Route 66 in Its Heyday: Vintage Postcards From America’s Mother Road, 1950s-1960s

Just about everywhere, there are old roads that have fallen into disuse or lost their relevance as newer, more efficient routes came along. No blame there; we all like getting to our destinations a little faster. But whenever I come across one of these old roads, something of a time traveler awakens in me. Somewhere in the back of my mind (and sometimes not so far back), I start wondering what that road meant in its day, the places it connected, and the journeys that once took place along it. Roads are more than just ways of getting from one place to another. They’re a means of connection, and forgotten roads often tell the story of places that were once important, and of communities and gathering spots that may have since faded from view.

As interesting as they may be, few old roads enjoy the kind of cultural hold that Route 66 has maintained over the years. It’s a testament to what the Mother Road once meant as one of the main routes across the country, from Chicago to Los Angeles, as the song keeps reminding us. Before the modern Interstate system changed the way Americans traveled, Route 66 was a way to reach distant destinations, whether for business, family visits, or vacations. And the road itself was part of the experience, with plenty of stops along the way whenever travelers needed a break—or simply found something worth exploring. Today, we have another collection of vintage postcards to take us on an imaginary drive along the Mother Road, revisiting some of the sights and stops that made Route 66 such an enduring part of American road-trip culture.

Our opening photo is Coal Avenue in downtown Gallup, once part of Route 66.

Let’s start in the west, in Barstow, California, as captured in 1950, going by the vehicles and, more precisely, the Cyrano movie poster on the right.

Now driving into Arizona, where we’ll make a few stops, starting in downtown Kingman. A nice mix of 1950s-1960s cars can be seen in this one.

Ready to stop and check out some attractions? We’re now at the Dinosaur Caverns, also in Arizona, which opened in 1962. Besides the attraction, an “excellent restaurant and curiou shop” can be found.

Further east, we reach downtown Holbrook.

While in Holbrook, a stay overnight may be ideal. All the 1960s goodies are accounted for at the Holbrook Motor Hotel: Pool, A/C, TV, and a cocktail lounge.

Before going much further, filling up may be in order.  Here, at the Shalimar Standard station in Gallup.

What do you know? It’s next to the very trendy-looking Shalimar Motel, with a helicopter hovering around, adding some Sixties glamour to this image. Shalimar, of course, has the works: A/C, heated swimming pool, cocktail lounge, children’s playground, and more. Shall we keep on driving or stay the night here?

Another motel calls our attention in Gallup, the Lariat. Not quite as exciting as the Shalimar, but with neater Mid-century signage. Oh, and a “Suddenly it’s 1960!” Mopar on the parking lot to make it more fun.

Back on the road, Highway 66’s four lane highway will take us into Albuquerque.

Perhaps time for another meal. Del’s Restaurant, in Tucumcari, looks like a good place to stop for one. Despite the shirtless guy, the Cadillac and Oldsmobile (with additional Imperial-like taillights?) suggest this should be a nice place.

Let’s keep on driving. We’re now… somewhere in Texas. Hard to say where; it’s a big state, you know?

We’re now in Erick, Oklahoma. We’ve been driving for a while now, but I don’t see a place to stay the night. I see, perhaps, a Chevrolet sign on the left? Maybe we should instead get a new Chevy to keep this trip going? After all, wasn’t Chevy the brand to “See the USA…”?

Now that we’re in a spankingly new Chevy (just imagine, OK?), we’ve reached Missouri, and we’re probably ready to eat something. Jodie’s Cafe near Waynesville looks good, and as the painted icicles on the windows show, it’s properly air-conditioned.

Let’s keep going north. We’re now at the Chain of Rocks Bridge (nowadays only open for bicycles and walking), which crosses the Mississippi River.

It’s been a long trip. One last stop at the Fleetwood Restaurant in Springfield, Illinois, on US 66 and 54 Bypass. Here we’ll get a good meal and settle down. Also, the postcard tells us to “Spend a day in our city and visit the Historic Lincoln Shrines.” Sounds good!

See you next time!

 

More Vintage Photos Here