Angels, Hippies, Friars, and Movie Stars!

7/12

It was a thrill to talk with Angel Delgadillo

One of the most memorable things happened to us today - we met Angel Delgadillo.  He is 92 years young, lives in Seligman, Arizona, and still rides his mountain bike everywhere!  He is the “Guardian Angel of Route 66.”  In 1978, Seligman was by-passed by the Interstate and the little town where he was born and raised, died.  It took 10 years, but starting in 1988, he led a group of residents who were able to get Route 66 declared a historic road and American treasure.  He saved The Mother Road!

Well, we missed him yesterday at his shop, but several people told us to try back in the early morning.  I did!  They realized I was a fan, called Angel, and a few minutes later, he rounded the corner, riding his bike, clad in his Route 66 shirt, and wearing a grin from ear to ear!

I thought I was just going to just get a quick photo with him.  However, he sat down with me for over 20 minutes and told me the story of Route 66!  I recorded it all.  What a joy to meet him! It was truly one of the best days!

Next stop, Hackberry, Arizona.  Now, there’s not much left here, but there is the Hackberry General Store!  It was Bob Waldmire’s old haunt.  Remember Bob?  He’s the Hippie of Route 66.  This place has quite a bit of eclectic Mother Road memorabilia.  Fun place to stop.

Then onto Kingman, Arizona; our final destination for the day.  This town is “The Heart of Route 66.”  Seems like every town along the route has a nickname!  It’s also the boyhood town of Andy Devine.  For you Disney fans, he’s the voice of Friar Tuck in Robin Hood!   And for you Parrotheads, Jimmy Buffett mentions him in "Pencil Thin Mustache" (“and an autographed picture of Andy Devine)!” 

We checked out a couple of museums, walked a bit, drove a bit, ate a bit, and enjoyed some delicious homemade root beer at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner.  We saw the Methodist Church (now a law office) where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were married on March 29, 1939!   They honeymooned on Route 66. 

El Trovatore Motel was our home for the night.  It was built in 1937 and has been recently renovated and restored.  Over the years, many celebrities have stayed here: Clark Gable, Don Knotts, Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Charles Bronson, and James Dean.  We stayed in the James Dean room (not sure if this was his actual room)' decked out with his publicity photos and movie posters. 

Tomorrow we head to Oatman, Arizona and then a side trip to Laughlin, Nevada! 

Remember there's lots more of our adventure to see on our YouTube Channel:

"The Ramblers 88". https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRamblers88

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