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We have prepared this brief
history of Route 66,
also known as The Main Street of America,
just for your information.
Following the history, please see the link to bring back
Route 66 and join us in this wonderful movement!!!
History
of Route 66
Route 66 was an approximately 2,400 mile
long stretch of highway that connected Chicago, Illinois,
to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California, and all
the other states in between. It is said the people of Oklahoma
were the first to realize the need for a highway of some kind
that would allow them the opportunity for easier and faster
travel from their small farm towns and cities. They envisioned
a highway that would help them connect with both western and
eastern parts of the nation. It wasn't until the federal government
realized a similar need to streamline travel across the nation
that the Oklahomans' idea became a reality. Route 66 opened
November 11, 1926, making this year of 2006 its 80th birthday.
Many books have been written about Historic
Route 66, the most famous being Grapes of Wrath, written
by John Steinbeck and published in 1939. John Steinbeck referred
to Rt. 66 as "The Mother Road" and described it
as . . . "the road of flight" for all the poor Oklahoma
farmers who lost their farms during the years of the great
depression and dust bowl days of the thirties. Many of those
farmers and their families fled Oklahoma in search of a new
and better life in California. Even though they suffered great
hardships, they had a will to survive and a spirit to endure
that kept them going. Those Oklahomans and many others are
truly symbolic of the spirit of Route 66.
Many tourist courts, garages, and diners
appeared all along Rt. 66 during the forties. Some say motels,
gas stations, and fast food chains like McDonald's were born
there. Every time we read or hear that story, we cannot help
but think of our real live baby brother who was born while
we lived less than 40 feet from that famous highway's edge.
Thank goodness, he was actually born at St. Anthony's Hospital
in Oklahoma City! (See our
photo postcards of his baby days on Rt. 66 in our Photo Gallery
thumbnails.)
Route 66 carried the weight of our nation
and was our road to opportunity. As we traveled from Chicago
to Santa Monica Bay and parts inbetween, she helped us all
make that "Ultimate Connection". (Donna's new song
- "Ultimate Connection" will be coming soon! Please
know this is all copyrighted information.)
If you have never driven
The Mother Road, or even a part
of it, or, maybe it's been a while since you have, you've
got to get out there and experience it first hand! Have
yourself some real route 66 proud fun!!!
You'll be glad you did!!
http://www.bringbackroute66.com
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