Route 66 - Hollywood Diner - Grants NM
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Route 66 - Hollywood Diner - Grants NM
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The faded-out, rusted remains of the Hollywood Diner neon sign can still be seen over the Valentine “Double Deluxe” Diner on historic Route 66 in Grants, New Mexico.
The Hollywood Diner opened in 1955. Back in the day, it was said to be frequented by Hollywood actors while filming nearby. The building, while heavily modified, still has its distinctive wing on the front, indicative of a Valentine Diner. The Double Deluxe was Valentine's largest model, with seating for 36 people.
Authur Valentine invented these mail-order diners and started producing them in 1947. Based out of Wichita, Kansas, Valentine Manufacturing Company made at least 2,000 movable prefab diners in different sizes and models, shipping them around the United States. Valentine's company hit its stride in the 40s and 50s with the popularity of Route 66. While nothing fancy, these diners were inexpensive to buy and became an iconic cornerstone for the great American road trip. Unfortunately, by the 1960s, Valentine began losing business to the fast-food chains that were popping up, and by 1975 the plant closed. As a result, few of these roadside diners remain.
Copyright 2022 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
April 1st, 2022
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