SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The U.S. Postal Service is set to issue a series of eight commemorative stamps, celebrating the iconic Route 66 as it marks its centennial. These stamps will feature significant landmarks along the historic highway, which stretches 2,448 miles across eight states, from Illinois to California. Among the highlights captured are vintage diners, nostalgic gas stations, and classic motels, evoking the enduring memories and cultural heritage of this celebrated route.
### David J. Schwartz’s Journey
David J. Schwartz, an avid photographer and longtime traveler on Route 66, is the creative mind behind the stamp designs. His deep-rooted fascination with the highway began over two decades ago, later culminating in 42 trips along its storied path. Schwartz’s inspiration for his travels can be traced back to a road trip he envisioned with a friend after they discovered Depeche Mode’s rendition of the classic song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” Although a young Schwartz was unable to participate in the trip initially, he finally explored the road in 2004, igniting a longstanding passion for documenting its unique character.
For Schwartz, Route 66 signifies much more than just a road. He views it as a vital tapestry of American history that encapsulated the experiences of countless individuals during pivotal moments in the 20th century, such as the Great Depression and World War II. “This road reflects a time of freedom and mobility,” Schwartz remarked during a recent interview. “You experience the diverse landscapes that symbolize America’s journey.”
### A Unique Visual Experience
The stamps are designed to encapsulate both the essence of the highway and the nostalgia associated with it. The art director at the USPS, Greg Breeding, noted the captivating nature of Schwartz’s photographs, stating, “They’re as if you were there, which makes them especially useful for stamps.” Each stamp provides a snapshot of the route’s charm, focusing on lesser-known locations that offer a “fresh look” at the highway’s allure.
The final stamp design includes eight images, each representing a state along Route 66. A ninth photograph serves as the surrounding image, showcasing an empty stretch of highway in Arizona’s high desert. Schwartz captured this image in 2023, encapsulating the very essence of the road he has admired for so long.
### Preserving Route 66’s Legacy
In curating the stamp designs, Schwartz and Breeding deliberately avoided popular tourist destinations, looking instead to highlight local treasures that embody the living history of Route 66. Each featured site exudes a character that represents both the resilience and the ongoing legacy of the highway. For instance, one notable image is that of the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas, renowned for its Art Deco design and neon lights, symbolizing the vibrant past of American roadside culture.
In Yucca, Arizona, Schwartz photographed a weathered motel sign, conveying the desolate beauty of the desert while hinting at the ongoing journey of travelers seeking an authentic experience. One of his favorite compositions is a nostalgic shot of a 1929 Model A Ford on the only remaining brick-paved section of Route 66 in Auburn, just south of Springfield, Illinois. This image is meant to evoke the early days of the highway, capturing its colorful history and quirky charm.
### A Call to Adventure
Schwartz expressed his hopes that the stamps will inspire individuals to explore Route 66 and support local businesses along the way. “I want them to travel the road and keep Route 66 alive for another 100 years,” he stated. The issuance of these stamps is not merely a tribute to the past but also a call to embrace the journey that Route 66 offers.
As these commemorative stamps are released to the public, they serve as a reminder of the rich fabric of American culture that Route 66 continues to represent. The enduring significance of this historic highway resonates with those seeking adventure and connection to the diverse landscapes and stories woven throughout America’s heartland.
Source: Original Reporting
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