Life On Route 66 by Claudia Heller

Author:Claudia Heller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing Inc.
Published: 2012-07-14T16:00:00+00:00

SAVING ICONS IN UPLAND AND CLAREMONT

The Route 66 community of Upland is commonly characterized as a small rural town. Located in western San Bernardino County, it sits in the shadow of Mount Baldy and retains much of the charm for which it was deemed desirable in its early days. Adobe- and ranch-style homes remain in contrast to modern housing developments. This town actively celebrates its Route 66 heritage, saving many of the road’s icons that once punctuated its efforts to serve travelers of the past.

Originally promoted as Magnolia Villa, the town became known as North Ontario in 1887. It became a city in 1902 and, to avoid annexation to Ontario, changed its name to Upland, in reference to its higher elevation.

In an effort to modernize strip malls and shopping squares, Upland has revitalized its section of Route 66 and in the mix has retained several icons. Of note is the Buffalo Inn, which dates back to 1929. This establishment enjoys more raves about the frontier-saloon atmosphere than the food, with one stating, “The Buffalo Inn, saved from extinction 18 years ago by owner Forest Rinard, is perhaps the most inviting, atmospheric, kick-back comfortable experience this side of Claremont.”

Upland is anchored by the famed Madonna of the Trail statue, a memorial to pioneer women that sits on the corner of Route 66 and Euclid. On a recent Route 66 trip, I was surprised to find a mirror image of the statue in downtown Albuquerque. I came to find out that there are twelve of these statues throughout the country. In Upland, the statue officially marks the end of the National Trails Highway, the precursor to Route 66.

Just west of Upland is the campus-rich town of Claremont, located on the Los Angeles County line. Here, Route 66 has been characterized as “one of the most beautiful original sections of the existing route.” Today, as in the route’s heyday, it offers a shady drive under a towering canopy of eucalyptus in contrast to the hot, dusty desert towns that greeted motorists traveling west. It is perhaps this quiet beauty that encouraged motorists migrating from points east to stop and consider planting their roots in Claremont.

Founded in 1878 by the Pacific Land and Improvement Company, water was reportedly hauled into the fledgling town to serve to travelers. Today, the town’s population is known to be creative and educated, anchored by several college campuses and commonly referred to as the cultural arts center of the Pomona Valley. More humorously, it is referred to as “the city of trees and PhDs.”

Celebrating its stretch of America’s Highway, historic Route 66 signs are posted along the corridor, and businesses proudly display the shield, which is also stenciled onto the road. Such icons as family-owned and family-operated Wolfe’s Market, in business since 1917, remain. This establishment was relocated to its present spot, on the south side of Route 66, in 1935.

Along the route, today’s visitors make a point to stop at the town’s landmark, the Claremont Inn and Old Schoolhouse complex, which serves as a shopping center and is anchored by the Candlelight Pavilion.

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