A distinctive but long-closed building that once housed a muffler shop in Holbrook, Arizona, was torn down in recent days.
Local reports indicate the site will be used for a Dollar General store:
It stood next to the landmark Wigwam Motel.
As usual, the Route 66 Times website had information about the site at West Hopi Drive (aka Route 66). It identified it as a former Mobil gas station.
More info:
I don’t know much about this Streamline Moderne style former Mobil gas station and garage, but I’m really fond of it! Going by the signs painted on the building it’s apparent last occupant was a muffler shop. In the mid-1960s it was home to LaMarr Farr Distributors, distributors of Mobil Oil Products. Two resource list it as being from the 1940s, another from 1966. I think that the style of the building fits better with the 1940s period. Some sources list the address of this building as 707 W. Hopi, it is right next to the Wigwam Motel.
At least one source says the building was associated with the 1940s Forest Motel and Cafe that stood across the street at 710 W. Hopi (where the Safeway stands today).
A Pinterest user found this image from 1993 when the shop still was operating.
Locals mostly — especially on the Holbrook AZ News & Events page on Facebook — weren’t happy about this development. They bemoaned the loss of a historical building on Route 66.
Others reluctantly stated they hated to see it go but desired to see the property used rather than decay.
(Image of the muffler shop in Holbrook, Arizona, in 2022 by David Kent via Flickr)
Well that’s a damn shame. And for a Dollar General. What a waste.