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Museum Exhibits
 Historic Victorville Display |
You can spend hours browsing and discovering the many fascinating items on display here. Plan to spend some time exploring the nooks and crannies of the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville. There's something new to see and marvel at all around you. Looking for something in particular? The friendly museum staff can point you in the right direction and answer all your questions. |
 Green Spot Motel Neon Sign |
 Route 66 Memories |
Hula Ville - Twentieth Century Folk Art
| The California Route 66 Museum is responsible for preserving one of the best examples of Route 66 folk art to be found today. Its premier exhibit, Hula Ville is an example of the unique roadside attractions once found all along the Mother Road. In the mid 1950's Miles Mahan bought a two and a half acre parcel of desert beside Route 66 with his eye on retirement. Miles, a retired carnival worker and poet, had essentially camped beneath the high desert stars without plumbing or electricity. |
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The land was littered with wine bottles thoughtlessly cast aside by transients. Miles decided to hang them on nails driven into fence posts; he called this his "Cactus Garden". He rescued a nine-foot metal sign of a dancing hula girl from the rubble of a demolished restaurant and brought her to his property. When he set her up she towered over 12 feet tall and became a real traffic stopper. Hula Ville was born! Located beside the southbound lanes of I-15 in Hesperia, CA, Hula Ville spread north and south from the centerpiece of his huge and beautiful Joshua Tree. |
Over the years passers-by would donate miscellaneous items to his
roadside attraction. Hula Ville became a Route 66 high desert legend.
In the spring of 1995, Miles' strength started to fail and he entered a private care home. Miles had no surviving family so within months Hula Ville began to disintegrate. In early 1996 the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, CA, dismantled the major artifacts and brought them to the museum. Thanks to the dedication of the museum volunteers, Hula Ville was not lost but preserved for future generations to enjoy. There is however one lasting reminder of the unique roadside attraction visible to all along the highway; his huge, beautiful Joshua Tree.
roadside attraction. Hula Ville became a Route 66 high desert legend.
In the spring of 1995, Miles' strength started to fail and he entered a private care home. Miles had no surviving family so within months Hula Ville began to disintegrate. In early 1996 the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, CA, dismantled the major artifacts and brought them to the museum. Thanks to the dedication of the museum volunteers, Hula Ville was not lost but preserved for future generations to enjoy. There is however one lasting reminder of the unique roadside attraction visible to all along the highway; his huge, beautiful Joshua Tree.
| Today many of the Hula Ville artifacts can be found on display at the California Route 66 Museum. |
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STOP in and Check Us Out!!! There's plenty more to see at the California Route 66 Museum in
Victorville. Browse the historic photographs and post cards. Check out the historic signs
and artifacts from Route 66. Tug at the memories of your childhood or share the experience
of a simpler time with your children. Many exhibits are being updated and new items are
being added constantly. Every time you visit the California Route 66 Museum you'll see
something new, I guarantee!
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Museum Hours: Thursday through Monday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
California Route 66 Museum
P.O. Box 2151
16825 D Street (Route 66)
Victorville CA 92393-2151
(760) 951-0436
Fax: (760) 951-0509
Sunday Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
California Route 66 Museum
P.O. Box 2151
16825 D Street (Route 66)
Victorville CA 92393-2151
(760) 951-0436
Fax: (760) 951-0509