Victorville in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Emma Jean's

Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 16, 2011

1. Emma Jean's Marker

Inscription. Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe a Route 66 icon has been serving up meals to locals and hungry travelers on the highway since 1947. The building was built by Bob and Kate Holland from cinder blocks manufactured at the old fiber tile plant located south of here approximately where the Cemex plant sits today.

Richard Gentry drove a cement truck on Route 66 for 31 years and ate here since it opened. His wife Emma Jean worked here as a waitress for many years. In 1979 Richard bought the then Holland Burger Cafe, the oldest standing restaurant in the Victorville area, for his wife Emma Jean and re-named it Emma Jean's Holland Burger Café.

Emma Jean passed away in 1996 and Richard in 2008. The café remains in the family and is now run by his son Brian Gentry and Brian's wife Shawna.

Emma Jean's, because of its nostalgic mid century ambience, has been featured in a number of movies and television shows.

Erected 2011 by Billy Holcomb Chapter No. 1069 of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 142.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the U.S. Route 66 series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.

Location.

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34° 33.673′ N, 117° 18.804′ W. Marker is in Victorville, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on National Trails Highway (County Route 66) 1.3 miles north of Interstate 15, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17143 North D Street, Victorville CA 92394, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mojave River Crossing (approx. 1½ miles away); Lane's Crossing (approx. 1½ miles away); California Route 66 Museum, Victorville, California (approx. 2 miles away); Mormon Springs (approx. 2.2 miles away); Old Town Victorville Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.2 miles away); Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez Memorial/El Monumento al Teniente Manuel P. Rodriguez (approx. 2.9 miles away); Oro Grande Cemetery (approx. 2.9 miles away); George Air Force Base (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victorville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Oro Grande Cemetery (was approx. 2.9 miles away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).

Marker and "Emma Jean" Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Hawkins, March 27, 2013

2. Marker and "Emma Jean" Sign

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 27, 2024

3. Emma Jean's Marker

Front of the Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Hawkins, March 27, 2013

4. Front of the Building

Photographed by Richard Hawkins, March 27, 2013

5. Emma Jean's

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 27, 2024

6. Emma Jean's

This photo is on display inside the restaurant.

Current Posted Hours image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Hawkins, March 27, 2013

7. Current Posted Hours

Billy Holcomb 1069 Fall Clampout 6016 Emma Jean's image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, October 16, 2011

8. Billy Holcomb 1069 Fall Clampout 6016 Emma Jean's

Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 2,004 times since then and 110 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on May 3, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on March 28, 2013, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. 3. submitted on May 3, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on March 28, 2013, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. 6. submitted on May 3, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7. submitted on March 28, 2013, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. 8. submitted on January 9, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.