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| Landmark #146 | Potter County | Visited: November 4, 2018 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | The Nat is now an antique and curio shop on historic Route 66 in Amarillo! |
| What makes it historical? | THE PLAQUE SAYS: The Natatorium, an open air building surrounding a swimming pool that measured 36′ by 101′, opened in July 1922. “The Nat” was enclosed in 1923 for year-round use. In 1926 the building was converted into a dance hall with 10,000 square feet of maple flooring covering the pool area. “The Nat” also provided dining and at its peak employed 40 staff members. Well known bands traveling along Route 66 often stopped here to entertain. Though closed as a public dance hall in the 1960’s, “The Nat” served the Amarillo area as a significant social center for decades. (1996)
OTHER TIDBITS: J.D. Tucker’s dance hall headlined such notables as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, and Buddy Holly! It was so popular that folks today swear they can still see the ghosts of dancers burning up the floor to music played by no visible band! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| How do I find it? | Listed Directions: 2705 SW 6th Ave Amarillo, TX 79106 Annotations: From Austin: ~486mi (783km) — 8.1hrs |
| When should I go? | The NAT is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM! |
