Jackrabbit Trading Post Photograph by Priscilla Burgers

Jackrabbit Trading Post

by Priscilla Burgers

Canvas Print

$72

Framed Print

$90

Art Print

$25

Poster

$25

Metal Print

$78

Acrylic Print

$86

Wood Print

$58

Tapestry

$48

Throw Pillow

$30

Fleece Blanket

$93

Duvet Cover

$110

Shower Curtain

$75

Bath Towel

$35

Ornament

$10

Jigsaw Puzzle

$40

Tote Bag

$32

Weekender Tote Bag

$48

Zip Pouch

$26

Portable Battery Charger

$49

Yoga Mat

$65

Greeting Card

$7.70

Spiral Notebook

$16

Sticker

$4.00

iPhone Case

$30

Beach Towel

$35

Round Beach Towel

$75

Weekender Tote Bag

$48

Coffee Mug

$14

Men's Clothing

$30

Women's Clothing

$30

Youth Clothing

$26

Toddler Clothing

$24

Baby Clothing

$28

Title

Jackrabbit Trading Post

Artist

Priscilla Burgers

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

When Route 66 came through Joseph City, Arizona, the town was just a quiet stop for services until after World War II, when people really began to travel. It was during this time that James Taylor built the Jackrabbit Trading Post in 1949. In the beginning, Taylor bought an asphalt-shingled shack that had formerly been used as a snake farm and then he turned out all the snakes, much to the alarm of several area residents. Soon, he began to revamp the building, with dancing chiefs painted on the front, 30 twelve inch jack rabbits hopping along the roofline, and a large rabbit painted on one side of the building. He then installed a large composition jackrabbit to welcome the many tourists stopping by. Many an old time traveler can tell a story of having their picture taken atop this rabbit when they were a child. Inside, the counters and shelves were lined with pieces of petrified wood, turquoise jewelry, and Indian souvenirs.

Owning a Trading Post in those days just wasn't enough. Dotting the highway, they were a dime a dozen and competing with the nearby Geronimo Trading Post, with its visual pulling power of large decorative teepees, Taylor had to do something more. Joining forces with Wayne Troutner, owner of the For Men Only Store in Winslow, the pair traveled Route 66 to Springfield, Missouri plastering billboards all along the way. Hopping rabbits paired up with a dancing cowgirl for more than 1,000 miles, enticing travelers to stop at the Jackrabbit and the Men's Only Store in Winslow. After all those miles, travelers couldn't miss the huge yellow sign that simply said "Here It Is" paired with its famous jackrabbit icon.

Obviously, Taylor's tactics worked because the Jackrabbit is still in business and has long since become a Route 66 legend. For two decades Taylor operated the post until he leased it to Glen Blansett in 1961. Blansett purchased the business in 1967. When the freeway was built in 1969, Blansett was determined not to let the Jackrabbit die like so many other Route 66 businesses had. A family member who was a US Senator agreed to release the land near the Jackrabbit only if an interchange was put in nearby. The Jackrabbit was saved. Blansett passed the business on to his son and daughter-in-law who eventually sold it to their daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Antonio Jaquez, who run the trading post today.The trading post has changed hands a number of times, but retains a lasting appeal for tourists. Its present owners stock everything from soda, toys, and Route 66 trinkets to yellow "Jackrabbit" underwear carrying its famous symbol.

FAA INTERESTING ROADSIDE FINDS Contest - 12/27/2014
TIED FOR SECOND PLACE

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