The long-closed Prairie Moon tavern in Winslow, Ariz., finally was torn down and the rubble hauled away a few days ago, reported AzJournal.com.
Here’s a photo of the bar before it was razed.
According to several people quoted in the article, the Prairie Moon also was known for prostitution.
Longtime Winslow resident Gabe Martinez grew up behind the Prairie Moon and recalls that in addition to housing “ladies of the night,” the bar also drew in truckers and other travelers with illegal gambling and plenty of alcohol.
“That was when Route 66 went through town,” Martinez said. “The truck drivers would come through and stop there for beer, gambling and to visit a lady of the night.” […]
Although he is not sure of an exact date, Martinez believes the bar was built in the 1930s. By the time he was old enough to remember it, the bar did a thriving business. He recalls bands playing live music there, and believes that the Jackson Five may have played there during their time in Winslow.
The Jackson 5 in Winslow? Apparently so. A researcher a few weeks ago verified that the Jacksons had a relative living in town from 1966 to 1968, and the family stayed there during the summer. Also found was a clipping from a Winslow newspaper during that era, advertising a Jackson “Five” concert at the local Elks Lodge.
Back to the Prairie Moon. Someone bought the ramshackle building a few years ago, tried to renovate it, but failed. The Prairie Moon reverted back to city ownership, and the structure eventually was razed.
Like anything quintessentially American, Route 66 had a seamy side in its history. Those seamy tales such as the Prairie Moon’s deserve to be told as well as the nobler stories, before the memories disappear. And here we are.
Great article and background on the bar, as well as the story about the Jackson Five in Winslow. I grew up in Hammond, IN (next to scenic Gary) around the same time as the Jackson’s and never knew they summered in Arizona. Must have been nice. Seems like Route 66 stories and links will go on forever.
I used to go to Jasper’s Prairie Moon around 1970 when the Ruby Wash Levee was constructed. I worked for the contractor. I went to the bathroom a number of times and went to the ladies’ room by mistake (it was empty when I went in). Nobody said a word. Finally I used the mens’ room because I saw a sign (not too prominently displayed).