The caretaker at Cool Springs Camp on Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman, Arizona, is retiring soon, and the owner is looking for someone to replace him.
Owner Ned Leuchtner said he’s looking for someone to run the gift shop, deal with vendors and possibly “ramp up” sales on Cool Springs Camp’s website. The current caretaker, who’s been at his post for five years, will retire in September.
If a paying job and greeting travelers from all over the world on a picturesque place on Route 66 sounds appealing, call Ned at 847-828-7203 to discuss the position with him.
Cool Springs was built in the 1920s, withered when another alignment of Route 66 was built in the 1950s, and finally burned to the ground in the mid-1960s, leaving nothing but the foundations. The site was used in a explosion scene in a 1992 Jean-Claude Van Damme film, “Universal Soldier.”
Leutchner fell in love with the site during a Route 66 trip in 1997 and spent several years trying to buy the property, then another three years rebuilding it to its original appearance. Cool Springs Camp reopened in December 2004.
(Image of Cool Springs Camp by Jasperdo via Flickr)
Hey Ron. Their phone number and e-mail address are not working, and I cannot find a website for them. This is what I sent them that was returned:
Greetings,
I tried to call but your number is not working.
You should look into having an RV “Workamper”.
These are mature, honest folks who have likely worked in State and National Parks. Typically, the wife works the desk and the husband does the outside work…all in exchange for utility hook-ups and a parking site, so you always have someone watching the place! A small salary is often provided as well.
The average stay is 3 months, but some will do a year or more. My wife and I did this for 12 years ( see http://www.ronandbarb.homestead.com .
If this interests you, go to Workamper.com | Celebrating over 28 years of helping great people find great jobs in great places. . They can let you outline your needs and location by computer, connecting with those RV’rs who meet your specifications. Call if you need any help.
Thanks.
Ron Hart
Director
Route 66 Chamber of Commerce
417-385-6966
http://www.visit66.com
https://www.workamper.com/
Which number isn’t working? I talked to Ned himself on the 847 area code number I called a couple of weeks ago.
The first time I saw Cool Springs Camp, in 1996, it consisted only of the two pillars which now support the front canopy. That it was able to come back from that state is a miracle. I’m glad that Ned and his wife decided to devote their time and money to restoring it to its current beautiful state.
Thanks!
I live in Oatman and would just love this… I am 60 . I will call tomorrow.
I visited Cool Springs Camp for the first time last summer while on a 3000 mile motorcycle trip. I LOVE this place. Cool Springs Camp felt so authentic to me; pulling up to the building was like stepping through a time warp in the middle of nowhere. Wish I was in a position to do something as it deserves to have someone who will show it love continue to preserve its history.
Howdy Ron…does Ned have an email address where I could chat with him about this potential opportunity? Currently I’m living in the Kingdom of Tonga, where my Dog and I have been for the last 3-years, however we are looking to relocate back to the States and Ned’s place would suit me to a “T”. About the only thing I can see which is missing, me, my Dog, and some TX Style BBQ…all of which I can provide, along with a bit of marketing as well. 🙂
Thanks, in advance for your assistance.
JB
You can try to friend him on Facebook, then trade messages with him.