53. Rancho Cucamonga Service Station

The Rancho Cucamonga Service Station in California opened for business in 1915, eleven years before the birth of Route 66.  The station itself was established prior to the westward migration of travelers and automobiles, but did play an important role in supporting the citrus growers in the region with much needed fuel to support heaters throughout the orchids.

Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno, as he talks with Anthony Gonzales, President of the Inland Empire California (IECA) and how the local community worked together to restore the only period service station along Route 66 in California.

Highlights from. the show include:

• Origin of Rancho Cucamonga name

• Early history of Service Station before Route 66 and automobiles

• Architect John Klusman and other popular buildings in the area

• Building design

• The popularity of Ridgefield Oil Company to later become part of ARCO

• Origin of Ridgefield sign atop of service station

• From peak years to eventual demise

• How a billboard company (Lamar Advertising) agrees to support a Route 66 interest with just one condition

• IECA established to preserve the station

• How Anthony Gonzales became interested

• Unexpected surprises upon turning the key to an abandoned gas station

• Service station artifacts and future plans

• Impressive awards as a result of the restoration progress

• Annual Car Show

• Other area attractions along Route 66