Driving Route 66 in 1946-- Part 1

From December 31, 2009, Pasadena (Ca) Star News "Pair made Route 66 trek after WWII" by Claudia Heller. This is part 8 of a series of columns by her on Route 66. I've seen several and they are worthwhile checking out for all interested in the Mother Road.

What she described was one of those defining road trips of youth, one that the two young men would always remember.

Manny Avila and Dick Sproul were the best of friends growing up in a neighborhood in Los Angeles, but then World War II came and before the end of it, ten of their twelve closest friends had enlisted. Manny joined the Navy and Dick the Merchant Marine.

After the end of the war and their duty, they still had some time to kill before entering college and decided to visit New York City, working their way along the east coast of the US on an Army Transport Service freighter. They arrived at their destination in December 1946.

Here were a couple of 19-year-olds in the big city and having the time of their young lives. They even got front row seats to see Nat King Cole performing Christmas songs at the Paramount Theater. At one point, he sang a new song. Get Your Kicks on Route 66."

This inspired them to actually make the drive back home on said route.

Hitting the Road Up next. --RoadDog