it was a cute print, but i wondered if it was available that early, with the 4 colors.
Absolutely. "Only 4 colors" is a myth. IIRC, 16 was achievable in a roller print. There are threads with more complete information such as this one:
http://thesewingacademy.org/index.php?topic=3063.0Jean
Route 66
ETA: typing right along with a sewing sister, I see!