The Old Road with many Names
In reference to the discussions at hand regarding what kind of vehicle one would like to take on a Mother Road adventure, I conclude that it really makes no difference unless (and until) you learn the history of this highway.
When the Route was commissioned in 1926, the most popular car of thattime, and likely to have traveled on the first segment, was the Model T Ford. By the time Highway 66 was completed twelve years later, America had suffered through the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, resulting in the greatest population shift ever, and 66 was then known as "the way west", the "Road America took to the American Dream" and after Steinbeck's 1939 novel (The Grapes of Wrath), it became "The Mother Road".
In the early 40's, the Route was heavily used by the military to transport weapons and troops, and after the war it finally entered it's "heyday". People were finally using Highway 66 to takevacations, and the travel courts became flashy, sometimes funky art- deco places to spend the night. Filling stations were everywhere and the drive-in diners and drive-in theaters were all the rage. Those good times continued through the 1950's, but suddenly ended when the Interstates finally began to replace large portions of the Route, which then
became service roads, city streets, county roads or secondary state highways. To many, Route 66 was then known as the "Old Road" and the "Forgotten Road", and it's "de-commissioning" became official in 1985.
It didn't take long before certain visionaries and history buffs "adopted" the orphaned highway and began the restoration, preservation and promotional efforts that have continued to grow stronger, and reap more successes every year since.
Today, I personally like to describe this famous and historic road as "Route 66...America's Longest Attraction", and no matter what kind of vehicle you use to travel on it, remember those who also made the trip these past eighty-two years.
"It is said that when you travel this "Old Road", and you find yourself on a lonely, deserted stretch, you should pull-over, get out of your car and sit in the grass. Close your eyes and listen...and in a few moments you will hear the sounds of those model-T's, rickety trucks and sometimes the tears and laughter of those early travelers as they pass-by.
You will never forget that sound for the rest of your life." Ron Hart
Are you "promoting" the Mother Road? September 12, 2009
I often hear others say that driving cross country on Route 66 in the 1950's was not as comfortable and safe as taking the interstate today. While that may be true, it was because those 50's travelers on 66 were likely just as interested in getting to their "destination" as interstate drivers are today.
Perhaps they, and their kids, grew up remembering those stops along the way, like the Indian trading posts, the unique eating establishments, the eye-catching Burma-Shave signs and funky attractions, and are today "reliving" those half-century old trips when they re-visit the old road and see those old tourist traps and other Icons being restored. The difference today is that the "journey" is more important than reaching a destination. Pulling onto Route 66 IS the "destination" for many.
I encourage parents to take the extra time to travel with their children on portions of Route 66, and make that trip their "vacation destination" . Besides being an opportunity to teach them American history, everyone will learn lessons about economics, geography, math, human nature and more! Use the movie "CARS" as a teaching tool, and maybe the parents and kids will grow closer, and the headphones and DVD players will be ignored in favor of looking out the window for the next "Cool" place on the map.
Are we Route-Roadies doing all we can to attract "new" visitors to the Mother Road? We, who are grandparents, can easily recall and long for those good old days, but those memories were somewhat "accidental" in nature.
We can restore and protect what we can, but we need to attract others to take our place, and we need to start with the kids (and their parents). Here are some suggestions to get started:
1. Route 66 Guidebooks, and other printed materials, should include a tutorial for parents on how to make finding icons a "game". The more kids (and the parents) learn about what to look for, the more likely they will consider a Route 66 trip an "Adventure".
2. Offer to speak to your area schools about Route 66. I have done this a few times, and was amazed at the interest and feedback I received. I played clips from "Cars", then explained what the meaning was, and the lesson learned. I always leave some handouts for the kids to take home, listing interesting websites to visit, and a note to the parents extrolling the fun to be had by visiting a "Route 66 near you".
3. Many Route 66 businesses offer something for the kids, but most cater to the person with the billfold or the purse. We need to make a fond memory for the kids so THEY will want to come back when they are the parents. I took my daughter to Disney World several times when she was young, and she (and her husband) took their kids, and are going back again this summer. Disney, and other attractions work because they target the KIDS!.
There is no reason why Route 66 should not become "America's Longest Attraction", but this will take action, not words. With the economy in recession, now is a good time to get the word out while gas prices are lower. The message... "Get Your "KIDS" on Route 66!"
Ron
