Table of Contents
First Annual Dinner
Asleep at the Wheel in San Bernardino by Lupe Smith
Asleep at the Wheel in Los Angeles by John English
Nuggets from Needles by Maggie McShan
California Route 66 Bus Tour
Right Behind You, Bobby Troup: by Geoffrey Willis … A Side
Willie
Auto Age Architecture by Gloria Ohland, Nov. 1-7 1991, LA
Weekly
Smithsonian Joins 66!
Shootout at Roy's Cafe by JoAnne Willis
Buffalo Inn by Richard Root
66rs FROM DESERT TO COAST JOIN IN FIRST ANNUAL DINNER
Saturday, April 11, 1992 was the date of our first Annual Dinner. It was held in one of
Griswold’s banquet rooms, and we should have booked a bigger room!
Attending friends, neighbors and members picked up their little piece of
California’s Route 66 asphalt with evidence of white center stripe which was attached
to their name cards. They came to express their affection for their favorite road, and
their appreciation to our Association for helping to preserve, promote, educate and have
fun with it—and on it.
The Griswold’s dinner, always great, set the mood for our keynote speaker, Dennis
Casebier, Chairman, Friends of the Mojave Road. Dennis left nothing to be desired as he
transported us not only on our Route 66 as it threads its way through the Mojave Desert
but also on the history and importance of the Mojave as we enjoy it today. His slides
included old photos of many desert places now just a memory, like Bagdad, and others.
Dennis has been collecting old photos, (he copies then returns them) manuscripts and
memorabilia for a long time and is accumulating a wonderful museum which will soon be
housed in Goffs Old Schoolhouse, which he owns and is rehabilitating. We were privileged
to have a preview. He has written and published nearly 20 books and many articles about
desert history.
Our MC, Myra Hoven, Director of Public Relations, Ford of Upland, did a great job for
us. Sara Faulds, Vice President West, awarded Jennie Avila and award as our Founding
President; then Jennie introduced two reps from the MDA who acknowledged Jerry Lewis’
celebrating his 66th birthday by accepting our invitation to be honorary
chairman of our Association for this 66th Anniversary Year of Route 66. This
was followed by Jennie installing our 1992 Board of Directors.
Caltrans’ Deborah Robertson, Chief, Public and Governmental affairs spoke briefly
about the new California historic Route 66 signs that will soon be seen along our favorite
road.
In addition to the slides during dinner, Geoffrey Willis entertained at the piano with
his rendition of his newest song, "Old 66". (See his story elsewhere.)
Some of our members occupied presentation tables displaying their products and our own
Association table included the ever popular photo album of many landmarks still to be seen
on the 321.7 miles of Route 66 from Colorado River, to Needles, to Santa Monica. In
addition, our Route 66 slide show was a backdrop enjoyed during the dinner.
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL COMPLETES ITS COMMEMORATIVE TOUR ON ROUTE 66 AT THE NATIONAL ORANGE
SHOW IN SAN BERNARDINO
by Lupe Smith
In conjunction with the Asleep At The Wheel Route 66 Concert Tour at the National
Orange Show in San Bernardino the CHR66A organized an historic exhibit and classic car
show manned by volunteers from the association.
On Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. we rendezvoused at Gate 1 of the National Orange
Show. Dan Harlow, Geoff and JoAnne Willis, Glenn and Lupe Smith as well as several classic
car owners socialized while waiting for Vivian Davies. After a few minutes Dan discovered
that she was already on the grounds along with Jane Perkins busily setting up the booth
and displays.
Dan escorted us onto the grounds, where we unloaded the materials to be used in the
booth while the car exhibitors positioned their cars. We all pitched in to set out the
memorabilia and goods to be sold, then we settled down and waited for the gates to open.
There was lots of interest (looky-loos) in our displays. The photo album of all
landmarks on California’s Route 66 from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean drew
considerable interest and many comments. Many people recognized several of the sites and
related interesting stories of their adventures on the road. A continuous slide show of
these same landmarks was popular also.
Tom Teague, author of "Searching for 66" was present to autograph copies of
his book, which seemed to rev up sales for the day. The classic cars drew a good crowd of
both young and old. The young seemed fascinated by the racing cars on display and the old
liked to reminisce about the old cars they owned and admired. All appreciated the TLC
(tender loving care) the cars had received.
Sales were sporadic, brisk at times, especially after the "Asleep At The
Wheel" performance. Their Route 66’ 66th Anniversary Tour has been a
huge success, and understandably so. They are a world class western swing band and they
performed to a responsive, standing-room only crowd. Our booth was directly across from
where they performed so we got to see and/or hear most of their performance.
The climax of the day was when the popular auto races were interrupted by our classic
cars driving around the track two times with Ed and Sonja Ditmer’s ’54
Oldsmobile leading the classics, and Dan driving a new Ford Mustang
convertible—loaned by Upland Ford for the two days—and as the announcer, (our
member from Fresno) identified our Association.
All in all, it was an exhausting but lovely and fun day.
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL IN LOS ANGELES by John English
Sunday, May 17 our nine Antique Cars and the Asleep At The Wheel bus from San
Bernardino met at the Wigwam Motel to caravan, led by the Ditmer’s ’54 Olds, on
Route 66 to Upland Ford who had a special Ford antique car show aiting for us, and donuts
and coffee. The star of the Ford show was the No 1 production Thunderbird, a 1951
shiny black beauty.
Never straying from Route 66, the caravan’s next check point was Azusa’s
Civic Center where Jennie Avila tour guided, explaining their complex of buildings, and
more refreshments.
The caravan had to leave Route 66 in Pasadena, driving to the Greek Theater, tucked
into the Hollywood Hills of Griffith Park. Association members had already set up a
historical display and booths for the sale of memorabilia under the shady tees adjacent to
the amphitheater.
Additional classic cars joined the nine vintage caravan cars, making a great vintage
car show, representing a cross section of American automobiles of over a 60-year period.
Prizes in various categories were awarded to the classics on both days. The historical
exhibit included old maps, postcards, photos, porcelain signs, and many items of personal
memorabilia loaned by members. Shawn Abell’s 1952 Dodge was the centerpiece of a
display; "On the Road to Dreams" depicting the car stopped for a picnic on Route
66.
T-shirts and memorabilia, pins, etc. were sold to a small but constant crowd throughout
the afternoon with the photo album and continuous slide show once again being a big
hit—until the generator ran outta gas…
At 7:00 p.m. Asleep At The Wheel’s concert was in good form turning out high
powered country swing favorites, opening the show with what else? "Get your
Kicks..." They played the song a second time, as they had invited none other than
Bobby Troup onto the stage to sing and play his timeless tune.
A part of their performance, Asleep At The Wheel’s slide show was well received
and some of the slides were taken by our members. It certainly was a full, fun, and major
weekend for our California Route 66 Association.
NUGGETS FROM NEEDLES by Maggie McShan
At the first ray of sunshine peeked over the mountains, John Taylor began his trumpet
solo. It was the most inspiring Easter Sunrise Service I’ve ever attended. Soon
Needles’ own Choir of the Bells had their moments in the sun, with a lovely
presentation. There were readings, poems and Easter stories, followed by a traditional
sermon.
At the end of the service two one-gallon coffee cans were passed among the crowd for
the offering, and they came back filled with a surprising amount of folding money, which
the Ministerial Association, composed of pastors of the churches in Needles, will use to
help needy travelers and other distressed people during the coming year.
I wondered if "Brother John" used those metal coffee cans on purpose so
everyone would know if the giver was so miserly as to drop in loose change! They might
work better in church than those wooden plates that cushion the clatter?
My goodness! What an evil mind I have! ‘Course he wouldn’t do such a thing!
Why am I telling my Easter story here? Because the Annual Sunrise Service is held on a
knoll just a stone’s throw from old Route 66, that’s why!
It is jointly sponsored by Park Moabi, a San Bernardino County Regional Park, right on
old Route 66, and the Needles Ministerial Association.
The site is on a high point, with a magnificent view of the Colorado River, Mojave
Valley, Topock Swamp, and the mountains in the background, including Needles Peaks from
which Needles got its name. The site is marked by three wooden crosses set in a concrete
pad that is large enough for a small stage. There is plenty of Parking room and people
bring their own chairs. Surroundings and three sides are the natural desert.
I am also intrigued by the fact that just a little further along on this high point is
an ancient Indian archaeological site that has been fenced by Bureau of Land Management.
It consists of ground figures, called intaglios. One is in the shape of a star, and
another consists of portions of a large dance circle. Boma Johnson, archaeologist with
Yuma District of BLM pictures the designs in his book of sketches. He believes the dance
circles had curative purposes along with perhaps other reasons for being there. We wonder
about the significance of the designs, and if ancient people celebrated the sunrise there.
To reach "Sunrise Knoll", exit I-40 at the Park Moabi off ramp. Drive across
overpass toward the park, then drive on 0.2 (two tenths) mile to just past the overpass of
the Santa Fe Railroad. Take a dirt road that turns sharply to the right. Keep to left of
water tank, and drive the short distance to the crosses. Road is safe for regular
vehicles. Last month, I guided two high school bus loads of fifth grade children in there.
The buses had to "switch-back" at one point but made it fine.
A well preserved portion of old Route 66 is between the mesa and the river.
To me, this area of the old highway a it enters California is the most important and
interesting to be found along the entire route. Why not plan on a Route 66 Easter Retreat
to Needles? Wildflowers are still blooming then and the weather is lovely.
There I go, dreaming again!
OUR FIRST CALIFORNIA ROUTE 66 BUS TOUR
Saturday, October 3, - Sunday October 4, 1992
Saturday: Leave from La Verne at 7:45 a.m. going directly to Laughlin, Nevada for a
buffet lunch, with time for … After lunch we will head for Kingman, Arizona where we
will join old US 66. Then on over Sitgreaves pass, through Goldroad, Oatman and Topock,
Arizona to Needles and dinner at the Hungry Bear and lodging at the Travelers Inn, all
included in the package.
Sunday: Our tour of California’s Route 66 begins. After a stop at the old
Goffs School House, Headquarters and Museum for The Friends of the Mojave Road, and Amboy,
we will pass several old hamlets on the highway, some existing, some only a Kodak memory.
After lunch (on your own) in Barstow and some local sightseeing we continue on Route 66
through Helendale, Oro Grande, Victorville and parts of the old Cajon Pass Road to San
Bernardino for the last leg of our trip west.
$75 per person single, $66 per person double occupancy. A $10 per person deposit will
hold your seat if received by July 31, 1992. No smoking or alcohol on the bus.
RIGHT BEHIND YOU, BOBBY TROUP: by Geoffrey Willis … A Side Willie
A song writer from St. Louis, I am now living in Orange, CA. I first became aware of
the Route 66 restoration movement in the summer of 1990. For years I had read articles
bemoaning the decline of our most famous highway. Then I saw a St. Louis Post-Dispatch
interview with Jim Powell, President of the Missouri Route 66 Association.
Suddenly the mood changed to an upbeat, positive movement toward preserving and
rediscovering the road. This motivated me to write "Old 66".
Michael Wallis’ book, Route 66, The Mother Road, helped me retrace the
route and dust off my old memories tied to it. The song is written in a nostalgic big band
style to reflect the heyday of Route 66. I’ve decided to do a crossover country pop
version of the song (now in progress) and both versions will be placed together on a
single later this year.
Ironically, the timing of "Old 66" coincided with my sudden transfer to
California. My first song reflecting my initiation here was "Freeway Shuffle".
Its sarcasm makes for quite a contrast. [Our member, Geoff, has written the music also.
Now if we could just hear this! Ed]
OLD 66
This highway stood apart from all the rest
Became a victim of its own success.
Five interstates took its place,
They go the same places but without its face.
Chicago loop will start you as you roam,
Catch a hot meal at Dixie Trucker’s Home.
There’s Lincoln’s house and then Cahokia Mounds
It’s a honeymoon road nostalgia bound.
They called it Main Street U.S.A.
Let me hear somebody say,
My heart belongs to OLD 66.
St Louis riverboats greet you there
Soon you’ll be rolling thru Checkerboard Square.
Stop at Ted Drewes’ famous roadside stand
Still the best frozen custard in the land.
The Coral Court is known far and well
A classic art deco no-tell motel
The 66 Park Inn’s where I used to score
Don’t let them replace it with a discount store.
Preserve a piece of yesterday!
Let me hear somebody say
My heart belongs to OLD 66.
They say Meramec Caverns is where Jesse James hid
And Onondaga Cave will surely flip your lid.
In St. James try some Missouri wine
Keep you feeling good to the Oklahoma line.
The Coleman Theater is Miamah’s famous spot
The Will Rogers in Tulsa’s now a parking lot.
The the 66 Diner still lifts the torch
Mashed potatoes as real as your grandma’s porch.
You’ll miss it all on the expressway.
Let ne hear somebody say
My heart belongs to OLD 66.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo,
Nose diving classics use the ground for a pillow.
Blue Swallow Inn, Tucumcari,
A friendly old spot on New Mexico’s prairie.
Though Santa Fe and Albuquerque
See Indian arts of ancient times still working.
Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Grand Canyon Café,
Across the Mojave beckons big L.A.
It’s hot and sassy as a red Corvette
At Santa Anita stop and place your bet.
In Chinatown they’re cooking something good
Turn on Sunset Blvd to Hollywood.
Beyond awaits the glamour and the frills
Santa Monica Blvd. to Beverly Hills.
The cool Pacific waiting at the end
Never be another route like this again.
Don’t let the legend fade away
People all along it say,
My heart belongs to OLD 66.
AUTO AGE ARCHITECTURE by Gloria Ohland, Nov. 1-7 1991, LA Weekly
Any weekend, John English heads up the Arroyo Seco parkway (Pasadena Freeway) onto
Route 66 (Colorado Blvd) into cities most Angelenos have only heard of, to show off relics
of a past that’s all but vanished in L.A. His infamous informal roadside architecture
tours have been known to last into the wee hours, pilgrimages on which he sings the
praises of every theme restaurant, any motel, vintage neon sign, drive-in regional bar and
must-see example of programmatic and Googie architecture.
English and his tourists get their kicks just off Route 66, at places like the Covina
Bowl, and Egyptian/tiki/Aztec palace of terrazzo and volcanic rock, with cocktail lounge,
coffee shop, day-care center and beauty shop. And at La Puente Lanes, with a
firepit/fountain in which gas jets ignite underwater to provide a spectacle of fire, smoke
and bubbles, and booths with original boomerang-patterned Formica-topped tables that swing
out for easy access. And the Donut Hole; Downey’s museum-quality McDonalds; the
stretch of Santa Ana Freeway that passes the old Coppertone, Allied Van Lines and Nabisco
buildings; the drive-in church with an outdoor pulpit designed by Richard Neutra.
Attempting to preserve what’s left of this auto-age architecture, he researches
nominations to the National Register of Historic Places on weekdays. English is a member
of the Society of Commercial Archaeology and the California Historic Route 66 Association
and a mover and shaker of the L.A. Conservancy, an organization better known for its
interest in more polite examples of local architecture. "This was modern architecture
at its best," argues English. "Because of the availability of money and new
materials, it was the first and only time modern architecture catered to the masses."
SMITHSONIAN JOINS 66!
The Society for Commercial Archaeology is a unique national organization concerned with
the artifacts, structures, signs and symbols of the American Commercial Landscape.
Encompassing both the celebrated and anonymous work of many of America’s best
designers, the mass-produced forms of the machine age, and the vernacular conceptions of
local builders and craftsmen, these elements comprise a significant part of our national
heritage.
Features of the American commercial environment include transportation facilities such
as highways, airports, and bus stations; roadside development—gas stations, diners
and motels; components of the traditional business district—movie theaters, drug
stores, and department stores; and recreational facilities—resorts, fairgrounds and
amusement parks. The SCA is concerned that these resources, while rapidly disappearing,
are often considered too recent to be analyzed, recorded, or preserved.
The goals of the Society are to promote public awareness and the exchange of
information, and to encourage the selective preservation of the commercial landscape. Its
membership is comprised of individuals and organizations involved in fields ranging from
art, architecture, historic preservation and design, to business, engineering and law.
Members have the opportunity to participate in conferences and field trips, receive the
SCA News Journal and special publications and contribute to the future growth of
the society.
The summer of 1992 was to have brought the SCA for the first time to the campus of USC
in Los Angeles to view, among other things, Route 66. Unfortunately the political and
social upheaval of April 29 kept them away indefinitely. So stay tuned.
The SCA invites your membership. Contact: The National Museum of American History, Room
5010, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC 20560
SHOOTOUT AT ROY’S CAFÉ by JoAnne Willis
In the early 60s the cast and crew of the TV series Route 66 roamed the highway
like gypsies, filming on the route. The same makers of the TV show are back with a film,
for the present being called California with a "K" (copyright reaons).
I called Buster Burris at Roy’s Café representing the CHR66A to learn about the
movie. Vivian Davies told me there would be a crew there from June 25th to the
29th. Buster handed the phone to Gus Kirk of Black Crow Productions standing
right next to him. Gus was very nice and said that basically the movie is a present day
story about a couple who ask another to join them on a venture out to California in a
Lincoln Continental via Route 66. The couple’s mistake is that one of their guests
turns out to be a criminal. They become hostages and somebody gets shot at Roy’s
Café. Up the road they’ll eat a Chinese dinner in an abandoned café in Ludlow.
The film is directed by Dominic Sena and stars Brad Pitt, previously in Thelma and
Louise and Juliet Lewis who played the daughter in Cape Fear. The new Route 66
drama is scheduled for release March 1993.
I asked Gus, "Are you having fun?" He said, "Oh yeah, but it’s
hot!"
BUFFALO INN by Richard Root
Rambling down old Route 66, you know you can’t make the last leg to the coast.
It’s 1929, and your Ford is coughing up dust from the well-worn road to LA. Then,
there in the distance, from out of the lemon groves a silhouette arises black against a
crimson setting sun, as stolid as a buffalo. Of course, it’s the Buffalo Inn.
Flash forward: 1992. You’re cruising down Foothill Blvd., past janitorial supply
warehouses, auto shops, In ‘n Out Buger, past kids driving WV convertibles who think
"Route 66" is just an ancient Rolling Stones song.
The Buffalo Inn, saved from extinction 18 years ago by owner Forest Rinard, is perhaps
the most inviting, atmospheric, kick-back comfortable experience this side of Claremont.
Perhaps that’s why the underground word at the Claremont Colleges is that "the
Buffalo is the place to hang."
Clients frequenting this restaurant-bar range from seven to seventy. All are welcomed,
and all feel comfortable here beneath the swaying ancient birch that shields the
Buffalo’s immense outdoors dining area. Tucked behind its wooded walls, the traffic
from racing Foothill Blvd. sounds almost like a far off dream.
Yes, this is the place—genuine buffalo meat, ground and cooked into a monstrous
patty, laid between generous helpings of lettuce, tomato and sourdough bread. The species
has long been off the endangered list, and the meat is actually better for you than both
chicken and turkey.
Starting May 1st, the Buffalo will be serving a blend of white and red wines
from such well-respected vineyards as Chateau St. Jean, Robert Mondavi and Parducci.
So, if you’re in the mood for some serious relaxing in an atmosphere you thought
died with the old west and its thundering herds of wild buffalo, think again. The Buffalo
Inn’s door swing open for you.
The Buffalo Inn is located at 1814 W. Foothill Blvd., in Upland, 909.981.5515
A PRE-PUBLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT –
GUIDE TO HISTORIC ROUTE 66 IN CALIFORNIA
It has detailed maps to guide you, points of interest to enlighten you, history to
remind you, mileages, (both directions) to help, you, and current and historic photos to
please you. All in a 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 comb-bound (for easy handling) paperback book.
