Scribbles from 66

Used almost like a diary, this little gas station booklet details a 1949 road trip along portions of Route 66. Mrs. Fillotson began her journey from Kansas City in a 1941 Ford. She left on July 8 driving U.S. 54 west through Kansas. On July 10, she pulled onto the Mother Road at Tucumcari and [...]

Feeding the youngsters

Holiday Inn offered travelers a familiar and friendly experience. Along with a room and a swimming pool, the chain also offered dining options for hungry visitors. On-site restaurants that welcomed kids were popular. This early menu, from the mid-1960s, showcase the types of food available. Kids could choose from a shrimp platter, hamburger and potato [...]

Custer’s last stand

Near the site of the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn, the tiny oasis of Custer, Mont. stands. Imagine pulling into this town after dark…your headlights spotlighting the gas stations, cafe and curio shop. Up ahead, a place to stay. Cabins for rent. This photo, taken in the mid-1950s, shows U.S. Highways 10 and 12 [...]

Drive with care – and use Sinclair

If you pulled into your local Sinclair station in 1958, chances are the attendant would have offered you this calendar. Sinclair was just one of several oil companies that handed out a plethora of great-looking graphic design. Each month of this calendar was illustrated with a simple photo and a reminder of your auto’s needs. [...]

Ocean to ocean

Talk about a complete guidebook. Published 81 years ago, this map and book was for motorists driving on the Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean Highway. Remember, this was before America had a numbering system for its roads, so highways were given adventurous, historic, even romantic titles. This guide has 140 pages of maps, advertising and [...]

Spreading the word

Motels had lots of ways to advertise. These two motor courts on the Lincoln Highway were no exception. Both lodges handed out free stuff to make sure travelers would remember their stay or better yet, mail a postcard or letter on motel stationary to other potential guests. These examples, from 1950s, showcase the wide array [...]

Southern Utah main street

U.S. Highway 89 splits the middle of this remote redrock town. Kanab, Utah has been known as Little Hollywood, due to more than 30 movies that have been filmed in the vicinity. Founded in 1870, Kanab was at one time declared the most inaccessible town in America. But even it remoteness hasn’t stopped a parade [...]

Tulsa’s connection

This handy little map, from the 1930s, promoted travel to and from Tulsa, Okla. along U.S. 66. The map is illustrated with hand-drawn cartography and scenes from the different states. A thicket of oil wells greeted travelers in Oklahoma. Cactus, canyons and mountains added luster to Arizona. Large cities, like Chicago and St. Louis are [...]

Dine at this sign

Produced by the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, this brochure advertised all the tasty cafes and diners around the Sooner State. This particular example was given away by the Rainbow Cafe, located on U.S. 66, near the heart of My-am-uh, Okla. Also in or near Miami, hungry travelers could find Doc’s Bar-B-Que and the newly opened Glass [...]

Wyoming’s newest travel center

Thinking of taking the Lincoln Highway? Well, make sure you plan a stop here in the tiny burg of Little America, Wyo. Little America offers hotel and other lodging, as well as cabins, a bar, coffee shop and gas and oil. Stick this window decal, probably from the 1940s, where other motorists can see it. [...]