A Guide Book to Highway 66

Book excerpt: This is an exact facsimile of the first guidebook of its kind to the full length of the famous Route 66, from Chicago to Los Angeles. It was first published in 1946. Route 66 is part of American history now, and this guide is useful for those who wish to follow the old road in lieu of driving on the interstate highways that have replaced it. The book is divided into nine sections, corresponding to the journeys between stops by the average motorist. In addition, this structure makes the book useful to the traveler who wishes to follow only part of old US 66. Rittenhouse includes altitude and 1940 population figures for each town, with information on reliable garages, tourist courts (the forerunner's of today's motels), and other local attractions. This fascinating piece of Americana recalls a day before the arrival of franchised restaurants and hotels, when travel still held some surprises. Anyone driving in the West or recalling a trip in the good old days will enjoy it.