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"Before it was a modern freeway, Californias State Highway 99 was the main street of California, a simple two-lane road that passed through the downtowns of every city between the Mexican border and the Oregon state line. This book turns back the clock to those days when a narrow ribbon of asphalt tied the states communities together, with classic roadside attractions and plenty of fun along the way. The book documents the birth, growth, and transformation of the highway; the gas stations, motels, restaurants, and attractions that flourished and declined by the roadside; and the communities, personalities, and historical events that made their mark on the highway. From the migrations of the Dust Bowl to the birth of the Bakersfield Sound to the foundation of Americas fast-food culture, the history of California has happened around Highway 99, and this book brilliantly depicts that history.
List of contents
Part I: The Story of Old 99
Chapter 1: Making the Connection
Chapter 2: On Top of the World
Chapter 3: Bypassed
Chapter 4: Pointing the Way
Chapter 5: The Long Hard Road
Chapter 6: Disaster Areas
Chapter 7: Full Service
Chapter 8: More Than Four Wheels
Chapter 9: Refreshments
Chapter 10: Accommodations
Chapter 11: Amusements
Part II: A Tour of Old 99
About the author
Stephen H. Provost is a journalist, author, and editor of
The Cambrian newspaper. He has worked as an editor, reporter, and columnist at newspapers throughout California. His previous books include
Fresno Growing Up: A City Comes of Age 1945-1985, a history of his hometown. Provost lives with his wife on California's Central Coast, where he frequently blogs on writing and current events.
