RANCHO CUCAMONGA

Continuing with our travels along Route 66 featuring iconic motel signs and other landmarks.

November and December 2012 saw us taking our first winter sojourn away from cold and snowy Toronto. We drove across from Toronto to (eventually) Los Angeles and back in the spring of 2013. We made many stops along the towns of Route 66 on interstate 40.

Winter 2013 and spring 2014 saw us do the same trip but we took interstate 10, further south from Route 66.

A trip to Chicago gave us another Route 66 photo op.

In earlier years we had taken many vacations in California which also led to some Route 66 icons.

I am enjoying doing these posts as I research the hotels and motels along the way and learn many new things.
Wikipedia is usually my source.

The Glancy - Clinton OK
Blue Swallow Motel - Tucumcari NM
Wigwam Motel - Rialto CA
Holbrook AZ

Cotton Boll - Canute OK
Route 66 Museum - Clinton OK
El Rancho Hotel - Gallup NM
Will Rogers Hotel - Claremore OK
Bono's Fruit Stand - Fontana CA
Kingman AZ
Erick OK
Santa Rosa NM - cars
Santa Rosa NM

Shamrock TX

Vega TX
Elk City OK
McLean TX

McLean TX
Gallup NM
Gallup NM
Tucumcari NM
Tucumcari NM
Glen Rio NM
Glen Rio NM - cars
Cadillac Ranch TX
Barstow CA

November 2008 - Rancho Cucamonga CA

The Magic Lamp Inn on Foothill Blvd in Rancho Cucamonga opened in 1955. This restaurant has an eye-catching architecture, and a fantastic neon sign that epitomizes the era of Route 66.


In the 1940's and early 50's, it was Lucy and John's Cafe, owned by the Nosenzo family, featuring Italian cuisine. After the Nosenzo's sold the restaurant to Frank and Edith Penn and the Clearman family in 1955 guests no longer found themselves eating spaghetti. Instead, they ate steak and chicken inside the newly remodeled restaurant. Travelers were welcomed with a large "Magic Lamp" at the entryway.

The Magic Lamp Inn name was selected from a lottery drawing by the staff.

Madonna of the Trail is a series of 12 identical monuments dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States. The monuments were commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). They were installed in each of the 12 states along the National Old Trails Road, which extended from Cumberland, Maryland, to Upland, California.

Created by sculptor August Leimbach and funded by contributions, the Madonna of the Trail monuments were intended to provide a symbol of the courage and faith of the women whose strength and love aided so greatly in conquering the wilderness and establishing permanent homes. Dedicated in 1928 and 1929, the twelve statues became sources of local pride. Through the continuing efforts of local and national groups, all are currently in good condition and on display.