The Angel of Route 66
Yes, I know I wrote of Seligman and Angel before, but from what my guests tell me, you just can’t get enough of Angel Delgadillos! Meet him and you will understand.
On your way up to or back from the Grand Canyon, make a point to pull off the Interstate and take a step back into time in Siligman, Arizona.
Of course your first stop has got to be the Route 66 Gift Shop and get a friendly hello from Angel. He’s usually there greeting all the tourists who stop by and marvel at his store as much as they marvel at him.
If he’s not there, his daughter Mirna or his wife Vilma are usually there and they can tell you where to find the man who helped save this forgotten stretch of highway and a piece of the American fabric.
But don’t expect too much bragging from Angel. That’s just not his way. Instead, he will tell you about all the wonderful people that have passed by his store and the lives that were changed because of that simple piece of blacktop.
Yes, Angel is the historian of Route 66. Just look in his store that doubles as a museum. The artifacts and the photo albums of people from all over the world that have come by to say hello and walk on the most famous roadway in America. The photos and stuff are all right there on the pool table. Trust me, there is pool table under that mountain of memorabilia.
If you catch him in the right time, you could ask for a shave. That’s what Angel did back in the day. Right there in the corner room is the barbers chair he got from his father. The same chair that shows up in all the shows and pictures. Don’t forget to add your business card to the wall. If you can find a space for it. If not, just admire all the other cards from all over the globe.
Not only is this a walk down memory lane, a trip through modern American history; Its a step back in time when people were proud of where they came from and are happy to make new friends. Even if its just for a few minutes. The Delgadillos’ smile a warm smile and welcome you into their world as if you were a long lost member of the family.
Here is a link to more Seligman information
FYI: As a tour group, don’t ask Angle to get on the bus and say hello… You will never get him off the microphone!! He really loves to talk about Seligman and Route 66
