“BLVD” Cafe sign moved from closed Barstow museum to Duarte Historical Museum

The "BLVD" Cafe sign is back in the town where it once stood. The sign was on loan from the Duarte Historical Society in Duarte, California, to the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, California, for about 30 years. But after the museum closed earlier this year, Duarte historian Alan Heller recalled the sign was … Continue reading “BLVD” Cafe sign moved from closed Barstow museum to Duarte Historical Museum

Duarte Historical Society to honor the Hellers when it dedicates Route 66 Room on June 30

The Duarte Historical Society & Museum in Duarte, California, will honor Claudia and Alan Heller when it dedicates a new Route 66 Room on June 30. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported the ceremony will be at 3 p.m. that day at the historical society's museum at 777 Encanto Parkway (map here). Claudia Heller was … Continue reading Duarte Historical Society to honor the Hellers when it dedicates Route 66 Room on June 30

Claudia Heller, longtime columnist and Route 66 historian, dies at 79

Claudia Heller, a longtime columnist for several newspapers in Southern California and an enthusiastic Route 66 researcher, died at 79. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported she died on Dec. 11 after a lengthy illness. She and her husband of 60 years, Alan, were just a few days from each celebrating their 80th birthdays. Claudia … Continue reading Claudia Heller, longtime columnist and Route 66 historian, dies at 79

Voters in Duarte approve ban on fireworks

The Route 66 town of Duarte, California, recently enacted a ban on the use and sale of fireworks, mostly because of the fear they would ignite wildfires in the nearby foothills. But this isn't an action by a so-called out-of-control city council. This ban recently was approved by the city's voters in a ballot measure. … Continue reading Voters in Duarte approve ban on fireworks