By Ben Franz-Knight Executive Director, Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation
Thank you for the article “Get a tick trying to find Route 66” (March 24-25, page 1). At the pier, we have followed this debate with great interest for several reasons. First, based on the several history books and endless online searches we have come to the same conclusion that is relayed by Route 66 Federation Executive Director David Knudson, that the geographically accurate end of Route 66 is at the intersection of Olympic and Lincoln (boulevards). And second, because we host a great number of groups arriving at the end of their journey on Route 66.
It is this second point that prompted me to give Mr. Knudson a call, as I had a feeling that his quote about the “emotional” end of Route 66 may have been taken out of context.
On an almost weekly basis, we met groups of “Route 66’ers” celebrating the beginning or end of their journey at the Santa Monica Pier. (Included with this letter you will find a picture of just a such a group who started their journey here last week.) History, myth and geography aside, ultimately the most important thing is enjoying the journey and all of the people and places one encounters on the way.
On the Santa Monica Pier, we will continue to strive to make the pier an easily accessible and memorable part of everyone’s journey, whether they have traveled a block, traveled Route 66 or traveled the world.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 29, 2007. Read the original PDF.