Wigwam Motel / Route 66
Wigwam Motel on former Route 66 in San Bernardino. This is one of three surviving examples of a concept created by Frank A. Redford. These type of roadside attractions were an obvious insensitive exploitation and whitewashing of Native American heritage. Even the name illustrates this sort of cultural homogenization. A wigwam is actually more of a dome shape compared to the co-opted teepee form used by Redford. There are conflicting stories regarding where Redford's inspiration for the design came from. This 1946 article in the San Bernardino Sun said he lived on a reservation as a boy. Although If he really did grow up on a Sioux Indian reservation you would think he may have known the difference between a wigwam and teepee. A few other sources state he was inspired by a teepee restaurant in long Beach. Some say an ice cream stand but perhaps it was Teepee BBQ that was on 2nd Street and Covina Avenue? Source: Monovisions This location would be the last "Wigwam Village"...