Flagstaff, AZ to Las Vegas, NV (with a detour along Route 66) about 300 miles
Route 66 was one of the original U.S. highways being established in 1926 and running from Chicago to Los Angeles. It served as a major migratory path for those emigrating West, especially during the dust bowl of the 1930s. In 1985 it was officially removed from the U.S. Highway system, as it had been entirely replaced by the Interstate Highways. It originally was a government funded wagon road and was commissioned in 1857. It became the first highway to be completely paved in 1938. During the 1950s it became the main road for vacationers heading out to L. A. since it ran through the Painted Desert and was close to the Grand Canyon. This big increase in tourist traffic gave rise to all types of roadside attractions including the first drive-in restaurant. In the 1960s it became a fixture in pop culture due to the hit TV show & song, Route 66.
We all know how much Mr. Russo loves old movies and TV shows, so it was only fitting that I indulge him yet again and agree to driving a portion of our way back to Vegas on what is now called: Historic Route 66.
(The woman who was the buyer for this shop lives on a farm with 4 horses. She has no direct electricity, only generator)
(Don & friend)
The town of Seligman, AZ has led the charge to preserve historic Route 66. The Delgadillo family has owned and operated The Snow Cap Drive-In restaurant since 1950. Juan Delgadillo built the now famous place from scraps out of the near by yards of the Santa Fe Railroad. The place is still family run and they delight in providing you some entertainment with your food. Kitchy to the max!
(Left side: front Right side: seating)
( Don & one of the Delgadillos)
(The Garden)
There are numerous other establishments in this town that have followed the Delgadillo’s lead.
(The story goes that Tom Mix, legendary film cowboy, rode his horse up to the lunch counter above)
Historic Seligman Sundries (above blue building & lunch counter) has been in existence since 1904. Originally a trading post and then a soda fountain, it has a stage in the rear of the building where it housed dances and other social events. In 2007, new owners reopened it and were able to get it placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it is a frequent stop for bikers and tourists both foreign and domestic.
Once you pass through Seligman, AZ it’s pretty much open road & abject rural poverty. Growing up near the South Bronx, I was a witness to urban poverty. Then, I moved out to the country and started travelling around parts of Appalachia and realized that rural poverty tops urban poverty. However, there’s no poverty like Native American poverty. Historic Route 66 traverses a Reservation and after seeing this one as well as some in Utah, I don’t think anything can compare.
Our nice weather also ended on Route 66 as we ran headlong into a band of thunderstorms and dust. I also got to see my first real-life tumbleweed. Yes, they do exist!
Finally, exhausted and saddle sore, we arrived back in Las Vegas.
(The woman who was the buyer for this shop lives on a farm with 4 horses. She has no direct electricity, only generator)
(Don & friend)
(The Garden)
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