8 Iconic Cultural Locations on Route 66-- Part 8: Bagdad Cafe

BAGDAD CAFE, Newberry Springs, California

Located east of Barstow and west of Amboy in the Mojave Desert, Bagdad, California,  was a thriving Route 66 town until it was bypassed by I-40 in the early 1970s.

Any remaining buildings were razed by 1990s.

Although the town was the setting for a novel and movie, "Bagdad Cafe" in Newberry Springs, California.

Built in the 1950s and renamed Bagdad Cafe in 1995, the spot  is still a popular destination for international fans of the film or anyone else looking for a good burger and a cup of coffee.

We didn't stop because they weren't open when we drove by back in 2006.

--RoadCafe

8 Iconic Cultural Locations on Route66-- Part 7: Roy's Motel and Cafe

ROY'S MOTEL AND CAFE,   Amboy, California

Opened in 1938 in Amboy, California,  by Roy Crowl, Roy's was one of many  gas and service stations along Route 66.  Eventually it expanded to include a cafe and toourist cabins,

Roy's iconic neon sign was installed in 1959 (dark since the  1980s, the sign was restored and relit in 2019.

Although the  motel remains closed to overnight guests, a coffee shop and gas station reopened in 2008.  The recognizable site has been the filming location for several productions, including  the 1993 film "Kalifornia" starring Brad Pitt and Enrique Iglesias's 2001 music video for his song "Hero."

Talk about out in the middle of nowhere.

--RoadRoy 

Along66, Jan. 2023: Trade Winds Inn, Elvis and a Route 66 Landing Strip

JANUARY 2

Clinton City Council (Oklahoma) approves purchase and eventual destruction of the Trade Winds Inn.

It is located at 2128 W. Gary Blvd. (Route 66). Built in the 1960s and famous 'cuz Elvis slept there at least four times.  Really he did.

JANUARY 3

Teenager makes emergency landing of his small plane on Route 66 on Cajon Pass, California. Brock Peters, 18.  No one was injured.

Something you don't see everyday.

Really, Elvis Slept There.  --RoadVis

Route 66's Quirkiest By State-- Part 5: California

CALIFORNIA

Oro Grande  (Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch)

Victorville  (Emma Jean's  Holland Burger Cafe)

Victorville  (Route 66 Museum)

San Bernardino  (Original McDonald's)

Rancho  Cucamonga  (Cucamonga Service Station)

Amboy  (Roy's Motel and Cafe)

Santa Monica  (Santa Monica Pier)

--RoadDog

Along66, Dec. 2022: Route 66 Open Between Barstow and Ludlow. A Memorial to Joplin's Tornado Victims

I take these from the Route 66 News blog which posts every day and in greater detail and pictures.  I only take the posts of most interest to me.  So, if you want the best coverage of our road, I strongly recommend that site.

DECEMBER 1

Old Route 66 is now open  between Barstow and Ludlow, California.  It had been closed for several years because of bridge washouts.  So, now you can drive it.

DECEMBER 2

A memorial was dedicated in Joplin, Missouri for the 2011 tornado victims.

It is 17 feet tall with the date May 22, 2011 on it and bears the names of the 161 who died when the EF 5 tornado hit.

It is located at the Harry McCornell Arts & Entertainment Complex at Joplin Avenue and 7th Street (Route 66).

Liz and I drove through the area hit by the tornado several months later and the devastation was still indescribable.

--RoadDog

Along66, October 2022: Of Bottles and Dogs

OCTOBER 10

Caretaker creating new aadditions to Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch.

Near Oro Grande, California.  Brian McKinsey is doing it.  That is a really neat place.

OCTOBER 11

Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield, Illinois, will host another Mobil 1 Guinness Record attempt on October 15.  

It is part of Mobil's "Keep Route 66 Kickin' " campaign.  The attempt will be for most dogs.  The theater will be showing "A Dog's Way Home."  

Has Litchfield gone to the dogs?

--RoadDogDogDog

Along66, May 2022: Motels Closing in Needles and the Black Experience on Route 66 Pre-1960s

MAY 27

Two Route 66 motels in Needles are forced to close within a year.

The River Valley Inn on 66 has been cited with unsafe conditions.  It was built in 1963.

Also the Best Motel (which is not so best these days).

Both were red-tagged last June and showed no improvement.

Sad when a motel has to close, but sometimes there is no alternative.

*******************************

MAY 30

Interactive Metaverse Exhibit os coming to Springfield, Illinois, and will involve the Negro Green Book.  It will be located in a former Texaco station at 737 E. Cook Street, now called Route History Museum.

It will primarily be about the experiences Blacks living along Route 66 and those traveling on it back before the 1960s which was not such a wonderful thing for them.  

The Negro Green Book, published from the 1930s to 1960s, listed establishments which would serve them and where they would not receive racist treatment.  It also listed "Sundown Towns" where a black person could not be after sundown.

A Sad Chapter in Our History.  --RoadDog

Along66, March 2022: How Gemstone Avenue Got Its Name and the Big Orange

MARCH 27

Early Route 66 advocate was behind naming Springfield, Missouri's Gemstone Avenue.

John T. Woodruff of Springfield named it after 18th century English poet William Shenstone.  He was also one of the earliest practitioners of landscape gardening.  Woodruff came up with Gemstone because it rhymed with the poet's name.

Gemstone was the Route 66 alignment through town from 1930 to 1977.

And, of course, what more can you say about John T. Woodruff and Springfield, Missouri.

MARCH 30

Repairs, relocation planned for Bono's Historic Orange in Fontana, California.  It once stood on Route 66.

The seven foot tall orange juice stand was built by Bob DeVries in 1931 and was placed in storage after Bono's closed in 2003.

Good to have it back on view.

I'll Have a Big Orange.  --RoadOrange

Les Emmerson's 'Signs' Based on a Trip Along California's Route 66

From Sing Facts.

In the last post I mentioned that Route 66 had something to do with the song "Signs" by Canada's Five Man Electric Band.

Written by  lead singer Les Emmerson, this song is a look at class divisions and property rights.  He wrote the song after taking a  road trip on Route 66 in California, where he noticed way too many billboards that obscured natural beauty.

This posed a question for him.    Who is allowed to put up signs that interfere with nature?  This led to another question.  Who gets to make the rules that appear on so many signs?

The song gives voice to those without power or property rights., which in many cases were young people.

The Five Man Electric Band  are a Canadian group formed in the 1960s as the Stacattos.  "Signs was included on their second album in 1970,  but not considered single-worthy by their record label..  It didn't fit any pop music format.

In 1970, it was issued as the  B-side of "Hello Melinda Goodbye" which made it to #55 on the Canadian chart.  Disk jockeys preferred the flipside and began playing "Signs."  It was released again in 1971 as the A-side.  It went to #4 in Canada but #3 in the United States.  Its follow-up "Absolutely Right" did alright as well, reaching  #26.

--RoadDog

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow-- Part 4

However, permission had to be obtained from the Corps itself to modify the  Eagle, Globe  and Anchor logo.  It was approved.

Under the Cultural  Resources (Environmental)  program for the base, Route 66 is a National Historic Highway registered as a National Landmark managed by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service.  It is up to each state how best to manage those parts of Route 66 within their borders. 

The 1.7 miles of 66 going through the base fall under that.   The base has officially designated Joseph L. Boll Avenue as a segment of Route 66.  It pays homage to  to 66's  contributions to the war efforts.  Historic Route 66 signs have been placed along the road and there are Route 66 stencils on the road similar to those you see in Barstow and other towns.

And the final goal was to build  the 3D Eagle, Globe and Anchor monument at the corner of Route 66  and Wake  Avenue.

Additionally two Marquees with information kiosks will be placed at the front and back gates for guests and visitors (some of whom will not be able to get access to the base) to read  and view details of the history of how Route 66 supported the  installation's war efforts.

The front gate will also house a bronze plaque denoting  additional historical details.

--Road66

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and Rt. 66-- Part 2: A Rt. 66 Strip Runs Through It

Not only did U.S. Route 66 support World War II, but  it is one of the oldest and most popular roads in America, popularly known as "The Mother Road."  Traveling this route reduced  the travel distance between Chicago and Los Angeles by more than 200 miles compared to other routes.

Because of  the American history and significance of  Route 66, it "has become  a symbol of American people's heritage of travel and their legacy of seeking a better life" and registered with the National Register of Historic Places as a cultural resource.

A 1.71 mile stretch of the original U.S. Route 66, named on the base as Joseph L. Boll Avenue, runs right through MCLB Barstow.  The segment was open to the public until1964, when I-40 was constructed.  Base leadership, employees and residents take pride in the fact that MCLB Barstow is the only military installation  with an original  segment of Route 66  running directly through it and that this segment of 66 has been determined eligible  to register under the NRHP.

To better  exhibit and highlight this honor and to recognize  the achievements of all  who sacrificed for the freedom and prosperity of the United States of America, MCLB Barstow, driven by the Cultural Resources Program under the Environmental  Division has initiated a Route 66 project on order to bring  awareness to the installation's  environmental history.

--Road66

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and Route 66-- Part 1: 66's Role in World War II

From the Barstow Base Site.

As part of American history, the War Department, now named the Defense Department,  determined the  need for improved highways for rapid mobilization during wartime and to promote national defense during peacetime.

At the start of American involvement in World War II, the War Department singled out  the West as ideal for military training bases, in part because of its geographic isolation, and especially because it offered consistently dry weather for air and field maneuvers.

Completion of  the improved  I.S. Highway 66 (Route 66) with all weather capability on the eve of the war, was particularly  significant to the nation's war effort.

In 1942, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow started construction alongside route 66.  Critical troops, equipment and supplies were transported on Route 66 to military bases across the country thereby helping to facilitate the single biggest wartime troop mobilization in the history of the nation.

--Road66

U.S. Marines Own a Piece of Route 66-- Part 2: An Important Part of U.S. World War II Effort

Also called the "Mother Road," Route 66 was the first all-weather highway from Chicago to Los Angeles, wending its way for some 2,400 miles.

While it may evoke thoughts of  scenic road trips and kitschy  roadside attractions from America's postwar economic boom, it  also played a major role in America's efforts during World War II.

During the unprecedented U.S. mobilization for the war, it served as an artery for the movement of troops, gear and supplies between bases..  It also carried job-seekers west for jobs in war industry plants.

To put its supply depot for the Pacific Theater out of range of Japanese naval gunfire, Marines moved it from San Francisco to a spot the Navy gave it along the desert highway  northeast of Los Angeles in December 1942.

Go Navy.  Beat Army.

--RoadDog

The U.S. Marines Own a Part of Route 66-- Part 1

From the 8 December 2021 Military.com Stars and Stripes  "The Marine Corps owns part of Route 66 , so it made a special eagle, globe and anchor form it" by Chad Garland.

There's a Marine Corps logistics base in California's high desert outside Barstow that has one of the Corp's iconic emblem unlike any you'll find anywhere else.

Its symbol is made up of a highway shield superimposed over  the Marine Emblem and is found on signs lining  the shoulder of the Joseph L. Boll Avenue on the base that is a part of the original Route 66 at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow.

This emblem recognizes the base's distinction as being the only military base in the country to have an actual part of the Mother Road running directly through it.

This section of road, however, has been off limits to the public since 1964, after Interstate 40 was built through the area.

There are also large Route 66 stencils on the pavement of the 1.7 mile stretch which passes the commissary and the Leatherneck Lanes bowling alley.

Last month, it was used in the base's Marine Corps birthday cake and there is also a  towering sculpture of the sign.

--RoadMarine

Along 66, June 2021: Four Ways and Atom Bombs

JUNE 20

The Four Way restaurant in Cuba, Missouri, has reopened as  Weir on 66.  It is in a former Phillips 66 station.  It had reopened and operated for five years as the Four Way, but the coronavirus closed it.

Oy was built in 1932 by Paul T. Carr.  A very recognizable building so am glad it has reopened.

Four Way always made me think of that Cincy chili.

JUNE 24

California nearly used atomic bombs to help bypass Route 66.

California highway planners had considered using nearly two dozen atom bombs to level a mountain range for a new alignment of I-40.

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm kind of glad they didn't.

Blow me Away.  --RoadDog

Along 66, June 2021: Help for the Gasconade Bridge and the Fire at Goff's General Store

JUNE 11

Pulitzer-winning journalist takes aim at Missouri Department of Transportation MoDOT regarding Gasconade River Bridge.

Tiny Messenger of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has written a column critical of the MoDOT's handling of the bridge situation and standing in the way of  efforts to save it.

The Rt. 66 Association of Missouri needs all the help it can get in its efforts to save the bridge and it seems that MoDOT is just putting one obstacle after another in their way, so all the help they can get is appreciated.

JUNE 11

A fire destroyed the long-closed Goff's General Store, located in California's Mojave Desert.

It once was a bar, restaurant and dance hall and was the largest building in the town.

It closed about twenty years ago.

It was a suspicious fire.

--RoadDog

Along 66, Feb. 2021: New National U.S. Scenic Highways in California and Missouri and a Chain of Rocks Bridge Water Intake Building

FEBRUARY 17

California Route 66 from Needles to Barstow has officially become a Scenic U.S. Highway.  That covers some 150 miles  This covers the Mojave Desert stretch of 66.

Also, about 300 miles of Route 66 in Missouri has been declared an official U.S. Scenic Highway.

Nope, don't surprise me none.  None at all.

FEBRUARY 21

A rare inside view of one of the St. Louis water intake structures near the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.  Pictures were taken of what we have often seen from the outside, especially on those delightful times we crossed the Mississippi on the bridge on one of those Illinois Route 66 Association Motor Tours.

So, that's what it looks like.

--RoadDog

Along 66, Nov. 2019: A Museum Begins and Two Signs Relit

NOVEMBER 16--  Construction has begun on the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum which is in Joliet on 9 West Cass Street, Route 66.

How about that, rock and roll on Route 66.  Just sounds kinda right, you know.  Always room for another museum, especially of something I love so much.  Hopefully they will have a lot on the Chicago bands of the 60s.

NOVEMBER  17--  The Roy's sign in Amboy, California glows again for the first time in 30 years.

NOVEMBER  24--  The fourth new or restored neon sign has been lighted on Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  It is at the U.S. Studio 66 at 5202 E. 11th Street (Route 66) just west of the historic Desert Hills Motel.  Two other neon signs are at Billy Ray's Catfish & BBQ and Tally's Good Food Cafe.

More power to Tulsa for doing this program.

Neon Is Good.  --RoadNeon

Along 66, September 2019: Cadillac Resists Arsonist, Roy's and the Photographer

SEPTEMBER 9--   An arsonist torched a car at the Cadillac Ranch outside of Amarillo.  It was a 1949 Cadillac Fastback Coupe.  However, back then they built the GM behemoths sturdy and strong and in a short time people will have covered up all evidence of the evil deed.

SEPTEMBER 11--  Roy's Motel and Cafe will be relit in mid-November.  It is out in the middle of nowhere in Amboy, California.  A true ghost of 66.

SEPTEMBER 12--  Photographer Robert Frank died at age 94.  In 1958, he had a popular book called "Americans" which featured a Route 66 photograph which has led to many, many more since then.

--RoadDog

Along 66, September 2019: Bottles and A Tourist Trap Named Totem

These are taken from the Route 66 News site which goes into much greater detail and has one or more posts every day.  I just pick out the ones of most interest to me.


SEPTEMBER 1--  Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro, California, reopens full-time after the death of its creator.  Elmer Long, 72, creator, died June 22.

This is a really eye-catching thing to see.  Probably my favorite thing in California other than the Santa Monica Pier.

SEPTEMBER 3--  The Phelps County Focus newspaper had an article about the Totem Pole Trading Post in Rolla, Missouri.

It dates to 1931, when it opened in Arlington, Mo., (which today is essentially a ghost town at the end of one section of Route 66 which includes John's Modern Cabins).  With realignments, it moved to Rolla in the 1960s and to its present location since 1979.

Tim Jones has been a co-owner since 1974.

The last several times we stopped in (I really love Tourist Traps) it was sad to see how little business they had so I'm hoping it will find a way to continue.

--RoadDog