In loving memory: El Rancho Motel in Barstow - iconic structure on the Route 66
We lost another one of the Route 66 attractions. This lovely motel, made famous by movie and television stars that temporary stayed there, is no more. A relic of the golden age of travel and Hollywood burned to the ground on 6 july 2022.
Built by Cliff J. Chase, in Barstow, Ca, back then a prospering town on the famous Route 66, from wood railroad ties from the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad , construction started in 1944, and the motel opened its doors in 1947. Soon it became a "pit stop" for almost everyone going to LA, including stars like: John Wayne, Paul Newman, Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe. Initially it had only 50 rooms but it soon expanded to 101, 26 having kitchenettes.
The 100 feet tall sign was made by the Electrical Products Corporation and it is the only survivor of the fire.
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