Route 66 turns 100 years old. Check out the Black Bell Project
Black Bell Project is your guide
Route 66 Turns 100: Rediscover the Mother Road Through Local Leadership and Community Pride
As the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66 approaches, there is a renewed effort to preserve and celebrate the road that helped shape American travel, commerce, and culture. Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 represents a defining chapter in our nation’s history—and that story is still alive right here along Foothill Boulevard.
A Local Vision Rooted in Passion
Leading this effort is Gil Caughman, a local resident and classic car enthusiast who lives along the historic Route 66 corridor. His connection to the route comes from years of involvement in the classic car community, where he developed a deep appreciation for the road’s legacy and the role it played in American life.
But with that appreciation came concern.
Gil saw firsthand:
Historic sites slowly fading
Longstanding businesses disappearing
A growing disconnect between the community and its own history
Instead of watching that decline continue, he stepped forward with a simple but meaningful idea—to help preserve Route 66 at the local level.
The Black Bell Project: A Simple Idea with Lasting Impact
That idea became the Black Bell Project, a grassroots initiative designed to reconnect people with authentic Route 66 history.
Custom black bells are placed at historically significant locations
Each bell identifies a site that has preserved its original character
Bells are not sold—they are selectively awarded to maintain integrity
The project is entirely self-funded and community-driven
Working with Dan Moon of Man Cave Collectables in Fontana, Gil helped bring the concept to life—turning a simple wind bell into a recognizable symbol of preservation and pride.
A Community Effort That Matters
This project is built on a straightforward principle: preservation works best when it’s local.
Gil’s approach emphasizes:
Participation from local business owners
Engagement from residents
Support from visitors seeking an authentic experience
Each bell placed on a building is more than a marker—it’s a commitment to preserving history and telling the story of Route 66 for future generations.
Why This Moment Matters
Over the years, Route 66 has faced steady decline, largely due to the expansion of the interstate system and shifting travel patterns.
Yet what remains is something valuable:
Real historic locations
Original roadside businesses
A direct connection to the past that cannot be replicated
These places are not recreations—they are the authentic experience.
Learn More and Get Involved
For those interested in the history of Route 66 and the work being done to preserve it, take the time to explore the project further. The Black Bell Project provides insight into participating locations, the history behind them, and how the community can stay engaged.
Visit the project website to:
Discover marked historic sites
Learn more about the initiative
Plan a visit along the Route 66 corridor
Support the businesses that keep this history alive
Looking Ahead to the Centennial
As we approach 100 years of Route 66, this is an opportunity to recognize the role this historic route played in building communities like ours—and the responsibility we share in preserving it.
Gil Caughman’s leadership is a reminder that meaningful change does not require large institutions. It starts with individuals who take initiative and communities that choose to participate.
The path forward is clear:
Explore what’s already here
Support local historic businesses
Take pride in preserving a piece of American history
Route 66 helped shape the past. With the right effort, it will continue to shape the future.
visit www.blackbellproject.com
Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.
James Breitling
(909) 342-2523
info@theuplandupdate.com
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