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THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESSWhile Adolf Hitler’s armies were marching across Europe in 1941, Route 66 was evolving. As the road improved — paved fully by 1938 — and saw more traffic, the gas station restrooms along the way became more used. The more they were used, the filthier they became. Complaints soon came pouring in, mostly from women travelers. One gas company in particular decided that something had to be done. In 1939, the Phillips 66 company hired registered nurses — called Highway Hostesses — to clean up. They were first sent on a course, then hit the road, up and down the highways inspecting restrooms with the “white-glove test.”
The plan was to drop in on each station at least once a month. Phillips 66 stations were going to be “the best, the cleanest restrooms in the nati
