During the 1920s Americans were eager to drive and explore the United States. The road to take was Route 66. We, Zeb and Soapy, with our moms are driving Route 66 in northwest Arizona. At the entrance to the Black Mountains we discovered Cool Springs Service Station.
Cool Springs, AZ A service station?
The original burned to the ground in the mid 1960s. This building was rebuilt from vintage photos. However, in 1991, the old burned ruins were featured in the film, Universal Soldiers, starring Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme. In this film, the ruins were blown up. This restoration, completed in December 2004 looks great. Outside the station, we admired rocks and marveled at the honor system for paying.
Buy Arizona gems. Pay on honor system
It is nice! This sign post has names of home towns of visitors. Most also include the distance traveled to reach Cool Springs.
Where from and how far?
Inside we loved this car.
Great car. The Pierce
This sign explains the Pierce Arrow car and what people thought at the time.
About the Pierce Arrow Car
Inside the Cool Springs Service Station, there is a small museum and many Route 66 souvenirs. Just know that this station does not sell gas. They sell souvenirs, a few cold drinks and a few snacks. And, they accept cash only. No credit cards as they do not have reliable internet. Valerie, the lady in Cool Springs, explained much of the history to us. She also said that Cool Springs was in the movie Cars. Outside we found the restroom.
Interesting. Outhouse
We ducks are sitting on the sink. The toilet is in a special room behind the wall. So cute and rustic. Looking behind the station, we realize we really are in the desert mountains of northwest Arizona.
Arizona desert
We, Zeb and Soapy, met Valerie’s dog, Pearl.
We are watching Pearl, the dog
Pearl, this dog, is writing a book. Here, Pearl is telling us about her book.
Pearl is telling us about her book
Route 66 was the most famous road and connected Chicago, Illinois with Los Angeles, California. The section including Cool Springs was narrow and featured steep inclines through the Arizona mountains. When driving here, caution is still needed to safely arrive at your destination. Zeb and Soapy liked these Route 66 chairs.
We are on Route 66
When driving historic Route 66 stop at Cool Springs Service Station. You can enjoy a cool drink and pet Pearl.
Colorado Traveling Ducks 
I remember driving through Arizona way back in 1985, but I can’t remember which highway I travelled and I discovered there was much more in that state than the grand Canyon.
The cool Springs service Centre really is so cool. I love nostalgia and things from yesteryear. What an incredible place this would be to visit. What a beautiful car the Pierce Arrow is. Unfortunately back in 1906 the sticker price of $4,000 would have been beyond most budgets in the day. When I was a teenager back in the early 1970’s you could buy a brand new car for that.
Thank you for sharing! 🙂
We enjoyed the stop at Cool Springs. The memorabilia was really interesting and brought back lots of memories. I also remember purchasing my first new car in the late 1960s for less than $4,000. Arizona is a state of many beautiful and interesting sites. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Nice! And those cars from the 1960’s were so solid. Not much of plastic to be found. 🙂
My first new car was a Ford Maverick, newly marketed. I loved that car. Was fun dependable and affordable. Wonderful memories.
I loved those Mavericks. Have not seen one in years. So interesting how the Mustang has always been the more popular of the Ford pony cars, the Maverick and Pinto more forgotten.
That toilet looks pretty well ventilated. 🙂
It certainly was breezy. Was glad it was there, but we appreciate indoor plumbing! Was an interesting stop. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Loved the picture of the gas station in Cool Springs Arizona. I look forward to my wife and I driving some of these Arizona back roads in the near future.
We really enjoyed driving some back roads of Arizona. You and your wife will surely enjoy your trip. Everywhere was something interesting to see. Have great adventure. Thanks for reading and commenting.