Helping Hands: Route 66 Mother Road Museum

Last week Helping Hands reported on the eighth anniversary of the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a classic car show, an art show, mural painting, vendors, food, raffle and more. Admission and parking is free.

Today I would like to share some of the special things that occur weekend to weekend. The Route 66 Museum is open each Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at other times by appointment.

A couple weeks ago, I tried to reach Debra Hodkin, “the person in charge” of Barstow’s Route 66 Museum, at her home. I left a message for a call back, but decided to try the museum just in case she might be there — and she was. She had opened it for about 45 third graders and was busy. I left my number for a call back later!

Last Tuesday, Hodkin made arrangements to open the museum for a Route 66 tour group traveling from the United Kingdom (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales). By day’s end they had 85 visitors. A second group of Model-T traveling Route 66 also visited and then went to dinner at Idle Spurs and stayed overnight at Best Western.

Hodkin brought to my attention a list of some of the accomplishments of the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow since its grand opening:

• It opened July 4, 2000 with over 1,000 in attendance.
• It is a valuable asset to the community. California and Route 66 are destinations for many visitors. International tourists, researchers, media, and special interest groups frequent the Museum. (50 to 100 or more visitors are received on days the museum is open.)
• Route 66 Museum gift shop offers a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs. Books, maps, magazines on Route 66, classic cars, motorcycles, Harvey Houses, trains, mining, minerals, history, travel, trails, flowers, food, and more, can be found.
• Over 60 handouts have been created to meet the needs of the public in person, via e-mail and phone. Also, 35 BLM handouts are available. Route 66 brochures and flyers are found here and along the 2,448 miles of the Mother Road throughout eight states.
• Visitors want to know more about the area, what to see, where to eat and stay. This area has much to offer. On website www.route66museum.org are “free handouts” to download: “Things to Do Within 100 Miles of Barstow” and a Route 66 “Auto Tour from Barstow to Victorville.” This museum has been published in more than 50 books, videos and newspapers.

And finally a message about a need for more volunteers at the museum. Hodkin is looking for friendly, helpful volunteers to assist with expanding open hours to the public and for available opportune positions of the individuals own choosing (greeters, gift shop, exhibits, research, cleaning, etc.) Hodkin says, “To keep the museum open for more hours, sign up to help once a week, or once a month. Take on a project by yourself or with family or club. The experience of meeting people from all over the world, developing exhibits, giving interviews and connecting people with people has been rewarding. The place is truly magical.” Some of their volunteers are from other cities and towns and very much appreciated.

The dues for individual memberships are $25 a year or $35 per family. Members are allowed a 10 percent discount at the gift shop and receive the newsletter. Operating costs come from memberships, the gift shop and donations of money and materials.
For additional information contact the website above or phone 255-1890.   

 ABOUT THE WRITER:
Helen Bendure is a correspondent for the Desert Dispatch She can be contacted at rimrock83@aol.com