CARS(Pixar)-The Route 66 connection

I looked forward to the release of 'Cars' with both anticipation and concern.  Why concern?  Publicity releases and trailers for the film had let me know that the movie involved Route 66 and I was concerned that they would not treat the 'Mother Road' with respect and accuracy.  I was very pleased with this film on all counts.

My concern came from my 20 year involvement with Route 66 through my company Crossroads Sign.  I have sold authentic highway marker signs to the public, historic associations, and businesses along the route.  As the credits rolled with a featurette playing I caught site of some familiar names.  I wondered it I had missed some others, but couldn't get the projectionist to replay the credits.  I would have to wait until the DVD came out so I could play it in slow motion and take notes.

The credits listed the Delgadillo family (Wilma, Juan and Angel) who I have sold my signs to for almost 20 years.  They sell them at their business in Seligman, Arizona on old Route 66.  The DVD has an interview with Juan.  He was a driving force in getting the state of Arizona to declare the old road beds an historic artifact.

I also saw that Dianne Patterson in Winslow, Arizona had been interviewed in the planning stages of the film.  Dianne has her own corner on Route 66--from the Eagles song with the line "Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona".  Dianne has marketed tees with an image of a man standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.  Pleased that Dianne is still wo-manning her corner with her company Roadworks.

Tom Snyder wrote, researched, and published the first modern guide to finding every section of the old roadbed that has survived.  His urging got me to add the ROUTE US 66 shield to my sign lineup. He made strong contributions to those trying to preserve what is left of the road.  His guide makes note of surviving businesses, and the people who run them.  You can get some good tips of where to eat and stay along the route.

Michael Wallis book Route 66: The Mother Road is a great read and very authoritative.  I remember  talking with  other  'roadies'  about  interviews that  he  did with them.   The book got  a  good  marketing  push  from the publisher and created a buzz about the road.

My company Crossroads Sign sells authentic route 66 highway marker signs.

Own A Piece of Real Americana
Collect all 8 US route 66 state shield signs or check out our deep-embossed hi-ways & bi-ways metal sign products. Crossroads also offers route 66 clothing that features a 1929 old historic route 66 map reproduction. These make awesome gifts!

Comments

[Agot]

very interesting. keep it up.