The narrative explores the significance of Route 66, established in 1926, as a vital connection across eight states from the heartland to California. Known as "the Mother Road," it has inspired countless cultural works, including literature, film, and music. Despite the rise of interstates, Route 66 remains a celebrated symbol of American identity, notably passing through St. Louis, which serves as a crucial gateway. The book delves into the road's enduring legacy and its diverse routes, highlighting its historical and cultural importance.
Between the great cities of Chicago and St. Louis, there are 300 miles of adventure, history, culinary delights, and quirky attractions. This is the "Land of Lincoln" and roadside giants. There are cozy motels, cozy diners, and Cozy Dogs. Interstate 55 will speed travelers to their destination, but Route 66 offers something more. It goes through the hearts of the towns, wandering onto old brick pavement far from the roar of the interstate. Historic restaurants like Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, the Palms Grill in Atlanta, and the Ariston Cafe in Litchfield still keep their coffee pots warm. Waitresses, pump jockeys, gangsters, cops, and politicians all gave the "Main Street of America" its distinctive personality, and their stories are within these pages. So slow down, take the next exit, and head toward the beckoning neon in the distance. Come explore Route 66 in Illinois--where the road began.
Exploring the Missouri Ozarks along Route 66 reveals a scenic and historic journey through a landscape of deep forests, sparkling streams, and stunning bluffs. The route showcases distinctive Ozark rock buildings and offers a glimpse into charming small towns and urban centers. Travelers will encounter various accommodations, cafes, and souvenir stands, making it an inviting adventure from Crawford County to the Kansas line. This guide encourages exploration of the unique attractions and hidden gems along this iconic highway.
Exploring New Mexico reveals a rich tapestry of Native American, Spanish Colonial, and Western American cultures, particularly along the iconic Route 66. Vibrant neon signs and themed motels beckon travelers, while Pueblo Revival architecture and trading posts offer a glimpse into the region's history. This journey uncovers both enduring landmarks like the Blue Swallow Motel and El Rancho Hotel, and forgotten establishments that have succumbed to time. Each site holds unique stories, inviting adventurers to embrace the enchanting allure of the Southwest.
The journey along Route 66 in Arizona showcases breathtaking natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest, complemented by quirky roadside attractions. Travelers encounter imaginative businesses that utilize Native American and Western themes to entice visitors, featuring whimsical signs and unique lodging options, such as wigwam-shaped motels. Children are captivated by adventures like the Apache Death Cave and trading posts selling souvenirs, making the route a blend of scenic beauty and nostalgic Americana.
Exploring the Texas Panhandle, Route 66 offers a rich tapestry of history and adventure, tracing paths once taken by Native Americans, conquistadors, and cowboys. Travelers will encounter vibrant sites like Shamrock's iconic U-Drop Inn and the remnants of Glenrio, alongside unique attractions such as Cadillac Ranch's quirky sculptures. The route showcases charming motels adorned with Western and Native American themes, reflecting the enduring spirit of mom-and-pop establishments amidst the haunting beauty of the Jericho Gap.
The book explores the historical significance of St. Louis, emphasizing its development through the lens of its bridges and road names. It delves into the unique pronunciation of French street names, the impact of World War I on the city's map, and the contributions of various figures in its history, from pioneers to everyday citizens. Additionally, it highlights the dramatic stories of the struggles to connect the city across its great rivers, complemented by previously unpublished photographs that vividly illustrate this rich narrative.
Oklahoma serves as a vibrant crossroads of culture and history along Route 66, showcasing a rich tapestry of experiences. The narrative explores the unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, highlighting the state's diverse landscapes and communities. Through engaging storytelling, it captures the essence of travel and discovery, revealing the charm and challenges of life along this iconic highway. The book delves into the stories of the people who inhabit this region, making it a compelling journey through time and place.
Route 66 Highway, first built in 1926-32, offers a fantastic variety of scenery and history. This segment of the highway, from the Gateway to the West through the beautiful Ozarks, is organized in over 300 vintage postcards and color photos that capture travel on "The Mother Road" across the "Show Me State." There are stops at "no-tell motels," gas stations, cafes, roadside stands, and good, old-fashioned tourist traps. The detailed text provides histories at each stop, including icons such as Coral Court, The Diamonds, Meramec Caverns, and many more. This book is organized first chronologically and then features a tour through the Meramec Valley, from Leasburg to Rolla, the Ozarks, Lebanon to Springfield, and Springfield to the "Ghost Section." Postcard values are included in the captions. For all who enjoy the romance of the open road, this book is a treasure.
"Seeing this panoply of signs splashed across the pages in Route 66 Roadside Signs and Advertisements is almost as good as taking a road trip! You can get your kicks--and pretty much anything else--on Route 66, provided you see the sign that s advertising it! Route 66 Roadside Signs and Advertisements showcases the colorful history of commercial signage along the Mother Road. From kitschy to classy, this book includes photos of early vintage signs as well as modern signs. The vivid photos are organized according to type of establishment the signs are for, such as roadside attractions, motels, restaurants, businesses of ill repute (bars, strip clubs, etc.), and more. While Route 66 Roadside Signs and Advertisements places emphasis on high-quality visuals, it also includes anecdotes and history about the signs that sprang up along the sides of Route 66. The most famous Route 66 signs get center-stage treatment in the book, with two-page spreads accompanied by detailed text. Such signs include icons like the Blue Swallow in Tucumcari, New Mexico, the Munger Moss in Lebanon, Missouri, the U-Drop Inn at Shamrock, Texas, and the El Vado in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Additional information is included, such as background about buzzing neon lights--how these signs are actually made and how they get restored. Each image from this famous American roadway could be a postcard, so allow yourself to be rubbernecked by Route 66 Signs and Advertisements"-- Provided by publisher
