Once a bustling western railroad town along historic Route 66, now the biggest draw is “…standin’ on a corner in Winslow Arizona…” even though there is more to see and do in the area.
Because we took the scenic route instead of I40 75-miles east of Flagstaff, a four hour drive through desert and forest with good company meant no photos until rolling into Winslow, Arizona.
There’s an old town feel with two double-lane one-way streets running parallel a block apart through town. Not much traffic held up by the installation of Christmas decorations on the old time street lights. And no problem finding parking in the lot next door to BoJos where we met my friend’s family for lunch. I highly recommend the Freddies Tacos, and if you’re there after 3pm, like we were the next day, say Hi to 80+ year-old Mary who still waits tables and runs the bar. (She may own the place, or maybe her son does.)
Rails & Auto Trails
The Santa Fe Railway put Winslow on the map during the early 1880s being named for General Edward F. Winslow, President of the railroad. A terminal, complete with roundhouse that is no longer there, and maintenance depot employed many people. The rails provided transportation to folks traveling across a wild land, and made it possible to ship freight across country. Which leads to my friend’s family operating a lumber company and still owning land in Winslow.
In the era of steam locomotives, Winslow was an important stop for adding water and fuel to trains. With the opening of La Posada Hotel in 1930 passengers could disembark and have enough time for a meal, or even stay overnight. By 1957 La Posada closed its doors as automobiles had basically replaced the train for travelers.
US Route 66, the primary east-west highway from Chicago to L.A. included a government-funded wagon road built in the 1850s along the 35th Parallel. Completed in the mid 1920s and completely paved by 1940, this ribbon of highway carried a migration of people westward especially during the 30s dust bowl and WWII.
Winslow was just one of many towns along the Mother Road where Mom-n-Pop businesses like service stations, restaurants, and motor-courts served travelers. The 50s brought vacationers to national parks via roadside attractions like teepee-shaped motels, Indian curio shops, obscure attractions, Burma Shave signs, and fast-food.
Over time, US 66 was rerouted and as interstates were constructed bypassed towns and cities along the way. By the late 1970s, I40 was completed north of the old part of Winslow lined with easy access national chain shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Our room at the Econo Lodge along historic US 66 is located between the railroad tracks and interstate.
Revival of Winslow
When the railroad announced plans to move out of Winslow for good in 1994 and demolish the La Posada where their offices had been for almost 30 years the town people worked together to save the hotel and restore the downtown historic district. Three years later, owner Allan Affeldt reopened La Posada.
Taking advantage of the 1972 Eagles release of “Take it Easy” written by Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne that included “Well I was standin’ on a corner in Winslow Arizona such a fine sight to see…”, after much fundraising, Standin’ on the Corner Park opened in 1999 at the corner of Kinsley and East 2nd St in the old business district.
Ron Adamson was commissioned to create a life-sized bronze sculpture of a guy and his guitar who many think looks like Jackson Browne.
It was late enough in the afternoon mid November that the entire corner was in shadow. But that didn’t stop people from taking selfies with the statue. It really wasn’t crowded and people moved out of each others way for photos.
The mural painted by John Pugh partially depicts “It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowing down to take a look at me”. I was surprised the painted windows behind the Glen Frey and Jackson Browne statues was on a false front.
Later while researching Winslow, I discovered that other than the corner and existing wall, a fire in 2004 burned down the building which my friend said used to be a Walgreens when he was a kid. A second bronze statue of a 1970’s Glenn Frey was added to the park in 2016, the year of his death.
At this time of year mid-day light might be better for side lighting. As I was pressed for light and time I missed taking closeups of the statues and bricks on the wall with donor’s name and story.
St Joseph’s Parish 1921
Restoration continues as the original business district along US 66 still struggles to hang on with many empty buildings with boarded over windows. There is a unique architectural style to the early 20th century buildings, some built of local sandstone.
Even if you were born after this song was written, it’s iconic, and will easily get caught in your head.
Definitely worth the stop. And there is more to do and see in and around Winslow. I saw several murals and missed visiting the Old Trails Museum. Other nearby attractions include Homolovi State Park, Petrified Forest National Monument, Hubbell Trading Post, Rock Art Ranch, Meteor Crater, Canyon Diablo, and Two Guns. There are plenty of hotels and RV parks.
Sierra helped me pack for this road trip
2019 Calendars are more than ready to ship!
It looks a realy interesting town and thanks for sharing your vist, I enjoyed the tour with you and the history. The one thing that really is noticeable though is how flat it is. The mural and the statues all add to the story of the town and good to see you as well. Have a good week Diane
Winslow was more interesting than I expected.
Very cool! How fitting that a Walgreens once stood there. 🙂
Definitely worth a stop.
Winslow is classic Americana and being of the right age… I’ve always loved The Eagles! I played their album (remember albums?) so many times.
About 10 years ago we drove Route 66 from Chicago to CA and it was such a great experience. We learned so much about what makes America tick and vastly different each state is. I’d love to drive the route again when we have more time.
I’d like to do that too.
Winslow must be the place this year as I’ve recently read two other accounts of standing on that corner. Yours is the nicest account of Winslow, its history and things to do. Great to know what has been to to help the town along. No one else even mentioned the mural. Love the look of the hotel. Must be expensive. Did you go inside and look around. We tried to drive Rt 66 but it is so disconnected and in some places non existent that I don’t know how your reader managed.
Being Winslow is right along an interstate it’s easy to access. The original US 66 is not driveable all the way and overlaps on different interstates. Some parts open for driving are rough, full of potholes, and poorly maintained. Did wander La Posada a bit and will post it soon.
I go through Winslow several times or more a year, usually accessing it after coming up from Phoenix on ’87’. I have never explored the town as I usually go through late in the evening.
Though, a big fan of The Eagles, I never connected them to Winslow or knew that the town recognized and celebrated them. I have been several times to Todos Santos and the hotel California pursuing the The Eagles trail.
Will be going through Winslow in a few weeks so will make the time to get there early and enjoy it’s offerings and history thanks to your post, Gaelyn
SR87 was a pretty drive with little traffic. Hope you enjoy the corner.
Back country drives are the scenic adventures I live for.
I also take SR-77& 60 to Holgate or SR-260 & NM-60 to Socorro. All beautiful and interesting drives. Hate freeways.
For you readers, Las Vegas, N.M. is a fun historic town not far off old ’66’ and I-40. Many western movies were filmed there and in the surrounding area
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I always prefer to drive what we used to call the “blue lines” before map makers changed the colors.
When we were on the North Rim we met friends in Winslow and ever since, we make it a point to include a stay at the La Posada. It is quiet, relaxing, quite historic, with a fabulous dinning room.
I might actually pay what I consider a high price ($129-169) to stay at La Posada. We wandered for a bit and I’ll be posting that soon.
I love the song. We used to go through Winslow occasionally when I was a kid and I remember thinking it was a cool that a song was written set in a town that I knew a little about.
I too like the song. The park would have come after our childhoods.
That song definitely is iconic even for us oldies — (more my kids’ era) but I liked the music and definitely now have an earworm — but I don’t mind. It does look as if there is much more to see in Winslow than that corner! But it is probably against the law to go through town without taking ta picture of it. What a nice getaway for you! …. I always have mixed feelings when I meet or hear about somebody my age (or a bit older, like that waitress/owner) who is still working. I’m happy they are still full of life and can work, but I kind of feel bad if they are working because they have to. I sure don’t think i could do it any more.
I hummed that song for a few days, out loud and in my head. Mary was happy and proud of still working at her age.
The corner is a great stop even if you can’t get the song out of your head for a whole day! I’m especially glad they saved the La Posada. Such a beautiful place and fabulous restaurant. So many of those little Rte 66 towns are barely hanging on.
I do like the funky US 66 towns but it’s not easy for them to make it on tourism alone.
I really enjoyed this trip! I know the song, too.
Thanks. Hope the song isn’t stuck in your head all day.
Oh I love this post! We’ve covered a lot of territory in AZ but have yet to do some ‘standin’ on a corner in Winslow’!
Thanks. A fun stop but can be a quickie.