I have been fascinated/obsessed with Route 66 dating back to those glorious family summer vacations during the Sixties, where I was privileged to view the fading glory of America's Main Street from the backseat of the family Ford.

Route 66 was born in 1926, when a patchwork connection of existing, mostly dirt roads (and some not yet built) were designated with the fabled "twin sixes." The highway became famous with John Steinbeck's novel (and the resulting movie) "The Grapes of Wrath" which chronicled the desperate flight of an impoverished people to the "promised land" of California. Later, with Bobby Troup's often recorded song, "Route 66" and the TV adventures of Tod and Buz, Route 66 became the way west for fun and adventure.

I was born in Oklahoma in the late 1950s, but my family moved out to sunny California in 1959, where Dad could make a better living in the oil fields, somewhat echoing the migration of the Dustbowl Okies. Unfortunately for my story, we did NOT take Route 66! Instead of being the road west to a better life, Route 66 became, for me, the "vacation road." There followed a decade worth of trips back east along the fabled highway.

Dad drove these trips "pedal to the metal," spending half of the trip in the oncoming traffic lane dodging slower trucks, often driving straight through from Southern California to Ozark, Arkansas (leaving US66 at OK City) without stopping to sleep, much less to explore the many enticing tourist traps that lined the road. The dizzying mixture of roadside visuals that sped past the back seat widow, taunted me with promises of wonders unseen and prizes not purchased (Dad, can we stop? I want a rubber tomahawk!), making a deep impression on a young mind.

The interstate highway system had all but taken over by 1981, when I rediscovered Route 66 and began extensively photographing, mapping and researching what was left of the old highway. Back then, Route 66 seemed to be dying. Numerous articles eulogized the old highway, but no modern guides to the Route existed. My goal being to experience as much of the old road as possible, I perused old maps and books in a quest for the old alignments, and searched every interstate interchange, line of old poles, and hint of abandoned right of way for elusive old 66. For example, one 1983 trip, from Oklahoma City to Santa Monica and back, took 14 days of in-depth exploration.

My hobby of collecting postcards from the glory days of Route 66 began in the early 1980s, back when dealers did not know what "Route 66" was, and big handfuls of postcards depicting old Route 66 motels and cafes were to be had for a quarter apiece. My main regret is that I did not buy many duplicates! My collecting has slowed down some with the rising value of quality Route 66 cards, but my collection still numbers somewhere upward of 1,500. I must admit that this is NOT the largest collection of Route 66 cards, for a few fellow fanatics have more. These old images of the Mother Road have aided greatly in my writing and artwork, providing invaluable clues to the old roadside, and helping to restore today's ruins back to life in many paintings.

I began painting and writing about Route 66 full time in the early Nineties, and my artwork is found in private and corporate collections in this country and abroad. A three by five foot oil painting commemorating the original location of Amarillo's famous Big Texan restaurant ("FREE 72 OZ Steak Dinner!") decorates their lobby, while commissioned drawings and paintings were done for the Houston offices of Shell Oil. I am very proud that my design for a neon mural honoring Route 66 is mounted over Gallup New Mexico's Chamber of Commerce Building. My work has been exhibited in shows across Route 66, and has won some awards. A recent commission found me in the company of twenty artists from across the country selected by Chevrolet to paint a portrait of the Chevy SSR pickup, promoting the vehicle's introduction.

Besides painting Route 66 scenes and icons of my own choosing, I also do specially commissioned artwork featuring the special cars of collectors depicted in vintage Route 66 settings, and especially enjoy restoring classic Route 66 businesses to their former glory on paper or canvas.

Paintings of mine have even been reproduced on postcards (and other products) and can be found in gift shops along the route. It is a special feeling to know that thousands of vacationers have sent their greetings home using my postcards, which may one day be in the Route 66 collection of some future postcard fancier (they can already be found in dealer's wares).

As a result of my explorations, in 1994 I co-created, along with noted Route 66 author/historian Jim Ross (Ghost Town Press), the Here It Is: The Route 66 Map Series, a set of 8 maps for cruising old 66. The popular series has gone through many printings and has recently been updated to reflect modern changes to the old road.

In 1998, along with talented cinematographer Kathy Anderson, we produced and co-hosted the video Bones of the Old Road, an in depth look at five "lost" sections of old 66 long shrouded in mystery, from the rugged cliffs of "La Bajada Hill' near Santa Fe, to the forgotten stretches of "the Jericho Gap" in Texas (the "blooper reel" that runs during the credits is infamous for my "Elvis" impersonation).

I have been honored to have artwork and photos appear in publications as diverse as Historic Traveler, Popular Mechanics, and Playboy of Brazil. Famed author Michael Wallis, in the 75th Anniversary Edition of his seminal book Route 66 The Mother Road, included several of my images, while noted " Roadside-Americana" author Michael Karl Witzel's homage to The Mother Road, Route 66 Remembered , included twenty-three of my photographs of defunct and surviving Route 66 businesses.

A staff artist/staff writer for Route 66 Magazine until 1999, I am now a department editor for American Road magazine, where I write a twice-yearly column on old 66. Highway history articles have appeared as well in The Route 66 Federation News, published by the National Historic Route 66 Association, which is the publisher of my newest effort, the EZ66 Guide for Travelers, a fresh approach to Route 66 touring. This 200 page, glove box-sized guidebook contains over 200 maps of the Mother Road, including detail maps of most towns along the way. Easy to follow written directions (for both west and eastbound drivers) are included, along with descriptive text of the many attractions along old US 66, and recommended "Mom and Pop" places to eat and sleep. Decorating the pages are plenty of pencil illustrations of scenes and icons along 66. For the kid in everyone, I've also included car games and a "scavenger hunt"!

I will be signing copies at the "Spring Dallas Metro Postcard Show and Sale" on Feb 17 and 18, at the Southfork Hotel in Plano, Texas. I also plan to bring some of my artwork, and postcards reproduced from my paintings to the event. I Hope to meet many more Route 66 fans there!

DEL'S PAPER TREASURY

Real photo postcards, photography, printed postcards, posters, covers, broadsides.

All types of collectible paper goods. DEL's Paper Treasury will soon be offering an online auction of real photo postcards and photography. These auctions will be held online at their website delspapertreasury.com. Lyn Knight's 40 + years experience in building collections of U.S. currency and coins as well as 20 years in the auction business, helps make this a great opportunity to build your collection. Sales will be online, and catalogues will be available to subscribers. DON'T Miss This Opportunity.

Just Click here to Visit DEL'S PAPER TREASURY,, complete form to get on his list.

We get lots of inquiries for the latest in reference material for both postcards and postal history collectors. Here are some of the new releases, as well as links to other references. These are available now HERE

The newest postal history reference book complete with a scarcity index is HERE!

- "United States Post Office Volume 7: The Lower Mississippi Valley." (Richard W. Helbock.) The NEWEST book in this useful and popular series contains an alphabetical listing of all independent post offices that ever operated in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. In addition to post office names, the list includes location by county and state, years of operation and a scarcity index for every entry, relative to the most common postmark for each town. This is the first such scarcity information EVER published for these five states. 320-pages. Softbound. Price: $27.50 plus $5 priority p/h, use paypal here

Another great important check list of Real Photo Postcards, by the famous Kansas photographer, William H. "Dad" Martin. This includes varieties and rarieties of the famous Martin Exaggerations, Western Themes, Native Americans, and more. More than 46 pages, 3 hole punched and in a report cover/folder. (USPS Priority)

Martin Checklist by Wichita Postcard Club $18, plus shipping

1. Ebay, Ralph Bowman, thousands of listings, click on thepapergallery2 05.06
2. Playle, Ebay, Skurfan Postcards, state views by the thousands, click on /SKURFAN/ or seach seller id "skurfan" on ebay 05.06
3. Ebay, Hal Ottaway, Ebay , great postcards and other fabulous collectibles, click on taos 05.06
4. Ebay Ron from Holland, click on GLOBALHISTORY Views and Topicals Worldwide, every month 1000 plus cards in auction. Email EURODELTIOLOGY@wanadoo.nl 05.06
5. Ebay, sebagopaper great real photo postcards and other paper 05.06

Our friend Jim Mehrer conducts bimonthly Postal History Mail Bid Sales containing thousands of individually described covers and postcards. Jim also offers a wide selection of reference literature titles and storage supplies for collectors and dealers. To visit Jim Mehrer's Postal History, click HERE.

--SLOGAN MACHINE CANCEL BOOK GOING OUT OF PRINT

We have just learned that one of this year's most popular and best selling reference literature titles is going out of print in late January: Contact Jim Mehrer about this.

U.S. Promotional Slogan Cancellations, 1899-1940. (Payne & Billings/2005): This essential work contains a listing all known slogan machine postal markings, with more than 1,000 illustrations & a valuation guide. (352 pages; looseleaf.) Order #750601-LL. $40.00 postpaid to U.S. addresses. (Illinois residents: $42.80. Outside U.S.: $49.00.)

We have a few of these books in stock and can order more during these final weeks of availability, but after that, they will NOT be available from our publisher. So that we can determine what our final stock order should be, we are relying on your reply NOW.

To order, begin by sending an email to: mehrer@postal-history.com, so that we can reserve a copy for you. Then, send your check or money order for the appropriate amount to:

Jim Mehrer's Postal History

2405-30th Street

Rock Island, IL 61201

Dear Postcard Dealers and Collectors,I invite you to advertise in Postcard Collector, the best monthly publication, for 23 years, dedicated to your postcard business and collecting. I have all kinds of advertising options to fit your budget. Call or Email me at 1-800-482-7151 or Lenore.Howard@fwpubs.com , Postcard Collector

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 Are you looking for a postcard show or stamp show near you? Visit Jim Mehrer's Show Calendar for Collectors of Stamps, Postal History and Postcards by clicking HERE.

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Looking for a series of Santa Fe, New Mexico postcards made with woodcut printing technique and identified by Gustave Baumann on the reverse side of the postcard. Hal Ottaway, PO Box 780282, Wichita KS 67278. hottaway@cox.net ... 06.06

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I'm always buying better U.S. Postal History material. What do you have for sale? Email Jim Mehrer at mehrer@postal-history.com ... 06.06

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WANTED TO BUY: PRE-1950 VINITA OKLAHOMA POSTCARDS AND OTHER ITEMS. Jim, jmtaylor@ipa.net....05.06

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WANTED TO BUY: TEXANA, OLD EARLY TEXAS HISTORICAL ITEMS PHOTOS AND POSTCARDS. Wallace, rebltexn@comcast.net 05.06

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FOR SALE: Newsletter Classifieds, see below, or email for details Classifieds@CourthouseSquare.net, Newsletter is Free, Classifieds are inexpensive. 05.06

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WANTED TO BUY -  Veterinary Related Postcards & Trade Cards including the topics of animal freaks, animal welfare,  antivivisectionists, pet cemeteries, rendering, lice, insecticides, pesticides and parasitology.   Trenton Boyd:    BoydT@missouri.edu 07.06

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BUYER: We are always buying collections and accumulations, all state views and topical postcards, also travel, photos, brochures, movie, Hollywood, props, costumes, stills, call Ralph, Paper Gallery, 1-760-749-9737, ralph@papergallery.com 05.06

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WANTED "HALL PHOTO CO." CARDS

I am working on a book about the postcard photographer George E. Hall. He was in business from 1906-1918 and worked exclusively in Stone and Taney Counties, Missouri. He made approximately 900 real photo view cards of the Shepherd of the Hills area which includes the towns of Branson, Hollister, Galena and Reeds Spring. I am seeking examples of his work and would like to purchase what you have. If you have something and do not wish to sell then I would appreciate having a scan or a photocopy of the image. This would help document our checklist of his output. Contact: C. Trenton Boyd 09.06

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Classifed Ad Introductory Offer:

$15 for 12 issues,. Maximum: 30 words. Ads and announcements should be related to postcards and other collectibles. Text is subject to our approval. Paypal payment is preferred. Want ads, For sale ads, announcements, etc. We reserve the right to refund and/or refuse ads. Email your ad to Classifieds@courthousesquare.net. To pay by Paypal use "Pay Now" button, or mail to Classifieds@CourthouseSquare, PO Box 399, Neosho MO 64850. We will confirm your ad before placing it (via email.) It will then appear in next 12 issues of the free newsletter "Postcard News from Courthouse Square," both in the email text and on the web page.

 Show Listings, Introductory Offer

$15 for 12 issues or until show dates, which ever is first. Text is subject to our approval. Paypal payment preferred. We reserve right to refund and/r refuse ads. Email your ad to ShowListing@Courthousesquare.net. To pay by paypal use "Pay Now" button on website or mail payment to showlisting@CourthouseSquare, PO Box 399, Neosho MO 64850. We will confirm your listing before placement. It will then appear in next 12 issues of the free newsletter "Postcard News from Courthouse Square," both in the email text and on the web page.

Before reproducing or quoting from Postcard News from Courthouse Square, credit and permissions will be required. Email us at PostcardNews@courthouseSquare.net with request. Thanks, Jim

 

 

 

Jim Taylor

Courthouse Square Antique Cards

PO Box 399

Neosho MO 64850

Member APS IFPD

Specializing in Mail Approvals, Sales, and Shows, of Antique Postcards,

Historical Photographs Paper Americana and Archival Supplies

Visit the front page of our Web site at:

http://www.CourthouseSquare.net

email: Postcards@CourthouseSquare.net

 

Welcome to Courthouse Square.......

Helping build great postcard collections is our speciality...

• Postcard/Paper Show Schedule
• Postcard News from Courthouse Square, the Newsletter
• Rick Geary Check List/Order Form
• Mail Approval Order Form
• Credit Card Charge Authorization
• Postcard Net Price Sale
• What We Want To Buy
• Reference Materials, Books, Price Guides
• Archival Postcard/Paper Supplies for Sale
• Some Helpful Postcard Collector Information 
• Click here to go to our ORDER PAGE, and type in or copy/paste your order or inquiry

Email: jmtaylor@ipa.net.

Jim Taylor

PO Box 399

Neosho MO 64850

Visit our pages at Jim Mehrer's 'deltiology.com' site just click here

 ©2001-2005 JMT Enterprises. REPRODUCTION OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE, IN PART OR WHOLE, IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED.

This site was created and launched by Jim Taylor. For information email me at jmtaylor@ipa.net