Route 66 is one of the most historical roads in the world. Built in the late 1920's, it was the gateway that opened the west for people to migrate to during the Dust Bowl. Stretching 2,448 mile, it is referred to as the Main Street of America and is a "must travel" for car fanatics. Here in the Inland Empire we are fortunate enough to have a piece of that historical road in our own backyard.Now known as SR66 or Foothill Blvd., Route 66 helped establish many local businesses that are still standing today and some have even gone on to worldwide success.
Probably the most famous site along Route 66 can be found in the city of Downey. It was in 1940 when the McDonald brothers, Richard and Mac, opened their first hamburger shop that was later purchased and franchised into today's mega company. The original location is still there as a museum showcasing the history of the business.
Frank Redford in 1949 built the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino.This is one of seven motel villages Fred built while moving west from Kentucky. The motel still stands today, and is available for lodging to Route 66 travelers.
The California Theater can be found slightly off the original Route 66 and was part of the Fox Theater group. This theater was the test theater showing screenings of Hollywood movies before their major release, and was also the first location to show both King Kong and the Wizard of Oz.
One of the largest crops produced by local farmers in the Inland Empire are oranges. During Route 66's heyday, farmers needed a wayto help sell local crops, so orange stands were set up dotting the roadsides. This particular stand is located in Fontana and is known as "Bono's Historic Orange." There are very few of these roadside stands left, making this one very special.
Following Route 66 deeper into the Inland Empire, to the city of Rancho Cucamonga, you can see the historic Route 66 Gas Station which was built around 1919. This location provided a full service station to drivers on the road. It has not been used since the late '60s, but as recent as last year, a group got together and purchased the station in hopes to restore it over the next ten years.
These places are special because they not only give us a window to the past, but also allow us to see how far we have come. This is particularly special to us at Moss Bros. Auto Group because it was "Red" Moss Sr. who opened his first dealership in Blythe after traveling from Kansas around this same time. Each year, the Inland Empire holds a special event celebrating Route 66 and the business and culture it brought to this part of the United States. Inviting people from all over Southern California to display their classic cars, enjoy live music, and dine from amazing food trucks, the city of San Bernardino is letting everyone get their kicks on Route 66.