on Rt. 66 inside The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Rt. 66 is also called 'The Mother Road', so called because author John Steinbeck coined the term in his 1939 novel, The Grapes of Wrath, to describe its role as the primary, nurturing lifeline for hundreds of thousands of migrant families fleeing the Dust Bowl for California during the 1930s, when over 200,000 people used this specific route to escape the environmental and economic devastation in the Great Plains. It served as a maternal path of refuge and opportunity for those displaced by the Depression.
I remember seeing this old car like it was yesterday. We were on a roadtrip from the East to West Coast. I have shared it several times but enjoy revisiting favorites, this being one of them.
The car is a famous abandoned 1932 Studebaker located on the original alignment of Route 66, within The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It actually was donated as an art piece to the National Park Service by Frank and Rhonda Dobell. It serves to mark the path of the historic “Mother Road” as it once cut through this section of The Painted Desert. The park is the only national Park that preserves a section of the historic Route 66. Despite its appearance, the car was intentionally placed there and has spent a significant amount of time exposed to the elements as a permanent exhibit.
I read all my information online, and also finally finding out a whole lot more about that old car I took photos of all those years ago. There is an over-abundance of historical information out there. I have also added a few links above in case you want to see more.
Thanks for looking and
may your day be a great one.
The old car looks as if it's been cleaned on the outside and no overgrowth as one would expect to see. It looks appropriate for that area, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, it is probably well maintained by the park people :)
DeleteThe Studebaker really is perfect for route 66, because both are things of the past. Well, route 66 still exists, but a lot of it is closed so it is not near as long I believe.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ginny, I agree. We used to toy with the idea of following Rt. 66 when on a road trip, where it could be found that is :)
DeleteInteresting. That old car is pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Ann :)
DeleteSteinbeck really memorialized that era, didn’t he?
ReplyDeleteHe certainly did David :)
DeleteI wonder if the old car is carefully preserved or if it is left to deteriorate gradually.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised it has been preserved in some way Janice :)
DeleteOlder Canadians have a soft spot in their hearts for Studebaker because it was a Canadian automobile.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that information John, I had no idea! How wonderful!
DeleteDo you ever watch the tv show "Places I love" it is a travel show hosted by Samantha Brown. She recently finished a series about RT 66. She started in Illinois drove all lthe way to CA on Rt 66. Fun to see places that aren't seen when one takes an interstate hwy
ReplyDeleteHugs cecilia
I used to watch Samantha a lot on her travel ones but we gave up on regular TV a couple of years back. I do stream shows now so hopefully she will be on one of those. Thanks for the info Cecilia :) She does a great job producing interesting shows. Hugs, Denise
DeleteI read on someone's blog today that Route 66 is celebrating it's 100th anniversary this year. That will be in November, I believe. Fun that you have a great photo of that iconic car along the route!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting Ellen, thanks so much! I'm very happy I have this photo. There are a few more too which I will share another time :)
DeleteGosh I haven't thought of all this in a long time. You bring back a few stories I remember now. I have never been on it - but I love the history.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how we don't think of something in a while. For me it's looking through my old blog and coming across places, photos, I haven't seen in a long time. It's a great history isn't it? :)
DeleteI'm echoing what Ann said ...'That old car is pretty cool.'
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
One of the coolest I have ever seen Jan :) All the best to you too and thank you :)
DeleteMy parents took that route in 1962. I recall the black and white photos dad took of the trip. Amazing. We did go to the Petrified Forest when I was a kid in 1965. It was amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! Those trips must have been great for you. It really is an amazing part of the U.S. I would love to go back on again. I'm not sure if we have another road trip in our future but we won't say never :)
DeleteYes I heard the same thing about Route 66 and I actually used it on a card I just made!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I hope you will share that Carrie. I'd love to see it :)
DeleteThe Studebaker represents a wonderful piece of history. Thank you for sharing the information about route 66 as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree Beverley, and I love these old, old cars :) You are very welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed.
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