Here’s a map from 1967 highlighting the state of Pennsylvania. Full-service gas stations were still the norm. The front and back of this map shows off the crisp and clean stations and uniformed attendants. It is noted that if the workers fail to clean your windshield and check the oil, your gasoline purchase is free. Good times.
The heart of Victorville, Calif. included one of the finest tourist accomodations along Route 66. The Green Spot Motel and Cafe was operated by Mr. H.E. Roy. Here are a couple artifacts from the place – a business card and postcard – both from the 1940s.
This 1940s road map was handed out by the Mobilinn Cafe and Curios located at the intersection of highways U.S. 60, 66 and 87 in Amarillo, Texas. Mobil Oil’s Flying Red Horse was a common sight along the highways of old.
There is no doubt you would hit the brakes when you spotted this marvel in Winnemucca, Nev. Lighting up a corner, right on U.S. 40, this combination casino and restaurant offered all-night gambling and entertainment. This late 1960s photo shows Joe Mackie’s Star Broiler Restaurant and Casino. The name doesn’t exactly roll off the lips, but who cares, the neon signage is the real star.
Sure you could get lucky and spot some real wildlife loitering along the highway. But there were several places to stop that could guarantee an exciting encounter with mammals, birds and reptiles, even though it was staged. Gay’s Lion Farm in El Monte, Calif. offered guests a chance to see dozens of African lions. Mr. and Mrs. Gay ran the farm, which was well connected with Hollywood in placing lions into films. In fact, a particular beast named ‘Slats’ was well known in front of the camera. This brochure is from the early 1930s.
While in southern California, visitors could also check out the Los Angeles Ostrich Farm. Located at 3609 Mission Road, this place boasted of having ‘the only trained ostriches in the entire West.’ More than 100 of these huge birds could be seen. Probably the coolest picture from this early 1930s guide, shows a man with a wheelbarrow loaded with giant eggs.
Florida was (is) famous for its roadside reptile emporiums. Gatorland was located on the shoulders of U.S. Route 1, near St. Augustine. This mid-1960s guide and map highlights the wonders of alligators, especially when being wrestled. Also, visitors could purchase exotic animals like monkeys, Mynah birds, alligators and South American caiman. All of these animals could be shipped home. Wow.
The exterior of Gatorland looks awesome. Great signage complimented by a huge grinning alligator sculpture. Hard not to stop.
These colorful brochures and maps were handed out to lake-goers in the late 1940s. This huge lake — 1,300 miles of shoreline — provides recreation and hydroelectric power for the region. Flirtatious bathers look out while playing in the water. The inside of the brochure are packed with ads for lake services and tourist stops. The Buffalo Ranch was once a must-see along Route 66 and the Grand Lake area. It’s simple advertisement gives a clue to what the Ranch featured.
From a state known for its scenic landscapes, here are a few beauties to check out. The first photo is downtown Montrose situated on U.S. 50. Dense clusters of buildings, sweet signs and people walking give the town a bustling flair. This photo looks to be from the early 1960s.
Next up, the eastern Colorado town of Limon. Most people know this as a stop along Interstate 70. But this view, from the early 1970s, shows a still vibrant town surviving along the old route U.S. 40. Gas stations, cafes and bars line the road.
The famous mining town of Cripple Creek is next. This 1950s photo shows a long main street anchored by the Imperial Hotel.
Cortez, Colo. is located in the southwest part of the state. The town is nearby Indian reservations and Mesa Verde National Park. This 1950s view looks west along U. S. 160. Like all these Colorado Main Streets, a Coors beer sign is present.
Finally, we travel to the northwest Colorado town of Craig. This gorgeous stretch of street is U.S. 40 and is filled with much to see, including the stunning West Theatre marquee.
Travel the route 0f Lewis & Clark. This beautiful road traversed the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains before ending in the Oregon city of Portland. This vintage brochure was handed out by the more than 400 members of the Highway 12 Association. Printed in the late 1950s, the guide uses the ubiquitous cowboy to lure travelers to western adventures.
The back of the guide has simple drawings highlighting stops along the route. Check out the small towns along the way, each dependent on the highway for tourists and commerce.
Shamrock, Tex. is located on the eastern side of the Texas panhandle. This flat landscape is punctuated by several towns that catered to Route 66 travelers. Shamrock offered the gamut of roadside services. Gas stations were sprinkled along the highway through town, including the well-known Tower Conoco. This Art Deco masterpiece sits at the corner of U.S. 66 and U.S. 83, which guaranteed brisk business. Today, the station has been restored and is a must photo-op along the highway. Another of the photos shows the Dixie Restaurant, topped with a huge chicken. Sadly, the sign is gone. This selection of photos, most from the late 1950s or early 1960s, show U.S. 66 in and around Shamrock. Looks kinda quiet, doesn’t it?
Check out this awesome brochure for Harold’s Pony Express Motel. Located on U.S. 40, this lodge was only a few blocks from Reno, Nev. colorful casino center. The cover of the guide shows a motel built in Ranch-style architecture.
The guide shows off a crisp room filled with mid-century blonde furniture sitting on a cool-looking western carpet. No wonder the couple looks so pleased.
A birds-eye view of the motel could not be better. A pristine roadside scene filled with amazing cars, people and a well-groomed landscape.
