« The Internet Revolution - Which Side Is Your Agent On? | Home | West Nile Virus in Claremont… Is It “Bugging” You? »
Historic Route 66 And Claremont A Shared History
By Tisza Major-Posner | May 22, 2007
Hi All,
Recently, it was suggested that I offer up a sort of a history lesson on Historic Route 66 and Claremont, California. Much of what made Claremont come into existence back in 1887 continues to nurture the community today.
Claremont was established in 1887 to take advantage of the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad and would have disappeared shortly thereafter had the newly formed Pomona College not been the fortunate recipient of the Hotel Clairmont and 260 parcels of land.
From January, 1887 when it was founded to October 3, 1907 when Claremont officially became a city, Claremont had two industries, the railroad and education. It was about to add a third. The citrus industry was just starting to boom now that, with the advent of rapid transit, fresh fruit could be picked here in California and in a few short days could be enjoyed by someone in New York.
In fact, even today, many homes in Claremont still have vestiges of the orchards they were built upon in the form of orange and lemon trees that still produce wonderful fruit. And with the restored Santa Fe Railroad Depot which now serves as the MetroLink station and the Claremont Colleges, the railroad, education and oranges still all remain important parts of everyday Claremont life.
Route 66 which cuts through Claremont on its way from Chicago to Santa Monica helped to shape the town Claremont was into the city it has become. To say that Route 66 was important to Claremont is almost an understatement.
By having what was, in its day THE main thoroughfare, or as John Steinbeck first called it in “The Grapes Of Wrath” The Mother Road, running right through Claremont, ensured that the produce grown here would find its way, not just by train but also by truck, to outlying areas and even to other states rapidly.
Route 66 also meant that as American’s became more mobile when automobiles overtook horse and buggy as most folks primary means of travel, cities like Claremont fortunate enough to be in it’s path benefited from the increased traffic through and to them.
People who were looking for a beautiful place to settle down and put down roots discovered Claremont’s tree lined streets, built it’s stately homes and benefited from its temperate climate.
Route 66 remained a commissioned highway for 58 years. Born in 1926, the very last stretch of Route 66 to be decommissioned in 1984, ran through Williams, Arizona.
However, Claremont like many other cities across the country has not let the magic or promise of Route 66 disappear. As you travel along Foothill Boulevard you will see that familiar brown and white Route 66 sign proudly displayed. You can also find many businesses that still trade on their proximity to The Mother Road.
Decommissioned or not, Route 66 is still helping to shape Claremont’s future much in the same way it helped to shape it’s past. By bringing new visitors into Claremont, people today and for generations to come will discover this gem of the Foothills and will still be getting their kicks on Route 66!
I am deeply indebted to theNational Historic Route 66 Federation website, where I was able to locate information about Historic Route 66. And to the City of Claremont’s City Profile for in depth information about the history of the formation of Claremont.
Topics: Route66 Information |
Enjoy this post? Subscribe to my feed or get updates via e-mail
May 25th, 2007 at 11:13 am
This post makes me want to travel back in time. I enjoyed reading about the past influence of Route 66 on Claremont’s agricultural economy and your tie in to the present. Great job!