Rancho and not even thinking about a detour to see one statue (not that there's anything wrong with that:-).

     

    The El Rancho! It is fixed in my mind, and not a day late!

     

    We are about to get kicked out of the motel in Holbrook as I have lingered to post photos, but I will look at the Auto Blue Book to see what it says regarding your question this evening.

     

    Keeping the Show on the Road in Holbrook and eastward

  10. You know the phrase “You should have been here yesterday!” Well that’s how its working with some of our postings. I would have really enjoyed talking with some of the people you folks have mentioned. But we seem to be a day ahead of your good advice

     

    But what a blast! I match your great advice, after the fact , with whether we spotted the recommended stop or not.

     

    We are in Holbrook this evening. We flashed past Flagstaff. In 1962 it was a good sized village. Today it is a fair sized smaller city. If a place can support both a McDonalds and a Burger King, it is probably too big for me. I know it has lots to offer, but it will have to wait for another trip.

     

    We cruised around Winslow and walked the grounds of the La Posada. I got some photos, but we didn’t spend the night. Sheila, (Rose of the Road) and I are traveling on this trip with Bo, the Malamute Wonder Dog. Bo is big (130 pounds) and old (11 years), and not everyone is eager to have him as a guest!

     

    LaPosadaExterior14.jpg

     

    As you know the La Posada is a great example of the luxury of travel 50 or 75 years ago. The dining room is huge and each table is set with white linen. You could hold a car show in the lobby. It has an Arizona flagstone floor, and exudes the elegance of a time when only the wealthy traveled. (And the rates are very reasonable today.)

     

    LaPosadaLobby15.jpg

     

    I can imagine the Harvey Girls in their white uniforms waiting on the guests. The girls were often from Midwest farms, and on their own in the untamed west. Of course they were carefully supervised, but it must have been an experience to remember, for the Harvey Girls as well as their guests. It was a different time.

     

    The adjacent Winslow depot has the huge beams and interior Moorish arches of traditional Southwest architecture. A wonderful stop, and no doubt a wonderful stay…. without Bo.

     

    WinslowDepotLaPosada24.jpg

     

    We stopped at the ruins of Two Guns and photographed the Mountain Lion cages. Route 66 crossed the canyon on a nice arched bridge to a large ruined building.

     

    TwoGunsMountainLionsFront23.jpg

     

    The link below will take you to a 360 degree interactive panorama of Two Guns. You will see the cages for the Mountain Lions (the back side of the picture above). You also will see the Route 66 bridge over the famed Canyon Diablo. You will need broadband.

     

    http://www.pair.com/davepaul/americanroad/...nLionMedium.swf

     

    We thought we would visit the Meteor Crater, but at $15 per person I figured we would see it on Google Earth instead. But we did visit the Meteor Crater Observatory ruins. The Mother Road is a bit rough along here, but still passable in our sedan. Built in the 1930’s by Harry and Hope Locke, the Observatory was a financial failure. It was leased by Dr. Harvey Nininger in the mid 1940’s. According to Russell Olsen in his book Route 66, Then and Now, Nininger was known for his study of space debris. There is, and was, a tower that visitors climbed up to look through the telescope at the crater. There has to be a great story here!

     

    Meteor%20Crater%20Observatory18.jpg

     

    Not far east of the Meteor Crater we spotted the Meteor City shop, a classic roadside stop. They have the worlds longest map of Route 66 painted on a wall, and great ambiance! A great stop and free coffee!

     

    Meteor%20CityBuilding17.jpg

     

    We will peruse Holbrook in the morning, then take a look at the Petrified Forest. We will head toward Gallup, but may not make it there tomorrow, then on to Santa Fe.

     

    I really appreciate the advice! In some ways, following Route 66 has been an awakening. I love the auto trails, and always will, but Route 66 preserves some of the glitz and mood of my early traveling days in the 1940’s and 50’s. Just down the road from where we are tonight are teepees to sleep in. If I want an old fashioned burger, with fresh crisp lettuce, a slice of real cheese, onion, tomato and pickles, with mustard to drip down my chin, I’ll find it here. I’ll also find a great low trans fat meal if I choose, but the burger gets my vote, at least for now. This is great travel!

     

    I'll try posting some photos shortly. We are doing our best to Keep the Show in the Road!

  11. Hi.

     

    I'm SOOO jealous. I love that stretch of road.

     

    Ok - tell everyone at the Powerhouse hello from American Road.

     

    Take a look at the book Route 66: The Romance of the West (I think they carry it there in Kingman so you can flip through it there)-- you'll find some really cool information about Grand Canyon Caverns in there - it was once going to be Dinosaur City. We stayed at the motel there a few years ago - everything was still up and running at that time. And, I haven't heard anything to the contrary.

     

    Be SURE to stop at Cool Springs - check out their link on our home page (the full banner at the top) it is a restored service station - and also now a museum - out on the stretch toward Oatman. The owner is a great guy and he won a preservation award for his work on the station.

     

    There's a great diner across from the Powerhouse in Kingman - you'll know it when you see it. Really good breakfasts.

     

    Have a wonderful time!

     

    :D

     

    Boy, I'm flattered to get advise from you! Thanks!

     

    I got your post too late to stop at the diner across from the Powerhouse. Shucks! But we did stop at the Powerhouse.

     

    We made it as far as Williams today. One of many highlights in the community is the Fray Marcos Harvey House and AT&SF Depot pictured below built in 1908. Both have been restored and are in use by the Grand Canyon Railroad.

     

    WilliamsDepot.jpg

     

    You may enjoy seeing the Fray Marcos as rail passengers did in 1915 or 1945, when they stepped off the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe coaches. Click on the link below to see a 360 degree panorama of the Harvey House Hotel , Depot and the tracks that run just north of Route 66.

     

    http://www.pair.com/davepaul/americanroad/WilliamsPano.swf

     

    We spent time in Kingman and got a few photos of the Brunswick Hotel and the Beale Hotel, great Route 66 and National Old Trails landmarks, noted in my 1921 Automobile Blue Book. In fact there is an ad in the Blue Book for the Beale with a nice interior photo. The Bruswick has been nicely renovated and is worth a stop for a meal.

     

    ARKingmanBrunswick500.jpg

     

     

    The road between Kingman and Seligman is described in 1921 as …graded to Hackberry, good road through Truxton Canyon to a point 6 miles east of Peach Springs, ten miles of poor rough road through canyon near western end of Yavapai county followed by fair to poor going to Seligman… .. Today it is a beautiful, smooth ribbon of asphalt through lovely desert vistas.

     

    At Hackberry we stopped at the General Store run by John Pritchard and his wife. I don’t see why anyone would take the freeway when there are places like this to stop and visit on the American Road! I don’t recall the general store when I came this way in 1962, but it was here. I think John said it was still operating as a general store as late as 1972. John has a nice bookstand of great Route 66 material and tons of memorabilia so I picked up a few items

     

    Places like the Hackberry general store are the equivalent of the roadside attractions that lined our two lane roads in days bygone. A must stop. He has a beautiful Corvette parked out front, and several old gas station pumps outside, plus lots of signs. Reminded me of my days as a gas jockey for Associated (Flying A) in the late 50’s. Out front he has lots of Route 66 items and even an Automobile Club of Southern California National Old Trails sign. Does it get better than this?

     

    HackberryStore13.jpg

     

    We stopped at Valentine. It was the site of the Truxton Canyon Indian School in 1921. The National Old Trails road ran along beside the Aitcheson Topeka and Santa Fe line right in front of the old Indian school. As we were there a Santa Fe freight train screamed by.

     

    We stopped at the Caverns Motel at Grand Canyon Caverns, but the dinosaur was gone. It broke my heart. There was a plywood dinosaur at the entrance, but big boo was no more. We spent the night here in 1962, and the place is as I remembered it, paint job and all, minus the dinosaur. Sadly the motel was closed for the winter, or we would have stayed. Great site!

     

    We may spend another day in Williams. Lots of Route 66 stuff to see and enjoy. If anyone has a suggestion of what to see, let me know. We will head east toward Santa Fe soon, as we have to Keep the Show on the Road!

  12. I think the National Old Trails Road and US-66 were pretty much the same between Kingman and Santa Fe so you can continue being an auto trails guy and just pretend you're on the NOTR rather than Sixty-Six :D I'm guessing that by now you have or are about to pick up those books in Kingman (The Powerhouse is probably a good source.) so aren't looking for the normal suggestions (e.g., Seligman, Hackberry, etc.) and that's about all I could provide.

     

    Since I'm so useless when it comes to appropriate "swell suggestions", I tried to make up for it by checking out the Grand Canyon Caverns website. Looks like the motel is still there but on winter hours with calling ahead recommended. (928) 422-3223.

     

    You mean I can remain an auto trails virgin and still get a kick on Route 66? Sounds great (swell) to me. Thanks for the suggestion on a good bookstore in Kingman. I’ll stop there.

     

    I did pack my 1921 Arizona, etc Automobile Blue Book so I have the National Old Trails directions and I’ll do my usual Then and Now photos if there is an opportunity.

     

    I went to the web site you suggested and looked at the motel. I think it is the same color it was in 1962! I remember a bigger dinosaur than is in the pictures, but maybe I’m wrong.

     

    Back in ’62 it was a first class stop, and a little spendy for a young couple. I haven’t been on that section of road since then.

     

    Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it, and for helping to Keep the Show on the Road!

     

    Dave

  13. Got too cold and wet at home, so here I am, outside Las Vegas.. Think I’ll try National Old Trails / Mother Road out of Kingman to Peach Springs and on to Williams or Flagstaff tomorrow. Then on toward Santa Fe. Sun is shining, and I welcome any advice. Would like some nice neon signs and roadside artifacts. I’ll check the forum the next couple of days to see if anyone has a swell suggestion orf two.

     

    I’ll stop in Kingman mid day tomorrow and pick up a few books. I’m an auto trails guy, but let’s see if I can get my kicks on route 66 as well.

     

    Spent a night years ago at Grand Canyon Caverns. Is the motel still there? I had my first hard whiskey at their bar. Wild Turkey. They said it would ward off the rattle snakes and I guess it did as I didn’t see any the next day,

     

    I’ll check the forum before I hit the sack and in the AM. Gotta Keep the Show on the Road!

  14. Isn’t it always the case that when you throw out something your have saved for years, you need it next week!

     

    Start with maps under $10. In fact you should be able to buy many California oil company maps of the 1940’s and 50’s for about what you would pay for a modern map of the same area (under $5).

     

    I have the impression that you want to follow the old roads. That’s what I do. As a practical matter, most state level oil company maps won’t be the most helpful because they don’t have the detail you may want. However you do need a couple so you get the idea of the general routes.

     

    The Automobile Club of Southern California (ACSC)(AAA) published wonderful detailed maps at the county and regional level in the period you are interested in (1940’s and 50’s). They are fairly common on Ebay, and often quite cheap, depending on condition. You can recognize them by the large image of a mission style building on the front panel. You should be able to pick them up under $10 each, perhaps much less.

     

    You don’t need to pay the price of a mint collector’s map to follow the old roads, and who wants to subject one to travel abuse anyway? BTW, the California Automobile Club (San Francisco) also published beautiful maps for Northern California in the same period, but they are less common and therefore often more expensive.

     

    I wouldn’t worry too much about buying on Ebay. I have purchased hundreds of maps there and have never lost a nickel. I pay with personal check or Paypal. Just be sure to check the price of postage before you bid, and use the same common sense you would exercise in any other transaction.

     

    Its fun to discover something at a flea market or antique mall, and I do sometimes, so I don’t knock that approach. But I often find that antique dealers have an unusually high opinion of their old maps, at least judging by the asking prices. I know what I’m doing when it comes to maps, and most of the time you will do better on Ebay. Besides you will have many more to choose from. Still I admit I love the thrill of a lucky find at a show or market.

     

    Finally, if you keep us up to date on your old road travel, and share your adventures on the Forum, I bet some of us can find some old stained or misfolded maps we will be happy to send a new roadie for free to encourage your efforts. We have to Keep the Show on the Road!!

  15. As a LH aficionado and LH Association member, and not a route 66 fan, I say Bravo, Great, Terrific!! Excellent writers telling the stories of great roads are welcome, nay, encouraged, to turn their talents to any of my favorite routes. I look forward to another great read, and maybe a few discoveries! Count me in for the ride, and Keep the Show on the Road!

     

    (I am new to posting comments, but a seasoned auto trails traveler and collector. If I err in this first post and somehow mess up, I know you will cut me a little slack, and tell me what I did wrong.)

     

    Dave

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