Another great Just Cruis’n Car Show in Winslow! The weather was exceptional, the organization and attention to detail was again very well handled by the Host Club. This was the 24th year for the show and it drew a record 217 participants. Sad to say but our club participation was down from past numbers, having said that, the ones who did make the trip had a great time.
Making the trek up to the High Country this year were Page & Linda Barnes, Dave & Ann Bennett, Ron & Carol Boen, Steve & Cindy Bryant, Ken & Dee Schaaf and Larry & Sandie Wibeto. Steve & Terri Besore and Michelle & I drove over from Show Low.
One of the things that I have always enjoyed about the Winslow Show has been the large number of drag cars that the show pulls. Winslow has a good sized racing community that turn out and support the show. The Junior Dragrace program is also a big part of the car hobby in Winslow that is supported by the kid’s family and friends.
The gang did quite well at the Awards. Ken & Dee won $100 in the Poker Run, while the rest of us all received awards for our cars.
The La Posada Hotel (www.laposada.org) was the last of the Fred Harvey hotels and restaurants built along the Santa Fe Railway in the western US. It was designed by Mary Colter, one of the finest architects in the west. It was opened in 1930 and lasted until 1957. Passenger air travel had replaced the passenger trains. Interstate 40 was nearing competition and would bypass Winslow and La Posada which were located on the Mother Road Route 66. The current owners acquired the property in the early 1990s, and began restoring it one room at a time. As soon as a room was finished they would add it to the hotel.
In the early 2000s the Just Crusi’n Car Show was located at the hotel. On the car show weekend The OTHG Phoenix would end up renting almost all of the available rooms. On Saturday nights we would have a theme party in reception lobby. Always a great time for everyone.
After several years the car show was moved down town to its current location. This was during the Great Recession of 08-09, which took its toll on the car hobby. The local club and its supporters kept after it, have built the show to one of the best small downtown venues that I have attended.
This year we decided to stay at the La Posada for old times sake. We found it to be better than ever. This year we had a room in the part of the hotel that once housed the Santa Fe Railway offices. I have posted a lot of photos from the early days that will give you an idea what the original hotel looked like. Here are some photos of the newer area where we stayed… brought back many many good memories.
Until next time Safe Travels and Good Times!
Conrad
