No Polk Street? Here's Where Amarillo Drag Racers Moved To.

One of the Amarillo traditions back in the day was dragging. Drag racing and cruising was a popular way of life and there were a whole ton of clubs that were dedicated just to those things.

Polk St. was THE spot to go for the longest time, but around 30 years ago, the Amarillo Police Department shut down the dragging at Polk.

This left a lot of people with nowhere to go to show off their cars and hang out with their clubs on weekend evenings.

It didn't deter them though, as they just found different places to go. I found a post on Facebook where people reminisced about those days and where they ended up after Polk got shut down. Being a transplant to Amarillo, it's fun to find out things like this. It seems Amarillo used to be one lively place on the weekends, especially at night.

So where did everyone head to keep their tradition alive? Here are a few places people had mentioned.

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TECKLA AND JOHN STIFF

One of the most popular responses was John Stiff Park and the 45th and Bell area. Several people mentioned that once Polk shut down, this was a major hot spot for people to go cruising and drag in the parking lot. Funny thing is I think people still go out there to practice their dragging. I've been at those baseball fields practicing and hearing cars spinning their wheels and taking off.

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GIBSON'S

This was apparently a spot where some of the Amarillo High kids ended up once Polk shut down. Some didn't realize drag racing went on there, but knew of Gibson's. That's when someone chimed in and said their husband was a Sandie and that's where they'd head to. I'm surprised John Stiff wasn't their spot considering the proximity to the school.

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PARAMOUNT BAPTIST CHURCH

I found this one to be the most entertaining answer. A church parking lot is about the last place I would think of something like this taking place. However, the very fact it was brought up tells me there had to have been quite a few people there. At least they had the Lord looking down on them to keep them safe, right?

Untouched by Time: The Historic Homes of Polk Street Then & Now

You know you've entered Amarillo's historic district once you hit the red brick roads of Center City. A unique reflection of past and present, Amarillo's historic homes seem to pose pristinely against the curb.

These large, thoughtfully designed historic homes are part of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Amarillo. But most residents will agree that nothing quite tops the staggering royal beauty of the grand homes of Polk Street. Built by Amarillo's founding fathers, the looming estates of South Polk are a sight to behold.

Check out these stunning comparison photos that show how these gorgeous structures have remained nearly untouched by time.

Amarillo Cursed Buildings - 715 S. Polk

Polk Street is a great place to spend an evening. However, over the years, Polk Street has seen many businesses come and go. One of these buildings is at 715 S. Polk. It has been many things over the years, mainly bars, but it seems as soon as one moves in, it moves right out.

So what all has been in there? Let's take a look back at 715 S. Polk.

This building was originally built in 1915, it was known as The Hollywood.

Filed Under: Amarillo Texas