Anthony Reichardt has uploaded more videos from a Route 66 trip he took with a friend in August 1993 in a 1959 Cadillac.
The first is a visit to Our Lady of the Highways Shrine near Raymond, Illinois. The shrine has changed little, but the footage contains a chat with longtime caretaker Francis Marten, who died in 2002 at age 88.
The next video shows the ruins of the abandoned W.E. Auto Court near Sapulpa, Oklahoma, before it was torn down and cleared away. The gas station had already burned down at this point.
Next are the remnants of the Cucamonga Service Station and Dee’s Diner in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The Cucamonga Service Station was marvelously restored a few years ago, but the diner — a former railroad car — was dismantled and cleared away.
Finally is the ruins of the Potapov’s Service Station and Auto Court near Oro Grande, California. The entire site was demolished by 2007.
The previous set of videos may be viewed here. These videos are like time capsules, and historians and Route 66 fans will treasure them.
(Vintage postcard image of the W.E. Auto Court via the Illinois Digital Archives)
Yes it is a time capsule. Enjoyed the videos. Thanks to Anthony for the documentation. I look forward to seeing more of them.
What a nice job…especially the one at the Shrine. Very interesting to see the time spent visiting with Mr. Marten, whom I will never have the opportunity to meet.