NEON+NIGHT - 66 by ROBERT GEHL, DIRECTOR of MEMBERSHIP SERVICES, (636) 458-4585 OR RGEHL66(Q>Earthllnk.NET

membership matters l1It MemkwlupM~ NEON+NIGHT - 66 BY ROBERT GEHL, DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES, (636) 458-4585 OR RGEHL66(Q>EARTHLlNK.NET

hether rounding a curve or topping a hill, your first tion magazine and on our website will offer you many options to faint hint of neon down the road stimulates your senses consider as you travel down Route 66, whether it's lodging, food, W and raises your spirits. It is believed that the human eye supplies, souvenirs or more. reacts to the glow of a neon tube like no other type of artificially cre- Now as you travel to one of these escapes this winter, your ated light. It is simultaneously calming, alluring, and captivating. As journey may find some bonus neon treats along the way. A couple you draw nearer to it, there is clearly a sense of "coming home". of real treasures, where travelers could indeed once stay, are located Perhaps your drive brings you to stop in Franklin County along the eastern and rest under the neon of one of Mis- stretch of Missouri 66. One located near souri's vintage 66 motels or motor courts. the area known as Villa Ridge, less than a The Wagon Wheel in Cuba, the Munger mile west of the junction with Missouri Moss in Lebanon, and the Boots in Car- Highway 100, is the V-shaped Sunset thage all officially proclaim their names Motel (now apartment rentals). With its to you in neon via iconic signs that are neon restored in 2009 (and supplemental among the best on the road today. The restoration in 2011) via grant assistance Best Western Rail Haven bathes you in from the National Park Service's Route a welcoming green glow under the office 66 Corridor Preservation Program fund, canopy and points you to the heart of it is a colorful scene that illuminates its Springfield via a gleaming white neon past. Moving further west, just past St. arrow. Some of my best nights on the Clair, you'll view the recently completed road find me in a room where I can still neon restoration project at the VFW Post catch a glimpse of neon from the front 2482, formerly the home of the Skylark window when I feel the need for reassur- Motel. Much more about the story of the ance that all is still right with the world. VFW/Skylark in the Spring issue of this I've slept restfully, knowing the hum of magazine, but if you're out on your win- the transformers is creating a serene peace ter recess, this is another neon scene that that somehow restores the natural, soulful will warm you on the coldest night. rhythm of the road and to those who By day or by night, these neon bond to it. markers stand witness to the breadth of Even though we're deep in the harsh life cascading down the road, whether embrace of winter, you may want to in bright sunshine or stark moonlight. consider a quick break from stoking the They've served and nurtured us well, home fires and spend a night at one or more of these Missouri As- always showing the way into the heart and soul of the Mother Road. sociation business members that maintain these classic neon sentinels Membership Alert! A quick update "numbers wise" - we have in Cuba, Lebanon, Springfield, and Carthage. Neon comes on early now passed Mile Marker 1,000 in our membership numbers. I am these days with shortened daylight. Check in, enjoy a warm dinner extremely grateful to all of you who have decided to join and support nearby, and come back to listen to the sign work in the brisk air of a the Association and who continue to renew from year to year. Our winter evening. Your hosts for the evening will be glad you did and roster is populated with members in 44 states. We have a wonderful you will have helped create some much appreciated trade during Association family who deeply care about the road and her future the slow season. Remember that the road looks different this time and the fabric of the route is strengthened with each and every new of year - you can discover sights and scenes never visible during our member. And a particular thank you to all of you who continue to warm weathers months on the road. And if you have a bit more time recruit new members and help us grow. Perhaps our next goal should and the weather is cooperating, you might find yourself all the way be Mile Marker 2,448? That number seems to have a nice ring to it. to Tucumcari and catch New Mexican neon at the venerable Blue Swallow Motel, another one of our proud business members. The I hope to seeyou on the road! Business Members Directory in each quarterly issue of our Associa- Bob Gehl "TRVL66"

missouri66.org 3

Historic Route 66 stretches across the U.S. from Chicago to Los Angeles. Along the way, in Lebanon, Missouri is a growing popular landmark stop for any history enthusiast, tourist, or local Ozark resident.Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets started in the outlet business in 1972 as an outlet for locally made Walnut Bowls. Ida and Rea Reid, founders, began their entrepreneurship operating a motel in the 1960's called the Capri Motel which was located right along Route 66, known today as Interstate 44.: They sold the Capri Motel in 1966 and along with their sons, Rod and Randy, started a new business in 1972 called the Shepherd Hills Gift Shop which was leased as a part of the Shepherd Hills Motel and happened to be located in virtually the same spot as the Capri Motel.

Later, as they began expanding, they bought a portion of the motel as well as the gift shop and began construction of their current building in 1999. In the meantime, Shepherd Hills added additional locations including those in Osage Beach, MO, Branson, MO, and Eddyville,KY, and brought in other quality products to the lineup including Chicago Cutlery,Denby Pottery, and of course Case XX pocketknives--making the latter also available through catalog mail order and eventually on the web at www.CaseXx.com. MISSOURI us 66 contents ~

features

2 OFFICERS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES

3 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Robert Gehl

4 NEWS FROM THE ROAD

8 TH E ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI'S 25TH ANNUAL MOTOR TOUR Kip Welborn

11 GRAYSTONE HEIGHTS NEON SIGN RESTORED AND RE-LiT Jim Thole

14 LIQUID FIRE: THE HISTORY AND SCIENCE OF NEON David Hutson and Jim Thole with Joe Sonderman

24 NEON TOUR Jim Thole

33 FADED GLORY Jim Thole

36 GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Jim Thole

·40 NEW MEMBERS Robert Gehl

41 BUSINESS MEMBER DIRECTORY Robert Gehl

48 THEN AND NOW Joe Sonderman

ADVERTISING RATES PER ISSUE Inside Cover Full Page Color - $175, Back Cover Full Page Color - $185,112 Page B&W - $70,112 Page Color - $85,114 Page B&W - $50, 114 Page Color - $60,118 Business Card B&W - $40. Other rates are available upon request, call (314) 965-5751.

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Spring Issue, April 2015 Summer Issue, July 2015 Fall Issue, October 2015 Winter Issue, January 2016 Submission deadline 2.19.15 Submission deadline 5.19.15 Submission deadline 8.19.15 Submission deadline 11.19.15

FUTURE MEETING DATES April 11 - Pershing Community Center in Fort Leonard Wood / July 11 - TBD / Oct. 10 - Blackberry Creek Retreat / Bed & Breakfast in Marshfield.

FOLLOW THE ASSOCIATION ON FACEBOOK ON THE COVER Please become a fan to stay up to date on meetings, activities, news from the road THISSPECIAL ISSUE CELEBRATESTHE NEON HERITAGE and magazine previews.Youare welcome to post your favorite Route 66 pictures. OF ROUTE 66 IN MISSOURI, INCLUDING THE NEWLY Thanks to Internet Services Director Chris Debosek. REFURBISHED SIGN AT GRAYSTONE HEIGHTS, WEST www.facebook.com/missouri66 OF SPRINGFIELD. PHOTO BY JIM THOLE

Show Me Routt 66 Magazine is the official publication of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. Show Me Route 66 Magazine is published quarterly and is distributed free of charge to all paid members in good standing of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. Additional copies may be purchased for the cosr in advance of $6 USD each including postage. Request for additional copies may be made direct to The Route 66 Association of Missouri, P.O. Box 8117, St. Louis, Missouri 63156. Manuscripts and photographs submitted for publication are welcome and should be senr electronically to Joe Sonderman, Magazine Coordinator, Route 66 Association of Missouri, at [email protected]. Reproduction of this magazine in part or in whole, is prohibited without written permission from the President andlor Board of Directors of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. The Route 66 Association of Missouri and the production staff are not responsible for errors or omissions contained herein. The Route 66 Association of Missouri and the production staff retain the right to edir any submitted materials and to not publish an article of questionable content or that goes against the purpose of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. The Route 66 Association of Missouri is a non-profit corporation established to preserve, promote and develop Old Route 66 in Missouri.

missouri66.org 1 JmJ officers/directors/committees

OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER Tommy Pike James Crooks Tonya Pike Robert Schulz 1602 East Dale St. 2540 Christopher Oaks Ct. P.O. Box 9623 708 South Market St. Springfield, MO 65803 St. Louis, MO 63129 Springfield, MO 65801 Waterloo, IL 62298 (417) 865-1318 (314) 293-2540 (417) 872-7280 (618) 939-7021 furyon66(O)earthlink.net jimmy52(O)sbcglobal,net tjp_666(O)yahoo.com schulz(O)htc.net

BOARD OF Jerry Benner Jerry L. Law Mark Stauter James J. Thole 1115 Chatelet Dr. 434 N. 5th Street 309 Hutchinson Dr. 1264 Jade Wind Cir. DIRECTORS Ferguson, MO 63135 Wood River, IL 62095 Rolla, MO 65401 Manchester, MO 63011 (314) 521-4255 (314) 440-0040 (573) 341-2932 (636) 227-2258 fjbenner(O)mindspring.com thelaw1(O)sbcglobal.net mstauter(O)fidnet.com 66thole(O)sbcglobal.net

David J. Eslick Joe Schulte Ted Terbeek Diane Warhover 3311 South Elmira 940 Saint Antoine St. 5601 S. Foxboro Trail 447 Clemens Ave. Springfield, MO 65807 Florissant, MO 63031 Springfield, MO 65804 Kirkwood, MO 63122 (417) 889-9332 (314) 921-1329 (417) 823-9166 (314) 965-5751 djeslick(O)undata.com GJoes99(O)yahoo.com terbeektn(O)sbcglobal.net warhoverdiane(O)gmail,com

Robert Gehl Bob Schwartz 1667 Timber Ridge Est. Dr. P.O. Box 498 Wildwood, MO 63011 Osage Beach, MO 65065. (636) 458-4585 (573) 348-4053 home (636) 458-4080 fax (314) 650 5767 cell rgehl66(O)earthlink.net bobobeck1(O)msn.com

COMMITTEES HISTORIAN I MEMBERSHIP MOTOR TOUR PUBLICATIONS ORAL HISTORY SERVICES Kip Welborn, Diane Warhover, Jerry Benner, Chairperson Robert Gehl, Director Co-Chairperson Chairperson 1115 Chatelet Dr. 1667 Timber Ridge Est. Dr. 3947 Russell Blvd. 447 Clemens Ave. Ferguson, MO 63135 Wildwood, MO 63011 St. Louis, MO 63110 Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 521-4255 (636) 458-4585 (314) 853-7385 (314) 965-5751 fjbenner(O)mindspring.com (636) 458-4080 fax rudkip(O)sbcglobal,net warhoverdiane(O)gmail.com rgehl66(O)earthlink.net Debbie Rhew, NEON HERITAGE Co-Chairperson SHOW ME ROUTE 66 PRESERVATION MISSOURI HISTORIC P. O. Box 761 MAGAZINE James J. Thole, Chairperson ROUTE 66 BYWAY Dixon, MO 65459 Joe Sonderman, Editor 1264 Jade Wind Cir. CONTACT (573) 433-9812 1710 Coachway Lane Manchester, MO 63011 Tommy Pike dprhew(O)windstream.net Hazelwood, MO 63042 (636) 227-2258 1602 East Dale St. (314) 609-6370 66thole(O)sbcglobal.net Springfield, MO 65803 INTERNET SERVICES stlrt66(O)aol,com (417) 865-1318 Chris Debosek, PRESERVATION furyon66(O)earthlink.net Director Jane Dippel, Chairperson 637 Rayburn Ave. 7920 Captain Conn Dr. Crestwood, MO 63126 St. Louis, MO 63123 (314) 609-6927 (314) 843-7132 cdkd(O)earthlink.net vestaon66(O)att.net

BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE The following back issues are available: Vol. 22 #2 Sorting out 66 in St. Louis, Remembering the Midway Vol. 22 #1 Luna Cafe's Spectacular Neon Scene Returns, Farewell to Zeno's Make sure your collection of Show Me Route 66 is complete' Vol. 21 #4 The Wagon Wheel Motel, Untangling Arlington Hill Send $6 per issue Vol. 21 #3 The Civil War, Nelson's Dream Village (which includes postage) to: Vol. 21 #2 Maplewood Missouri, Rolla Celebrates 150, Madison County, Illinois Route 66 Association of Missouri Vol. 21 #1 Munger Moss Motel, Ft. Leonard Wood PO Box 8117 Vol. 20 #4 Haunted 66, Devil's Elbow, Springfield Cobras Vol. 20 #3 Drive In Theatres, Bunion Derby St. Louis, MO 63156 Vol. 20 #2 The Sunset Motel Glows Again, Route 66 in Joplin • Include your address and the Vol. 20 #1 New Look for the Wagon Wheel, Rock City (Times Beach) Volume/Issue Number. Vol. 18 #3-4 Gary Turner, Meramec Caverns Barns Vol. 18 #1-2 Ghost Churches of St. Louis

2 Show Me Route 66 ~ news from the road

HISTORIC ROUTE 66 BRIDGE OVER GASCONADE RIVER

Roure 66 Roadies from allover the world are mobilizing to preserve a historic bridge on the eastern edge of Laclede County, Missouri. In December, the Missouri Department of Transportation closed the bridge over the Gasconade River along the Interstate 44 outer road. (Old US 66) The bridge will remain closed until further notice. "We found enough issues with the 90-year-old bridge to decide the safest thing to do was to close it to travel," said MoDOT Central District Bridge Engineer Alan Trampe. 1956 and has since carried the 1-44 service road. It is one of the oldest MoDOT wants to move fasr. MoDOT's Central District Engineer Missouri Highway Department constructed riveted Parker thru truss David Silvester says "One of the big concerns with closing this bridge bridges in the state. The steel superstructure consists of a single-span • is that it's located on the route we use to detour traffic off ofIM Pratt Through Truss, a two-span Parker Through Truss; and a single- when there's an incident. At press time, MoDOT officials were still span Warren Pony Truss. working to determine what repairs need to be made and if it is even The bridge is eligible for the NRHP (National Register of Historic possible to reopen the bridge. Route 66 fans are not waiting, they Places) and is only one of24 remaining through truss bridges on Route have swung into action. 66 and one of eight mixed truss span bridges on the 2448 mile stretch. Less than a week after the bridge shut down and just two days before Chrisrrnas, Rich Dinkela of Sr. Louis organized a rally to support THESE ARE SOME OF THE CONTACTS FOR EXPRESSIONS saving the bridge. Even on short notice and on a weekday afternoon, OF SUPPORT. dedicated Route 66 enthusiasts came out to show their support and 1. Katie Steele Danner with Missouri Tourism: meet with MoDOT officials.Rich also launched a Facebook page and DirectorMo [email protected] (573) 751-3051 produced a high quality video on the bridge. The effort has already at- 2. NATL Parks Route 66 Corridor Act: tracted media attention in Mid-Missouri and Dinkela says he is pleased [email protected] www.nps.gov/rr66/contacts/index.htm with the initial response from MoDOT. Messages supporting the (505) 988-6701 movement to save the bridge have come from France, the Netherlands, 3. Federal Highways: raegan.ballrzdor.gov Norway, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Australia and all around the world. www.fhwa.dor.gov/modiv/programsloversite/chap16.cfm On March 14, Roadies and friends will unite again to show our (573) 638-2620 suppOrt for the Gasconade River Bridge on Route 66. The rally will 4. MO State Bridge Engineer: begin at 3:00PM at the bridge. A meeting for concerned citizens and [email protected] (573) 751-4676 roadies meeting will follow at 6:00pm in Lebanon. The Munger Moss 5. MoDOT Comment Line: Motel is offering special rates for the weekend and their phone num- www.modor.org/central/conracrus.hrrn (573) 751-3322 ber is 417- 532-3111. Organizers are hoping for hundreds to tumour. 6. MO HWY Commission: This historic bridge over the Gasconade River predates Route 66. [email protected] (573) 751-2824 According to the Missouri Historic Bridge Inventory, the Highway 7. MO Senator Roy Blunt: Department contracted with the Riley and Bailey Construction firm www.blunt.senate.gov/publiclindex.cfm/contact-roy# to build the span in December 1922. At that time, the state highway (202) 224-5721 system had JUStbeen laid out, and the roadway was designated as MO 8. MO REP Diane Franklin: Rte 14. [email protected] (573) 751-1119 The bridge opened in May, 1924 and became part of US 66 when 9. MO Rep Steve Lynch: the federal system of highways was designated in 1926. It carried steve.lynchrehouse.rno.gov (573) 751-1446 Route 66 traffic until a new four-lane was constructed to the west in 10. FHWA Raegan BalI: raegan.ballrzdot.gov (573) 638-2620

4 Show Me Route 66 news from the road ~

Streamline Moderne Gardenway neon sign that sits at the road's edge remains intact. The big GARDENWAY neon letters on top of the building were added when 1-44 opened in this area in 1960. The neon sign is featured on the "Neon Tour" in this issue. The Henry Shaw Gardenway was a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s to link the Missouri Botanical Garden with the Arboretum at Gray Summit, at a time when they thought they might have to move the whole operation west because of air pollution in St. Louis. It was intended to be on the order of the Natchez Trace Parkway or the George Washington Parkway near Washington D.C. Unfortunately, 1-44 was built right on top of most of it.

GREAT RACE COMING TO MISSOURI 66 PHOTO AND STORY BY DAVID ESLICK YAC'S CLOSING END OF AN ERA A pair of big events will take place The landmark Yacovelli's Restaurant closed on January 1, 2015 after on Route 66 in a New Year'sEve gala. For over nine decades, three generations have Springfield this sum- owned and operated the restaurant at several different locations, the final one on the former Route 66 By-pass in North St. Louis County. mer. The big story is that The Hem- The family-owned restaurant was founded in 1919 at Vande- venter and Laclede in St. Louis by John Yacovelli,the current owner's mings Motor ews Great Race will grandfather. John Yacovellifirst came to America in 1911 from San make an overnight Salvatori, Italy. The restaurant moved several times before he retired stop in Springfield after kicking off in Kirkwood on June 20. The in 1950, and his son Dewey Yacovelliopened a new location in theme is "Get Your Kicks on Route 66." That Saturday night will KVkwood. The restaurant moved to orth County in 1966. Finally, feature activities on St. Louis Street, the original Route 66 through Jack and jan Yacovelli took over in 1977 and moved it to its current Springfield. Typically, overnight stops during the race draw 10,000 location at 902 Dunn Rd. "This has been a difficult decision, but after nine decades of run- spectators, so plan on being there to see 100 of these classic cars and ning this successful restaurant business in multiple locations around visit with their support teams. the St. Louis region, the family felt the time was right to close out this The Great Race is no ordinary cross country event. It's a gruel- ing rally that pits the drivers and their classic cars against the clock chapter and enjoy retirement," Jack Yacovellisaid."We've been blessed with so many loyal customers and staff members who feel like family and against each other. According to a press release, "Entrants will over the years," Jan Yacovellisaid in a statement. participate in a timed, controlled speed, endurance competition over public highways and roads.The scores for each team are the result of GOODBYE GARDENWAY? a team's ability to follow all designated course instructions precisely." STORY AND PHOTOS BYJIM THOLE The teams must navigate through four to seven timed checkpoints each day. Their arrival time is checked and compared against the "per- The Gardenway Motel on fectly driven route." Seconds too early or too late can cost precious Route 66 in Villa Ridge closed points. All the vehicles have a body and drive train built in 1972 or abruptly on October 27,2014. earlier. The race ends in Santa Monica, California on June 28. The Gardenway was con- In other Springfield news, the date for the 5th Annual "The structed in 1945 by Louis B. Springfield, Missouri Birthplace of Route 66 Festival" has been Eckelkamp Sr. at the western changed to Friday, August 14, Saturday, August 15 and Sunday terminus of the Henry Shaw August 16. The Springfield, Missouri Birthplace of Route 66 Com- Gardenway (for which it was mittee has parrnered with the local BC Affiliate KY3 TV and the named) -- near his home and City of Springfield to bring us the biggest and best Festival yet. adjacent to the Missouri Bo- All details have not yet been finalized, so watch the website and tanical Garden Arboretum. For Facebook for updates. current directions, it is located just west ofI-44 exit 253, on HISTORIC HOTEL LOSTTO BUTTERBURGERS the south outer road, next to Afrer over 100 years, a historic hotel on the 1926-1932 Original the Shaw Nature Reserve (formerly called the Arboretum). Route 66 Alignment is doomed. On October 20, the Manchester The American Colonial-style motel eventually grew to 41 Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a permit for demolition of the Staebell Hotel and Tavern to make room for a Culver's guest rooms. For 70 years, it was owned by the Eckelkamp family, presently by L.B. Eckelkamp Jr.- it never changed hands. The Restaurant with a drive-thru at 11432-14444 Manchester Road.

missouri66.org 5 JmJ news from the road

Opponents were concerned the demolition could pave the way for more historic buildings to come down. The two-story, frame building was built on a lot originally owned by the Morseheil family. ''A Walking Tour of Manchester," put out by the city, says that Andrew Coleman took over a saloon here in the 1890s and then sold to Joseph Staebell in the early 1900s. In addition to the saloon, Joseph offered rooms and stables for travelers on the state road between St. Louis and Jefferson City. When he died, the property was described as "occupied by his family of 5 children, restaurant fixtures, a quantity of whiskey, rye, and other spirits". Staebell died in 1909 and his widow married John Hellman, who closed the business in the 1920s. Manchester Bank opened in the renovated building in 1978. It was constructed by M.E. Gillioz, who also built the Gillioz The- It later housed another bank, a chiropractor's office and was most ater. The Electric Theater burned down in 1947 and reopened two recently, Scotty's Fresh Produce Market. The new Culver's, part of the years later as the Fox. The Fox dosed in 1981 and the building was Wisconsin-based "fast casual" chain, is expected to open this summer. used as a church for a time before it was acquired by the museum. STILLCRUISIN" ATTHE LAKE The Museum on the Square made its home at the Historic Barth's Building in 2013 and immediately began an expansion into BOB SCHWARTZ a modern 46,000 square foot historic complex using the adjacent 2015 Hot Summer Nights will be the overall theme for 2015 Hot buildings including the Fox. One of the first stages of the expansion Summer Nights on the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark. The brought the landmark sign on top of the Barth's Building back to monthly dates and themes are as follows: May 8 will be Hot Sum- life as a sign for the museum. mer Nights "warm up" for a great season of exciting events. June 12 Some other 66 sites around Springfield are also making news. will be "Route 66" Rendezvous at the Lake." The Missouri Route In addition to Graystone Heights, (see story page 11 two other 66 Association will again be setting up at a "Route 66 village" with locations along an eight mile corridor of Route 66 west of Spring- field have been recognized as historical sites by the Greene County the Kansas, Oklahoma, and Illinois. associations invited along with • representatives from some of the towns on Route 66. Historic Sites Board. Those locations are the Barnes General Store, July 10 will be "Lost in the 50s" with an special exhibit of cars, 8240 W Highway 266 (now Barnes Town and Country) and the trucks and bikes plus the LOZ Community Dance Project dancing Barnes Feed Mill, 8270 W Highway 266 (now Main Street Feeds). to tunes from that era. August 14 will be "Rods N' Rock N' Roll" at Other Greene County Historical Sites in that area include the a great turnout of street rods and trucks is expected for that evening. Bennett one-room school, Clearwater Angus Farm, 9770 W State The LOZ Community Dance Project will again be there for enter- Hwy 266 (a Missouri Century Farm established in 1867), Yeakley tainment. Sept. 11 will be "Vettes for Veterans" as the Lake Ozark Chapel, 10520 W State Highway 266 (established in 1852), and Corvette Club presents the second annual tribute to our veterans. the ghost town of Plano. (Highway 266 at Farm Road 45). Activities include clowns and entertainment for the kids and some nice "give-a-way" raffle packages to be raffled at each event. ARISTON TURNS 90, GOES UP FOR SALE Sponsors are needed to help fund and help grow this great event. For sponsorship information, contact JeffVanDonsei at: 573 365 2460 or Bob Schwartz at 573 348 4053. Without the great sponsors there is no Hot Summer Nights, which is the largest family friendly "cruise-in" in Missouri and possibly in the Midwest. For additional information call Jeff or Bob at the above numbers.

ROUTE 66 REVIVAL IN SPRINGFIELD

All sorts of Route 66 sites in the Springfield area are gaining recog- nition or a new look, starting with a bright spot downtown. Actress and Springfield native Kathleen Turner was among those on hand on September 18, when a replica of the white neon sign on the Fox Theatre on Park Central Square was turned on. The History Mu- seum on the Square plans to also replicate the original white neon marquee, with a modern twist. The screen will be able to show high resolution images. The theater dates back to 1916, a full ten years before Route 66 was commissioned, and was originally known as the Electric Theater.

6 Show Me Route 66 news from the road ~

The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois has been serving travelers ally born in Tombstone. So, the jaw dropping majesty of the Ozark and owned by the same family for 90 years. That may be about to Mountains draped in fall colors was quite a sight for her to behold. change. A local real estate agent has listed the oldest continuously On our trip in the fall of2014, we made a slight detour to Gra- operated restaurant on Route 66 for $1.2 million. vois Mills on the Lake of the Ozarks, and discovered the delightful Owners Nick and Demi Adam say it wasn't an easy decision and oasis that is the Water's Edge Motel. A stay here set the mood for they hope the restaurant will be sold to someone who appreciates its the rest of our grand adventure in the Show Me State of Missouri. legacy. Nick said he's been running the place for 48 years, and at 76 As we rolled into Cuba on fresh swept streets lined with color- years old, he is ready to enjoy some time with his family. ful murals, stately old homes, and shade dappled lawns, there was In 1924, Greek immigrant Pete Adam opened the Ariston Cafe a sense of pulsing vitality, enthusiasm, and excitement. Cuba Fest in Carlinville, where IL Route 4 runs through the town square. The transforms a delightful community into a living rendition of a Nor- name is from the Greek aristos, or "the best." IL Route 4 became man Rockwell print. With each visit we become more enamored Route 66 in 1926, and Pete and his partner Tom Cokinos were with this charming time capsule. ready when the inevitable realignment came. They relocated the We arrived at the Wagon Wheel Motel to find old friends from Ariston to Litchfield in 1929 and leased a building where the Wel- the road, travelers, and friendly folk who call Cuba home. We had come Center and Route 66 Museum is today. The current structure to smile. Once again I had followed Route 66 down a rabbit hole on the other side of the highway opened on July 5, 1935. Cokinos that took me back to America circa 1958. What a delightful treat! sold his interest in the Ariston in 1936 and went on to run the Blue We kicked off an evening of celebration with excellent food and Danube and the Ranch Inn. the camaraderie of friends at Missouri Hick Barbecue. After dinner Nick and Demi took over in 1966, and originally didn't plan on a reception with small car show took place at the wagon Wheel with spending more than a few years there. But they have continued to Connie Echols as the amicable host.A birthday party for Joe Loesch offer the traditional service and wonderful food expected at a fami- of the Road Crew unfolded.And as usually happens on Route 66, ly-owned restaurant. Paul, the eldest son of Demi and Nick, and his an impromptu family reunion commenced in earnest. wife, Joy, joined the family business in 2004. But Paul doesn't plan Just like a kid at Christmas, or a pair of Hinckley's long denied to take over. The Ariston was included on the National Register of an opportunity for a road trip, we awoke with eager anticipation Historic Places in 2006 and was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 of the day to come. It commenced with a wonderful breakfast at Hall of Fame in 1992. Shelly's shared with Mike and Sharon Ward, friends from Arizona, and Jane Reed, a cheerleader for all things Cuba. • CUBA FEST - A TOUCH OF PARADISE Then it was off to the commons to set up my table and to kick BYJIM HINCKLEY off the official debut of The Illustrated Route 66Historic Atlas. The early morning fall chill, the ebb and flow of crowds, the smell of wood smoke under a kettle of slow cooked apple butter, unhurried conversations with friends, the raising of the stars and stripes with troops from Fort Leonard Wood in attendance, laughing children, excellent music, and good food transformed the day into something almost magical. As a bonus, I sold a number of books! All too soon, it was time to load up the Jeep and close out another delightful Cuba Fest celebration before heading for our desert home. This, however, was not the end.There was still an evening to be shared with my dearest friend at the wonderful Belmont Winery, a bottle of superb dogwood wine, an excellent wood fired pizza, the music of the Road Crew, good friends, and lots of laughter. Cuba and Cuba Fest, with the charming, friendly people that make them so special are more than a mere stop on a Route 66 odyssey. This is the best of the Route 66 experience distilled and Several years ago when we first discovered the magic of Cuba refined. It is an encounter that always leaves us with thoughts that, Fest, it just happened to coincide with the peak season for fall perhaps, there is a little touch of paradise in a land without cacti, colors. What a delightful time to cruise the old double six through sand, and rock where the view of the distant horizon is obstructed Missouri, and explore Maramec Spring Park just south of St. James. by a Technicolor forest. I was born in North Carolina, and spent a portion of my youth Jim Hinckley is the author of several books on Route 66 even on family farms in the hills of north Alabama and the mountains though his blog bills him as a "struggling writer with afront row of Tennessee. So, even though I have now spent enough time in the seat to the endless parade along Route 66." His latest is "The desert southwest to be considered one of the dry roasted nuts that Illustrated Historical Route 66Atlas". (Voyageur Press) Follow looks for sweaters and long johns when the temperatures drop below Jim's blog at route66chronicles.blogspot.com eighty degrees, I am not a stranger to the beauty of fall colors that frame lakes and streams embraced by forested hills. ~ II- CORRECTION: IN THE LAST ISSUE, THE BYLINE FORTHE ARTICLE "FATHER However, my dearest friend, my wife Judy, is an Arizona native OF ROUTE 66" WASINCORRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO QUINTA SCOTT KELLY. with family roots stretching to territorial times. Her dad was actu- SUSAN CROCE KELLYISTHE AUTHOR. WE REGRETTHEERROR.

missouri66.org 7 JmJ motor tour

THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI'S 25TH ANNUAL OTOR TOUR

PHOTOS AND STORY BY KIP WELBORN

IN 1989, THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI HELDITS FIRSTMOTOR TOUR. IT STARTED ATTHE MACARTHUR (FKA MUNICIPAL) BRIDGE IN ST.LOUIS, AND ENDED AT SCHIFFERDECKER PARK IN JOPLIN. FOR $15.00, TOUR GOERS GOTTO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOUR, GOT A HAT PIN, DASH PLAQUE, DRIVING GUIDE, 1948 STRIP MAP AND MISSOURI HIGHWAY MAP! STOPS WERE MADE ACROSS THE STATEAND THE FIRST NIGHT'S STOP WAS AT THE WORLD FAMOUS MUNGER MOSS MOTEL, FOR A $5 STEAK DINNER! •

ince then, tours have taken participants from as far East as Litchfield, SIllinois and as far West as Claremore, Oklahoma. Twenty-five Years later, The Route 66 Association of Missouri showed that it was "STILL Cruisin' to the Future" September 5th thru the 7th in 2014. The 25th Annual Motor Tour started at the Best Western Kirkwood Inn in Kirk- wood, and ended at the Hangar Kafe east of Carthage. In between, there were 245 miles of memories. There were close to 100 attendees and 50 cars on this tour, with travelers coming from as far away as Char- lotte, North Carolina and Flint, Michigan At the Best Western Kirkwood Inn Friday evening, they enjoyed the pleasure of each other's company and received dash plaques, decals and a Motor Tour Flyer filled with information about the tour. The crowd also snapped up the new Motor Tour T-Shirts created by the Association's new Oscar De La Renra, Robert Schulz. A word of appreciation should be given to Carolyn Hasenfrarz, who created so many great t-shirt, dash plaque and decal designs for so many years!

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Braving Friday evening's stormy weather, Joe and Dee Meyer missing. In search of a temporary replacement, the family took a guided some of the tour goers on a trek down Watson Road and side trip to Meramec Caverns, with its huge gift shop. We didn't Chippewa (City Route 66) to Ted Drewes and the Donut Drive find a suitable hat, but, we did find the chocolate shop and Natalie In. It satisfied the sweet tooth and gave all a look at the Crestwood got some very tasty fudge. Bowl and Donut Drive In signs with their neon lighting up the sky. Visitors to Meramec Caverns can also spy one of the artistic Those landmarks were restored with help from the Neon Heritage "cakes" placed throughout St. Louis to celebrate the city's 250th An- Preservation Committee of the Route 66 Association of Missouri. niversary. One could spend days in St. Louis just looking for all of On Saturday morning, after taking in the very nice continental them. www.stl250.org/cake-faqs.aspx. breakfast provided at the Hotel, everyone made their way to Route Then it was on to Sullivan, where the family bid homage to one of 66 State Park, where Don Fink and the good folks there opened the greatest baseball players to reside along Roure 66 or anyplace else, early so we could pick up a memento at their fantastic gift shop in "Sunny Jim" Bottomley. September 17,2014 marked the 90th an- the visitor's center. It was also an opportunity to tour the Museum, niversary of Bottomley's epic game against the Brooklyn where he had which is a wonderful Route 66 History lesson and a chance to see six hits and 12 RBI's. The 12 RBI MLB record stood until 1993 when Route 66. Mark Whitten of the After the driver's Cardinals tied it. Bot- meeting held at the tomley's grave (an above Park, tour goers, armed ground mausoleum) is with a Guide outlining in the IOOF cemetery places to look out for just off Route 66. along the tour route, We passed the Mar- driving instructions tin Family Cemetery to get them there, and between Route 66 their own imaginations, and 1-44 and headed passed a multitude of into Bourbon. There, places that have been we turned off Route around since the day 66 and cruised down Route 66 was routed Main St. past Bremer • over Lindbergh Blvd. Hardware, a longtime in 1935. Quinn, Nata- Bourbon business, and lie and I started out "on the old Bourbon Hotel, our own" in Pacific, shuttered long ago. where we took in the Back on 66, there was great view overlooking a Circle NRestau- the town and Route rant. Like the Howard 66 from Blackburn Johnson's I fondly Park and saw "Zach's remember from child- Cannon" (placed there hood, Natalie will have as part of Zach Meyer's memories of the Circle Eagle Scout Project) N, her place for a hot Cruising out of Pacific, the tour took a more humbling "turn" as dog, french fries and a hot fudge sundae! We ran into Jane Dippel we passed the old Tri County Truck Stop. This place was more than and Robert Schulz at the Circle N, Robert saving me with a bag of just the old Diamonds: It was half a football field full of some of Brussel Bytes, Tamarind Apple Crunch flavor, which I am certain the best food along Route 66. It was the only place I can remember are just amazing! on Route 66 that offered Country Cured Ham. Now, after being In Cuba, we picked up some baked treats at the Cuba Bakery strangled out of existence by bureaucrats, the shell of the build- and took a moment to see the famous murals. En route to St. James, ing is a haunting reminder of the glory days of Route 66. It was we made a stop at the Fanning Outpost. Natalie has grown like a "reopened" in October. .. as a haunted house. weed since we first stopped there, but the Rocking Chair still makes The Tour proceeded west through St. Clair, where folks could en- her look like an ant. And at the Outpost, Natalie and Quinn's joy a bite at the Lewis Cafe. It is in downtown St. Clair, slightly off mission was accomplished: they found me a hat! Then it was on to the Route, but it is worth it.Unfortunately, one of last year's stops, Route 66 Grape country. Grape growers from Northern Italy first the St.Clair Historical Museum, was destroyed by fire. Another of settled the area around Rosati in the 1890s. A precious few of their last year's stops, the River Hills Traveler Magazine, appears to have descendants still grow the amazingly sweet concord grapes and sell moved on. The River Hills Traveler has done wonderful stories on them at stands along Route 66. The Piazza Family is the last of the the Tour the past two years, and Emery Styron and Jo Schaper are original grape growing families and their stand along Route 66 was wonderful people. fortuitously open during the Motor Tour. Steve Zulpo has created From St. Clair, Quinn and Natalie began a quest. I forgot my an excellent history of the region on line at www.rosati-mo.coml usual hat, and didn't realize it until someone pointed out it was history.html.

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the tour for the past several years and once again traveled the lon- gest distance to get there. After dinner, some of the participants went back to the motel and sat down with a biker crew that was going from Chicago to LA. Many of them were from England. It was great hanging out with folks from other countries and sharing experiences on Route 66. Norman Hieronimous conducted a nondenominational church service on Sunday, and we headed into Rolla to see a mural at the corner of l Oth and Pine in Downtown Rolla, once City 66. It is located on the Kent Jewelers building, owned by Kent and Lindsay Bagnall, The Bagnalls are as enthusiastic about Route 66 as they are about their jewelry. www.kentjewelryrolla.com We joined up with a little caravan that included Kent Sanderson and his son, Ron, along with Steve and Cathy Look from Illinois. Together, we cruised across the Devils Elbow Bridge, built in 1923 and reopened in May after a much needed restoration. The tour headed through Waynesville and crossed the 1922 steel truss bridge over the Gasconade River, which has since been closed. In Lebanon, tour goers were able to stop at the Shepherd Hills Fac- tory Outlet to enjoy some complimentary coffee. www.shephills.com Then it was on to see all the great renovations taking place at Graystone Heights located just East of Halltown. (See the article in this issue) The tour concluded with a lunch at the very interesting Hangar Kafe, located in an old airplane hangar about 2 miles off Route 66 near Miller. Our cruisers checked out the great food and awesome airplane decor while watching crop dusters and thrilling sky drivers. The Association also provided a cake commemorating the 25th An- nual Motor Tour. The Hangar Kafe is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. • daily. 417-452-2277. Some of us, including Robert Schulz and Fred Zander, decided to stretch the tour a bit with a visit to Carthage and the Boots Court. The court opened in 1939 and Clark Gable and Carole Lombard stayed there. It has gone through its ups and downs, but We also visited the Rosati Winery Museum, where Drew Men- was purchased in 2011 by Deborah Harvey and Priscilla Bledsew. dez continues to improve on the building and has created a great These sisters, with the help of Debbie Dee, reopened the Court portrait of the Rosati area. The museum also offers wine tastings of in 2012 and have slowly but surely been bringing it back to life, the local product for a nominal charge as well as other wines. including rejuvenating the original sign. The rooms are wonder- The midway point motel was the Coachlight in Rolla. Once ful, clean and comfortable. They are a true throwback to the days there were several Route 66 era motels up on Martin Springs Road of Clark Gable, with radios (no TVs), broadcasting the big band headed out of Rolla, including Natalie's favorite, Zenos. Now there sounds. They have also put up old sheet music for wall art for a true are only two. The Coachlight, first opened in 1973 and is a pretty step back in time. nice place to stay. For more information call 573-341-251l. Deborah Harvey and Debbie Dee showed us the underground The "oldest business on Route 66 in Missouri," the Totem Pole tunnel that runs practically the length of the property. They also Trading Post is nearby and still one of the most eclectic stops on 66. provided us with a fire pit, which allowed us to finish the tour the At the Totem Pole, one can find soda and snacks, a trinket or two, a way it should be, sitting around the fire sharing stories. www.boots- cool T-Shirt or fireworks to end the day with a bang! motel.homestead.com The midpoint dinner was at Buehler Park, just off Route 66 We met Paula Farmer, the owner of the Best Budget Inn just and named for Henry Buehler,Chief Geologist for the Missouri east of Carthage. She is a very nice lady, who is trying to revive a Geological Survey from 1908-1944. It is a nice little park with a very nice motel. We didn't have time for a look at a room, but the large pavilion that's reminiscent of the roadside parks that once exterior looks great. www.bestbudgetinn.homestead.com lined Route 66. Thanks to Scott Caron and the Rolla Health and A big thanks to this year's Motor Tour Committee: Joe and Dee Recreation Complex for making the Park available. Meyer, Cochair Debbie Rhew, Glenda, Tommy and Tonya Pike, At Buehler Park, we had an excellent chicken and Bar-B-Q Robert Schulz, and Diane Warhover, whose hard work made the dinner, prepared by the Cookin' From Scratch Restaurant located tour possible. For information on next year's tour, and on the Route outside Doolittle. www.cookinfromscratch.biz/ 66 Association of Missouri, visit the Association's website: www.mis- A silent auction also took place and there was chance to honor souri66.org. Hope to see you next year on the Route 66 Association our friends from Charlotte, John and Digna Sell. They have joined of Missouri's Motor Tour!

10 Show Me Route 66 modern cabins 1Jn1

AFTER BEING DARK FOR OVER 50 YEARS, THE "MODERN CABINS" NEON SIGN CAME BACK TO LIFE ON SEPTEMBER 13,2014

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM THOLE

nNovember 2010 John & Alexa Schweke bought the Cars movie on DVD to watch with their grandson, Ibecause of its relevance for children, and also because of its relationship to Route 66. Little did they know that they would come away with a deeper appreciation for their historic property on Route 66, and as time went on, a growing inspiration to restore and preserve as much of its historic features as their current business would allow. The Graystone Heights property is located on Route 66 (now MO 266) about 10 miles west of downtown Spring- field, and now about five miles west ofI-44 exit 72 on the west side of Springfield. After purchasing 2.5 acres of property in May 1931, Margaret White Brewer (in partnership with her husband, Ben Brewer) constructed a tourist camp of native Missouri "giraffe stone," consisting of a gas stationlrestaurant, bathroom/shower building, and four cabins that initially had two rooms each - with a 2-car garage in between them, ac- cessible from the inside (ala Coral Courtl) - and believed to have opened in 1935. Later on, a private bathroom would be added to each cabin, and one of the cabins would have its garage converted to a much larger suite - making a total of nine rooms available in the complex. In 1936, the couple was divorced and Margaret, as the sole owner, changed her name to Margaret Brewer White. The business thrived for 25 years, and in addition to being a popular tourist stop, it also became an Ozarks area honeymoon destination. However, Route 66 travelers were diverted to the new Interstate 44 that opened in 1961. It wasn't long before the tourist court closed and the property went into foreclosure under a different owner.

missouri66.org 11 JmJ modern cabins

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came back to life that evening for the first time in over 50 years, amidst a big celebration that was attend- ed by as many as 500 people. The Schweke's spared no expense for this relighting event. There was a BBQ dinner, specially designed t-shirts, a first-class ten-piece band ("Sober as a Judge"), people dressed in period costume, as many as a dozen vintage cars on site to re- create a feeling of the auto court's heyday, and of course ...... appropriate floral arrangements! Mother Nature also cooperated beautifully for the rerum of this icon to the Mother Road, with warm weather and a glori- ous sunset, as shown on the cover of this issue. The relighting ceremony itself featured the appearance of several Greene County officials. Previously, in February 2014, the historical Russell & Betty Schweke bought the property "on the court- significance of this property house steps" and began their "R&S Floral" business at this loca- had been duly recognized by its designation as a Greene County tion in 1963, in order to produce artificial flower arrangements Historic Site. Hence the Chairman of the Greene County Historic for Memorial Day. Over the years the number of retail outlets has Sites Board (Ryan Zweerink) was in attendance to present the increased, with several storefronts now open during March-May Schweke's with a plaque while the Greene County Commissioner for that express purpose in the Springfield area, as well as other for the First District (Harold Bengsch) acrually read the proclama- locations in Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas. tion designating the property as a historic site. Also present from Russell began to delegate management responsibilities to his the Historic Sites Board were Steve Bodenhamer, Wayne Groner, son, John, in 2005, and upon his full retirement in 2007, John & Mary Dillard Ley and Jackie Warfel- all of whom helped to orga- Alexa assumed full ownership, renaming the business "R&S Me- nize the dedication event. morial Decorations" to reflect its specific market niche, although Tom Pike, President of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, their warehouse outlet on the historic property is open for business was also present for the ceremony and spoke to the gathering all year long. about the Schweke's preservation efforts in glowing terms. "They Three of the 4 cabins remain, as well as the separate restroom saved almost all of these historic structures," he said, "and re- building, and also the former gas station/restaurant -- now used purposed them for their business, instead of pushing them down. as the R&S business office. A rehab of the exterior of the cabins What an excellent example for a lot of other business owners up is now in process - primarily to install a new single-sloping roof and down Route 66; they should take note of what's been done structure to protect the original cabin walls and make the interior here." suitable for use in their floral business. One cannot visit the property and/or talk to the Schweke's But as an exclamation point for the entire restoration and without quickly sensing how they both exude a special pride in preservation project, the Schweke's decided to restore the Modern the 50-year-old dedicated business and the 80-year-old historic Cabins neon sign, a stalwart sentinel that still remains from the property. But there's a sign hanging in the R&S warehouse where Graystone Heights' early days, as a memorial to this vintage 66 site the various floral pieces are fabricated that actually says it all: and business that was there for so many years. And they are doing "Arrangements Proudly Assembled in the USA on Historic all of this on their own dime - no NPS grant is involved here. Route 66." John Schweke has indicated that the neon sign ioill remain lit ev- Thus it happened on September 13, 2014 - the neon sign, ery night from dusk to dawn for your viewing pleasure - just 5 miles nicely restored by the Missouri Neon Company in Springfield, west of /-44 exit 72, at 9323 MO Highway 266

missouri66.org 13 eonand Route 66 shined brilliantly, faded for a time, electrically lit glass tube in 1857. To be fair, Geissler was not the and then blazed back to life. At one time, the highways very first. The theory itself behind neon sign technology dates back Nof the United States were lined with the glow of signs to 1675 before the age of electricity, when the French astronomer that lit the way for motorists in search of a place to eat, drink, fill Jean Picard observed a faint glow in a mercury barometer tube. A up or perhaps take a chance on the dice or the one armed bandits. glow called barometric light occurred when the tube was shaken, • As the Interstates replaced Route 66 and the other old two-lanes, but the cause of the light, which was static electricity, was not neon came to be seen somehow as tacky, a blight on the landscape. understood at that time. In the mid 19th century,"Geissler tubes" But up and down the Mother Road today, restored neon signs are were less than practical, even casually considered a novelty by glowing again and a strong some, but nonetheless a ma- preservation movement has jor milepost in the evolution emerged. Geiuler Tubes of the science. In the second The Gelnler tube Is • dlstInd 1I0te1tr on tile Ame.lra. The science at play in a _kel. Peqlle who lEe Ge~. tube! In aellOD rw Ibe ••.•1 half of the 19th century the Urn. &te ao •• tonlobed bY lb. beautIfUl tlfec\a obtalDOd 1II1ta neon sign, what sparks it to same tblt Ibr1 udalm III wonder and ._men\. TIle toIM quest to produce electric tlftm or tbl!5e wilt. are 50 strlklOI \bat It II Iinpo3IlbIe 10 life, subscribes to definite duerlhe (bern. One lIIUS~ S<'fl Geissler tubts In &etJoa 10 light was on, and had sci- understand 01 appr~la&e Ibelr btlu\J. Tbe tube. art ailed universal laws of physics, !11th •• rIouI 1U!1 t«o:td In liter a n_ 11obtalDed. aDd ence at that time been able the Ila.ss. "bleb lIself cooUIDs IIIIomcent talu. II aldf plasma physics to be precise. lumlnaol U 1000 &I a bllh ImllOD eurrent !Iowa tbroacb tilt to isolate gases cleanly and lube. E\'ery wilt Iw a dlll'mnt paUem 11111~Inatloll or But as any neon enthusiast dllerent '010lIl. and Ir Ihl'J are u~ In QuanUUtl rD. det«a· produce better vacuums, Ii"" pur_ lbe moot wonderful color el'ecta lmaclo&ble _ will tell you, there is also a be cbtalDtd. The more espenlioe tuIItt ue Illed "I~ maybe this type of lighting nuoretuBI liquid. ..blch nlll fwtller enbanee tile beaotr bit of alchemy about them or !be •• rlOllS mlor comblnaUons, u tile liquids would have trumped Edi- Ibe_"es crute !le'f etl'tcta. Em! the mallesl and neon signs seem to pos- spark coli _Ill ope.ale tile larcm IIIbf. son's inefficient incandescent We are .t present tbe b\aftT. ImporteI'I of tMfe sess a mesmerizing quality. 1obeI. and bate IlnyS • larce _eol III nodi. light bulb. We Inrlte prtIIPNilr. ~ to can at _ atom Given their dazzling color 64 Sometime after Geissler's and intensity, it's no wonder considerable efforts, came in 1923 that Los Angeles THE GEISSLER TUBE. Scottish chemist Sir William traffic came to a halt when the switch was flipped on the first two Ramsay, known for his work that established a whole new group commercial neon signs to appear in the United States. In that in the periodic table, variously called over time, the inert, rare or moment, two red and blue Packard automobile signs came to blaz- noble gases. Sir Ramsay had theorized that there were dense gases ing life and forever changed the previously colorless landscape of hidden in the atmosphere and developed a method for removing electric illumination and the way of making signs in the US. oxygen and nitrogen, then analyzing the other gases remaining. Gaseous glass tube illumination, what we universally refer to as Working with Lord Rayleigh (John William Strutt), Ramsay had neon, had its beginnings over sixty years prior to that event in Los discovered Argon (Ar) in 1894. Working with British chemist Angeles. And although the City of Light, Paris, served as the first Morris Travers, Ramsay is credited with discovering Neon (Ne) gas real showcase for neon in the first decades of the 20th century, it itself at University College in London in 1898. Along with the dis- was a German Physicist, Heinrich Geissler that first developed an covery of Neon, he also found Krypton (Kr), and Xenon (Xe), The

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discovery of a new element is a rare and prize occurrence, and in G. Nutting built and displayed the first small true modern practi- the space of just 42 days in 1898, Ramsay and Morris had discov- cal neon sign for the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. ered three! The isolation and purification of these noble gases was Louis under the auspices of the Optics Division of the US Bureau essential to the future viability of neon in the commercial market. of Standards. The sign had four glass tubes of neon, forming the In 1904, Ramsay was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for letters NEON; they were displayed at the "Palace of Electricity" his work with "noble" gases. 19 years before neon signs were available commercially in the US. Also along the route to what would become the modern neon Twelve years later, Perley Nutting went on to found the Optical sign, came Daniel McFarlan Moore, a US electrical engineer and Society of America. inventor from Pennsylvania. Once an employee in the engineer- The final step toward modern neon signage and advertising ing division of United Edison, Moore left in 1894 to develop an came when, in 1902, the enterprising French inventor, Georges improved version of the earlier Geissler tube, naturally dubbed the Claude, sought a practical and lucrative use for the quantities of "Moore tube." His invention gave off three times the amount of neon he had left over from his distillation of gases produced for lumens per watt consumed compared with Edison's bulbs. When medical use. With the development of better materials and the ad- Edison asked Moore what was wrong with the incandescent light vancement of science,Claude developed an essential component, a bulb, Moore replied: "It's too small, too hot, and too red." stable electrode, for which he was later awarded US patents. Along Ready for production by 1896, Moore tubes operated by il- with the ability to produce a better vacuum inside the sealed glass luminating either Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide and possessed the tube, his electrode made the practical illumination and use of unique ability to replenish the gas via a special valve as it inevi- neon possible. Claude unveiled his invention at the Paris Exposi- tably deteriorated. The first commercial installation of Moore tion of 1910. The public quickly dubbed the discovery "liquid tubes in 1904 was as overhead lighting in a New Jersey hardware fire" and Paris was soon ablaze with tens of thousands of feet of store. The Moore tube was subsequently regularly employed for neon tubing. Neon even once outlined every intricate detail of the use in photography, factories, and even novelty lighting. By 1912 Eiffel Tower. The production of glass tubing and training of arti- Edison purchased Moore's patents and absorbed the company. sans who could bend it into nearly any shape blossomed. Claude Moore went back to work for Edison and developed the miniature patented his neon tube in January 1915. neon lamps used in electronic displays and were a forerunner to Not long after the $24,000 purchase in 1923 of those first two plasma displays, as well as negative glow charge lamps. Eventually neon signs in America was made by the Earle C. Anthony Packard Moore tubes became too expensive to produce and were rendered dealership in Los Angeles. Franchisees and licensees of the Claude obsolete. Company sprouted up across the US. Often they were called Meanwhile at the Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago, Claude Federal, or merely Federal, as was the case in St. Louis. In Nikola Tesla was exhibiting his own mesmerizing glowing gas the following decades, the term "electrical sign" for all practical tubes using no wires! And it is said that American physicist Perley purposes came to mean "neon sign."

Angie Murrell Owner 417-531-2116 cell 1-844-273-9467 fax

"We aim to please, and thats a promise!" C.II in Orders 1225 Millcreek Road· Lebanon, MO 65536 943-8915 [email protected] angies-place.com

WELCOME NEW OZARK MEMBERS ON PAGE 47! FOLLOW TH E ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI ON FACEBOOK ALL YOUR FRIENDS ARE '. JL. Likeuson HERE LJ Facebook C!?ouJ:E, 66 C!?~1.t6 \. at the Lake of the Ozarks / June 12, 2015 www.facebook.com/missouri66

missouri66.org 15 JmJ liguid fire

The public began referring to Georges as "Claude Neon." the air is mechanical- Georges Claude died in 1960 at the age of89, before neon began ly evacuated.There is to fade due to cheaper alternatives and changing tastes. He lived an electrode at each long enough to see neon transform the dusty desert town of Las end of the finished Vegas into a showcase of elaborate signs. Most of the iconic signs tube. The tube is of "Glitter Gulch" were created by the Young Electric Sign Com- super heated by pany or YESCO, founded in 1920 by Thomas Young in Ogden, passing high voltage Utah. between the elec- During the golden age of neon Tom Wolfe wrote "One can trodes to clean it of look at Las Vegas from a mile away on route 91 and see no build- all impurities. Once ings, no trees, only signs. But such signs! They tower. They revolve, that pure environ- they oscillate, they soar in shapes before which the existing ment inside the glass vocabulary of art history is helpless." YESCO is still going strong tube is established creating modern signs, including the Fremont Street Experience, and it is under high the blocks long overhead light show in downtown Las Vegas. vacuum, a minute There was no shortage of neon firms in St. Louis. According to amount inert gas collector Greg Rhomberg, some of those firms include; Carondelet is introduced and Neon Sign, Crystal Electronic Sign, Day Bright Lighting, Federal then the glass tube Brilliant, Keller Sign, Kim Advertising Sign, Levy Sign, Missouri is sealed off com- jewelite, Neon Ray Lite, R. Tunica Electric, Southern Neon Sign, pletely. Now, when Tobin Electric, Treesh Neon Sign, and Zeiser Bros. David Hutson, electricity is applied owner of NeonTime in St. Charles, carries on the tradition today. to the finished unit, He rescues and repairs vintage signs while creating modern neon the gas inside ionizes and very efficiently gives off light. Of the installations. noble gases, the only ones practical for use in the sign industry are Neon is undergoing a major revival, spurred in part by art- neon and argon. Others burn hot, are pale in color and have high resistances, meaning it just takes too much power to ionize and light them up. In a clear glass tube, Neon lights up the hallmark • reddish-orange neon signs are known for, while Argon (with a droplet of mercury added to increase brilliance) lights up a soft and pleasing blue. In the beginning, all neon signs we either red or blue as only clear glass was available for use. Soon thereafter, rare earth phosphors were employed as a coating on the interior wall of the glass tubes. In these coated tubes, the phosphors actually produce light and a correspondent color when excited by the ionized gas within the tube. This is how different colors are achieved in a neon tube, first by gas color, second by phosphor coating. With Neon, phosphors are only capable of emitting hues of pink and orange. Bur using Argon, most other colors are achievable including green, yellow, purple, turquoise and white among others. Further, a handful of deep, saturated colors are created by using actual colored, or "classic," glass, but this is less common.

THE BIRTH OF THE NEON HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE (THE "NHPC") ists such as Dan Flavin, and Bruce Nauman, who presented neon When Jim Thole arrived at the July 2006 Association meeting he as an art form back in the 1960s. Some of the other best known was met by President Tommy Pike with the greeting: "you're going neon artists include Robert Irwin, Kieth Sonnier and Tracy Emin. to be the chairman of our new Neon Heritage Preservation Com- Her work with themes of love and love lost lit up Times Square mittee." (Surprise, surprise!) And thus was born a new adventure in 2013. Vintage porecelain neon signs are eagerly, sometimes too for him and our state association. eagerly, sought by collectors and signs in their original settings are Due to his interest in neon sign photography, and in view now a rarity. of the success the New Mexico association had with a similar Like the timelessness of its aesthetic appeal, the techniques and endeavor, it was the consensus of the Missouri Association Board process of producing a neon tube has not changed much since the that he should lead this undertaking for our state, the principal early days of Claude's patented neon tubes one hundred years ago. purpose of which would be to find a home for the orphaned neon The basic workings of a neon tube consist of a glass tube formed signs from along Route 66 that came into our possession, and to into the desired shape, lettering or design, and from which all of preserve and restore those inactive vintage neon signs still remain-

16 Show Me Route 66 MEMORIAL 9323 ST. HWY 266 D(CORATIONS Finduson SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI 65802 Facebook PHONE: (417) 732-6263 11 R & S Memorial Decorations ing at their sentinel post. And why is this so important? Because vintage neon signs are now recognized as American Folk Art, and provide a unique identity for the host property. Return- ing these "calling cards" to their original appearance for as many iconic establishments as possible would thus be reminiscent of the peak years of the Mother Road, adding substantially to the nostalgic appeal of the Route 66 roadway. The HPC assembled a team of four professionals from our own Association membership who would later be called "Team eon" by a St. Louis newspaper when the NHPC was given a "Best of St. Louis" award by it in 2013. In addition to Jim, a retired banker/CPA, they are: David Hutson, neon restoration consultant and owner of NeonTime in St. Charles, MO; Esley Hamilton, historical consultant and Preservation Historian for St. Louis County; and Bob Gehl, team advi or and an experienced marketing and program PR man who is also our Mem- bership Services Committee chairman. As with any new venture, the real challenge is to find that initial opportunity to launch the first successful foray into one's mission.This opportunity was provided by Mother ature on May 6, 2007, when a windstorm broke the lower mounting bracket of an inactive Route 66 iconic neon sign that hung above the Donut Drive- in at 6525 Chippewa (alias Route 66) in the City of St. Louis, which has been in operation there since 1952. Initially, the owners thought the sign, now removed after the windstorm, would simply be scrapped - until, to their surprise, they received offers from collectors of Route 66 memorabilia. ot until then did they realize its historical value. With our NHPC encouragement however, they elected to restore the sign, rather than sell it. A significant factor in this decision was the availability of a National Park Service (NPS) 50/50 cost share grant through its Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program to restore original, historic properties that graced Route 66 during its official lifetime. 0, now that the science and history lesson has concluded, let's hit the road!

18 Show Me Route 66 , 66 " ------I 66 Located on Route 66 Liberty Lodge originally opened as a Ramada in 1959, and today is one of the last of St. Robert's original Route 66 motels. The Lodge is within walking distance of another Route 66 original George M. Reed Roadside Park. This park is the only remaining original roadside park on Route 66 in Missouri. As part of St. Robert's relationship with nearby Fort Leonard Wood the park features a Desert Storm era M-60tank.

Newly renovated Liberty Lodge is conveniently located just off Interstate 44 at exit 161, and is within 5 minutes of the front gates of Fort Leonard Wood. Guests will be provided with all the comforts of home combined with superior guest service. ---I \ Featured Amenities: Drive-Up Parking \ Microwave / Fridge Free Guest Laundry DirecTV 150+ Channels Free WiFi & Business Center \ St. Robert, MO

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ute LARGEST SELECTION OF ROUTE 66 GIFTS & SOUVENIRS f'acebook \..., IN THE OZARKS !

24200 E. ROUTE 66 - LEBANON, MO 65536 - 417-588-4466 - MRC @ 66ROUTEPOST.COM

...... •...... •.••.••..••..•..•...... Scan here to Find "are Fun ROUTE 66 SOUVENIRS @ FunCarnival.cl!!1l • St. Louis Vendor • Direct Importer • Wholesale Pricing • UPC bar coded for retail sale. • Custom Imprinting Available

Call SUSIE LAND for all your souvenir needs 314-503-6088 Fax:636-379-0596 Email: [email protected] ..•••••••••••••••••••••..••..•...... •...... •.•.www.funcarnival.com Roule66-A

missouri66.org 21 MISSOURI STATE PARKS

Missouri State Parks - a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources

22 Show Me Route 66 PROUD MEMBER OF THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI

ROUTE 66 SODAS THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

RETAIL INQUIRIES WELCOME ROUTE 66 SODAS, LLC POBOX766 LEBANON, MO 65536-0766 SODAJERK @ ROUTE66s0DAS.COM t'acebook '.•. 417-588-4466

A destination landmark -1923 Devils Elbow Bridge, over the Big Piney on Historic Route 66 - Renovation/rehabilitation project .• complete in 2014

1Pulaski county Pulaski County Tourism Bureau missouri USA & Visitors Center 573.336.6355 137St. Robert Blvd., Ste. A Saint Robert, MO '" .' missouri66.org 23

missouri66.org 29 7C's Winery 502 E 560th Rd Walnut Grove MO 65770 Tasting Room & Gift Shop Open 1Oam-6pm Tue-Sun Henry's Ra66it Ranch 1107 Historic Old Aoute 66 Staunton, Il, 62088 618-635-5655 "Phoenix and little Red continue the legacy" 417 -788-2263 www.7cswinery.com www.HenrysRoute66.com www.facebook.com/7 cswinery •

Monthly Meetings (open to the public) Second Thursday of each month; 6:00 p.m.; 415 Historic Route 66 West

Pulaski County Museum @ 303 Historic Rt. 66 Open April through September on Saturdays from 10:00-4:00 (or by appointment) Tours are FREE,however donations are greatly appreciated; we are a SOl(c)3 non-profit Genealogy research by appointment We look forward to see; ng you soon! For more information contact Denise Seevers @ S73-8SS-3644 or ernail [email protected]

Check our Facebook page for any cha nges in dates or times! www.facebook.com/pu laskicou nty histo ricalsociety www.oldpulaskicourthousemuseum.webs.com

30 Show Me Route 66 travel CHANNEl.:

missouri66.org 31

faded glory ~

THESE SIGNS STILL STAND ALONG ROUTE 661N MISSOURI. THEIR GLOW HAS FADED, BUT TH ERE MAY COME A TIME WH EN AN EXPERT TOUCH OR A LOVI NG PROPERTY OWNER WILL BRING THEM BACK TO LIFE.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JIM THOLE EXCEPT AS NOTED.

ABBYLEE COURT,NIANGUA- Located about one-half mile north of highway M (Main St.) most of the original 8 cabins built around 1940 are still there as monthly rental property; the sign can be difficult to spot behind a row of trees in front of it.

FOREST MANOR MOTEL, LEBANON - Almost directly across the street from the Munger Moss Motel, this property was originally built in the 1930s as the Green Gables Court, which had four units with attached garages. Over the years, the name was changed and GRAVOIS AUTO TOP AND SEAT COVERS, it has been expanded several times to a linear building of 22 units. ST. LOUIS - The shop in the Tower Grove South The original Forest Manor neon sign was yellow (not white) with Neighborhood at 4017 Gravois is still in business, a red neon angular arrow (now removed) that appeared to go but the sign could use some serious TLC. It was through the sign from one corner down to the other. probably erected when the business opened in 1954.

missouri66.org 33 lltll faded glory

RED CEDAR INN, PACIFIC - Located on the east edge of town, it was built in 1934 by the Smith brothers (Bill & James 1) with red cedar logs from the family farm nearby. James II ran the business until it closed in 1972. James III reopened it in 1987, and eventually Ginger Gallagher (granddaughter of James I) ran the Red Cedar until it closed again on March 7,2005. The neon sign still hangs above the vacant building, which is still owned by the Smith family.

KEL-LAKE MOTEL, CARTHAGE - Built in 1955, the 8-room motel is still operating across Route 66 from Kellogg • Lake. The neon sign went dark long ago, probably during the lengthy ownership period of the Jackson's in the 1980s & 90s. It has had several owners since then but has been owned by Tom & Judy Wright since 2007.

SATELLITE CAFE, SLEEPER - This sign sits in an ST. CLAIR MOTEL, ST. CLAIR - Built in the early 1940s, this empty field at the entrance to Lebanon 1-44 Speed- small 10-room motel sits on a dead end stretch of Route 66 just way just Y2 mile west of Sleeper exit 135. It's all that west of town. It has had numerous owners over the years. It is still in remains of the original Phillips 66 "Space Station" and operation as a longer term rental facility. The neon sign is very easy Satellite Cafe business that was formerly located here. to spot, right on 1-44 just a half mile west of exit 239.

34 Show Me Route 66 faded glory 00

VERNELLE'S MOTEL, ARLINGTON - Six cabins were originally built in the late 1930s by E.P. Gasser as Gasser's Tourist Court. He sold it in 1952 to his nephew Fred, and his wife Vernelle. They expanded it to 12 rooms, adding a restaurant, gas station and novelty shop. STANTON MOTEL, STANTON - Built in the The business suffered severe blows three times: when Route 66 was late 1940s, this small motel of 12 units sits right at widened to 4 lanes in 1957, when 1-44 replaced Route 66 in 1967, and • the Stanton 1-44 exit 230. Now closed and dark for then again when 1-44 was relocated in 2005. Ed Goodridge bought a couple years, the entire property used to be aglow Vernelle's in the early 1960s and has continued to operate it ever since. in red neon from the sign on the roof, the sign at the It can now be reached via 1-44 Exit 176, then following the Arlington toad, and the striping at the eaves. Outer Road West for less than a mile.

VESS SODA BOTTLE, ST. LOUIS - In 1953, Treesh Neon created the largest neon bottle ever seen. The 25 foot tall sign rotated atop a 12-foot pole at the bus loop on Hamp- ton at Gravois but was removed in 1969. The Vess Beverage Company had Treesh renovate the sign and it was placed along 1-70 in the proposed "Bottle District" in December 1990. Highway regulations I prohibited it from rotating, JOHN'S MODERN CABINS - This Mother Road icon was and vandals made short originally built in 1935 as Bill & Bess'sTourist Camp. John work of the neon tubing. Dausch purchased them in 1951. The cabins, closed in the late But lit by floodlights, it is 1960s, are located just 1/8 mile past Vernelle's on the Arlington still a fine landmark. Outer Road. The abandoned cabins are now in a state of severe deterioration. The neon sign still hangs prominently, however, in the shade of the massive pin oak trees.

missouri66.org 3S JmJ gone but not forgotten

MANY OF OUR TREASURED NEON SIGNS WERE LOST OVER TIME, OR SOLD TO PRIVATE COLLECTORS. ONLY A FEW CAN BE VIEWED BYTHE PUBLIC. THIS ISJUST A PARTIAL LISTOF AFEW OF THE SIGNS THAT ARE GONE OR MOVED, BUT STILL LIVE ON IN OUR MEMORY.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JIM THOLE EXCEPT AS NOTED.

AIRPORT MOTEL, HAZELWOOD -Mr. & Mrs. Ed Holtzman opened this quaint little 10-room motel at 6221 N. Lindbergh (By-Pass 66) in 1936, and it has been in continuous operation ever since.The cool purple & blue neon sign featuring an airplane was sold to a collector, who • then returned it at the request of the family. It is now in the Greg Rhomberg ARCH MOTEL, ST. CLAIR - Formerly located near -Antique Warehouse I-44 exit 240, the sign is believed to have been saved Collection.(Photo: after the motel closed around the turn of the century, Greg R. Rhomberg, but its current location is presently unknown. antiquewhs.com)

AL-PAC MOTEL, PACIFIC - formerly located between The Six Flags 1-44 exit 261 and Pacific, the name is a combination of CORAL COURT MOTEL, MARLBOROUGH - After the legendary Allenton and Pacific. The sign was saved motel was closed in 1993, several serious attempts were made to buy or when the motel closed around the turn of the save the sign. According to a clerk quoted in Shellee Graham's book "Tales century, and is now in the possession of the from the Coral Court," Jesse Carr Williams, widow of owner Robert Wil- Association for display at some future site. liams, wanted the sign destroyed. (Postcard: Joe Sonderman)

36 Show Me Route 66 gone but not forgotten l1ltt

EL RANCHO MOTEL, STANTON - The El Rancho was a small motel located a couple miles to the west of the Ozark Court (see page 38), but is now a private residence. The sign disappeared shortly after the Ozark Court sign was taken down. CAFE & BAR 739-1113

KELLER DRUGS, ST. LOUIS - "Keller Apothecary" is still CAPRI MOTEL, HAZELWOOD - there at 5201 Chip- The sign is now gone (fate unknown), pewa but the neon on but the motel (now called the Best Way the rounded corner Motel) is still there at 3679 N. Lind- marquee of this art deco • bergh Blvd, just down the road from the building constructed in Airport Motel. 1933 has been replaced with flat white signage.

KO KO MOTEL,]OPLIN- Formerly located at 7th & Range Line, the sign was saved and is currently stored outside in a storage yard in Cuba, Missouri.

KING BROTHERS, FRONTENAC - The King Brothers Motel was located at US 66-67 and US 40-61, present day 1-64 at Lindbergh. The site became the Frontenac Hilton. The sign is one of HOLIDAY MOTEL, LEBANON - Former- many that took its visual cue from the ly located between Wrink's Market and the famous Holiday Inn sign and its fate is Forest Manor Motel (just west of the Munger unknown. (Postcard: Joe Sonderman) Moss Motel), it was razed just a few years ago - fate of the sign unknown.

missouri66.org 37 ~I gone but not forgotten

LINAIR MOTEL, BRIDGETON - The Linair was originally the Alura Motel. Along with the Air-o-Way Mo- tel, it was destroyed to make room for a Home Depot at Lindbergh and St. Charles Rock Rd. The signs from the Linair and Stanley LA CASA GRANDE MOTEL, MARLBOROUGH - Cour-tel reside The buildings of the former motel (now closed) are still today at Henry's there at 8208 Watson Road, but the sign was removed Rabbit Ranch in about ten years ago and is now in the Greg Rhomberg Staunton, Illinois -Antique Warehouse Collection in St. Louis.

Tho _ 011 Company (Iodlaoa) ELECTRIC SIGN Sktak_ GIld Clay1Gft ltda.. St. Low., No.

•

MAPLE MOTEL, SPRINGFIELD - Formerly located at 2233 North Glenstone Ave, it was STANDARD RED CROWN, ST. LOUIS- L.c. Stephenson's Hi Pointe razed many years ago - fate of the sign unknown. Standard at Clayton Avenue at Skinker Boulevard (Original 66) boasted (photo courtesy of Shellee Graham) a sign that used as much power as a town of 1,000. It was 40 feet wide and 70 feet to the top with 5,800 lamps, 2,900 feet of neon tubing and five miles of wire. It was replaced with an equally large Plexiglas sign in 1961 and changed to read ''Amoco'' in 1985. The ''Amoco'' sign remains, although the station is now branded BP. (Postcard: Joe Sonderman)

OZARK COURT, WEST OF ST. CLAIR - One of Missouri's most beloved neon signs, it was formerly located midway between 1-44 Exits 230 & 239. Built in 1930, MCDONNELL-DOUGLAS, ST. LOUIS -The huge it was a small "village" neon sign on the assembly building at McDonnell-Douglas with a gas station, garage was a landmark at Lambert Airport for 30 years. The sign and cafe. Some of the stood for another 1 and Y2 years following the 1997 merger buildings remain, but with Boeing before it was replaced. A row of F-15 fighters the sign disappeared is below the sign in this view. (McDonnell-Douglas Photo) about ten years ago.

38 Show Me Route 66 gone but not forgotten ~

PARK PLAZA MOTEL, LARGEST REDDY KilOWATT IN THE WORlD This Great Spectacular Sign Is located at 12th and OIlv.ln St.louis KIRKWOOD -This It i. 77' long and 40' High, Contoin.441 lamps and 2,672 Ft. of Neon giant neon sign with the unique spiraling circle at the top once stood at the corner of Watson Road & Kirkwood Road, where the first cloverleaf interchange was built west of the Mississippi River. Originally the Park Plaza Court, and later the Ozark Plaza Motel, it is now the site of the Holi- day Inn Southwest/Route 66. The sign currently REDDY KILOWATT, ST, LOUIS - Created by Ashton B, lies forlorn in a farm field Collins, Sr. of the Alabama Power Company, the Reddy Kilowatt near Route 66 and US50 character made his debut in 1926 was used as a corporate symbol in Franklin County. by over 300 electric companies. This landmark sign stood high atop the Union Electric Building at Tucker (City 66) and Olive in downtown St. Louis until 1968. (Postcard: Joe Sonderman) SUNRISE MOTEL- Formerly on the west side of Sullivan, this large sign stood on two very tall poles until just • a few years ago, when the motel was closed and razed (and sign destroyed) in order to make room for a new 1-44 overpass.

WESTWARD MOTEL, STANLEY COUR-TEL, BRIDGETON - Built KIRKWOOD - The Westward in 1950 by Stanley Williams on Lindbergh at stood on the NE corner of Natural Bridge Road, each of the 26 units had Watson and Lindbergh, across pastel pink doors. The Stanley was one of a string from the Park-Plaza Court. of lodging establishments closed in late 2002 and The Drury Inn stands on the razed to make room for a new runway. The signs site today, but the restored sign from the Stanley and the Lin-Air were rescued is on display at the Museum from a storage yard in late 2004/early 2005 by the of Transportation in St. Louis "Friends of the Mother Road" and are displayed at County ... right next to a partly Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois reconstructed unit from the Coral Court! (Museum of Transportation)

THE ARENA, ST. LOUIS -The "Old Barn" at 5700 Oakland Avenue was constructed in 1929 to be the permanent home of the National Dairy Show. It was home to the NHL Blues from 1967-1994 and hosted countless other events and concerts. It was imploded on February 27, 1999 and replaced by an office park. The amazing animated sign in place from 1967until1977 featured a hockey player shooting a puck into the net at the other end. (Press photo: Joe Sonderman Collection)

missouri66.org 39 JmJ new members FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/missouri66 66 PLEASE JOINUS IN WELCOMING THE FOLLOWING 69 NEWMEMBERS TO THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI. THESE NEW MEMBERSHIPS WERE RECEIVED DURING THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 21,2014 THROUGH DECEMBER 20,2014.

Your support of the Association is highly valued and we look forward to your involvement in Association committees and projects as well as the enjoyment of Association activities. Our membership base continues to grow with more than 1,000 proud members, and we thank each and every one of you for your partnership with us. Welcome aboard and we hope to seeyou along historic Route 66 in Missouri!

•David Alexander - Warsaw, MO •Carol Gierer - Villa Ridge, MO • Pizza Hut Express - Miami, OK • Alex's Pizza Palace - Rolla, MO • John Hagstrom - North Aurora, IL • Jim POttS- De Soro, MO • Angie's Place - Lebanon, MO • Judy Diane Haws - Union, MO •Jeff & Sabrina Rempe - St. Louis, MO • Ann's Chicken Fry House - Oklahoma City, OK • Jim Hoover - Atwater, CA •Robin's Resort - Osage Beach, MO • Bob Bader - Labadie, MO • Kent Ketter - Bloomington, IL • Bill, Tasha, & Summer Robinson - Okawville, IL • Lawrence Beamer - Waynesville, MO • Robert E. Klein -Cuba, MO • Rockwood Resort Motel- Lake Ozark, MO • Chris Berding - St. Clair, MO • Lena Knight - Old Orchard Beach,ME • The Route 66 Alliance - Tulsa, OK • Randall Blackwell- Hallsville, MO • Carol Krisrapovich -St. Peters, MO • Chris Rubeo -Los Angeles, CA • Laura Bowers-Hadley- Chicago, IL • Gerald L. Krug - Wauwatosa, WI • Scott Sargent - Lee's Summit, MO • Pat & Jennifer Bremer - Speedway, IN • Ken Lindley - Springfield, IL • John & Alexa Schweke - Ozark, MO •Ron Bullock I Bob Niedringhaus - St. Louis, MO • Wayne Long- St. Charles, MO • Seven Springs Winery - Osage Beach, M 0 •Owen H. Burger - Ellisville, MO •Jim Loseke - Sheboygan,WI •Jim & Carol Ann Simpson - St. Louis, MO •Lynnette Busse - Sullivan, MO • Ken & Iris Luebbert -St. Charles, MO • Mary Lilly Smith - Springfield, MO • Cafe on the Route - Baxter Springs, KS • Caitlin McDonald - DeKalb, IL • Elaine Stonich - Channahon, IL • Mikaela LeigMnne Carson - Overland Park, KS • Tony & Kathy Melone - Elmhurst, IL •Toni Tabers - St. Charles, MO • Stephen Clark - Sikeston, MO • Scott Meyer - Florissant, MO • Scott Tolaney - Milwaukee, WI • • Rory Clawson - Denver, CO •Jennifer Meyers I Chris Parsons - Richland, MO • Steve Veldman - Tinley Park, IL • Tim Donahoo - Athens, AL • Jackie Moore I Ray Hudak - Steelville, MO • Michael L. Ward - Mesa, AZ • Marion & Ed Doring - Hutchinson, MN • Debbie Mosher - Montgomery, IL • Webster County Historical Society -Marshfield, MO • Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Lake of the Ozarks • Jeff Nagle - Bracknell, Bracknell Forest, United Kingdom • Mark Wiehe Family - Columbia,MO -Osage Beach, MO • Jack & Mary Oesterle - St. Louis, MO • Kazumichi Yamamoto - Chicago, IL • Mary Anne Erickson - Saugerties, NY • Elizabeth Pieper - Springfield, IL • Yankee Peddlers Tea Room - Osage Beach, MO • Frisco's Grill & Pub -Cuba, MO • Pizza Hut - Baxter Springs, KS • Nancy & Jeff Young - Florissant, MO • Dwayne Gaeke - Marshfield, MO • Pizza Hut -Galena, KS •Hannah Zenk -Chesterfield, MO

This New Members Report was prepared by Robert Gebl, Director of Membership Services. If you were a new member during this time period and your name does not appear here, please contact me at (636) 458-4585 or [email protected] will be included in the next edition of this report.

TEAR HERE

ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI MEMBERSHIP LEVELS (check one) MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION o Individual Member - $251 Year Joint / Family Member - $301 Year Na m e (s): _ o o Business / Organization / Municipality Member - $50 1Year Business / Organization / International Member - $751 Year M u nic ipa Iity: _ o

Address: _ In addition to my membership, I would like to help support the Association's preservation efforts by contributing to: City/State/Zip: _ o GENERAL PRESERVATION FUND: 0 $10 0 $25 0 $50 or L_ Home Ph 0n e: _ o NEON HERITAGE PRESERVATION FUND: 0 $10 0 $250 $50 0.$ _

Bus in ess Ph 0n e: _ FOR ASSN USE ONLY

Ce II Ph 0 ne: _

Email: _

The Route 66 Association of Missouri is a 501(c)(3) nonpropt organization. Your gift is tax-deductible ta the extent allawed by law. PLEASE VISIT AND SUPPORT OUR VALUED BUSINESS MEMBERS business members directory l1It LiJI maintained by Robert G~hl, Director, Mnnbuship Services. Updated at of December 31, 2014.

WHITE ROSE WINERY, RESTAURANT, HUDDLE HOUSE #541 MISSOURI BED & BREAKFAST Any Meal, Anytime! Open 2417 AVILLA MO "Fine Wine, Elegant Dining, Unforgettable (573) 885-0043 Bed & Breakfast" - www.whiterosebed-breakfast.com AVILLA POST OFFICE BUILDING JIM MONTGOMERY'S BODY & PAINT Mail your Rt. 66 postcards here! Full Service Body Shop & Painting - (Former Bank of Avilla 1915-1944) COLUMBIA, MO Flatbed Wrecker Service - (573) 885-4204 STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MISSOURI KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS #8920 BOIS D'ARC, MO www.system.missouri.edulshs MACE SUPERMARKET HOOD'S PROPANE CO., INC. "Come Shop With Us" Serving Southwest Missouri - (417) 732-6632 CO NWA';';Y-.L;.';.M",-,O",--_~ __ ~_---.I MCGINNIS WOOD PRODUCTS, INC. HOOD'S SERVICE CENTER, INC. CONWAY WELCOME CENTER Specializing in Wine Barrels 24 Hour Service Since 1963 - Truck Stop EAST BOUND Enjoy the show on Route 66 - VisitMO.com MERAMEC VALLEY CAMPGROUND & RV PARK BOURBON,MO CONWAY WELCOME CENTER Where Family, Fun & Friends come together! WEST BOUND (573) 885-2541 BREMER HARDWARE & LUMBER Enjoy the show on Route 66 - VisitMO.com Helping Build Bourbon - On Main Street Since 1915! MIDWEST PETROLEUM TRAVEL PLAZA Stop, & See Our Route 66 "Classic Road Show" CIRCLE INN MALT SHOP CRESTWOOD, MO 50 Long Mural Inside! Family Owned - On Route 66 since '56 CITYOF CRESTWOOD MISSOURI HICK BARB Q CITY OF BOURBON "Community for a Lifetime"- www.ci.crestwood.mo.us Enjoy Rustic Dining and Great Food! See Our Historic "BOURBON" Water Tower from Route 66! CRESTWOOD BOWL MIZELL FUNERAL HOME "Still Rollin' After 50 Years on Route 66!" "Honored To Serve Since 1905" COUNTRY COUSIN ANTIQUE MALL (314) 966-4377 Antiques & Collectables - (573) 732-4200 PEOPLE'S BANK CRESTWOOD-SUNSET HILLS AREA Your One-Stop Financial Center PLANET SUB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Bread Made From Scratch Daily - (573) 732-3263 ROBERTS-JUDSON LUMBER DENTSQUAD Established in 1914 "To Preserve and Protect Your Factory Finish" BRENTWOOD, MO (314) 849-5577 ROCK FAIR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 3 Blocks South of Route 66 on Highway 19 CARL'S DRIVE IN POLE POSITION RACEWAY "16 Seats in Heaven" INDOOR KARTING ROUTE 66 FUDGE & FLOWER SHOP Fastest Indoor Go-Karts in St. Louis! Where The Sweets Hit The Streets on Route 66 • CITY OF BRENTWOOD (314) 925-7545 (573) 885-1121 - route66fudgeshop.com City of Warmth - www.brentwoodmo.org WALNUT PARK AUTO BODY ROUTE 66 MERCANTILE & RESTORATION CARTERVILLE, MO ROUTE 66 RESTORATIONS "Family Owned & Operated Since 1943" Classic Car Restoration - (573) 885-0032 CITYOF CARTERVILLE (314) 965-2953 Since 1876 - www.cartervillemo.com SHELLY'S ROUTE 66 CAFE CUBA,_M_O~. ~ __ "Where Friends Gather & Strangers Are Welcome" SUPERTAM ON 66 (573) 885-6000 Superman Museum & Ice Cream Parlor BOB'S GASOLINE ALLEY (417) 392-7405 SPIRALS ART GALLERY & STUDIO Gasoline & Route 66 Memorabilia Local Artwork, Crafts and Gifts - (573) 205-6777 CITYOFCUBA CARTHAGE, MO;;....-__ THE JESUS CHRISTFOUNDATION Route 66 Mural City Promoting Jesus - King of the Road 66 DRIVE-IN THEATRE CRAWFORD COUNTY FAIR INC. Open FrilSatlSun April thru Sept - (417) 359-5959 THE ROSE ...a family tradition. - www.crawfordcountyfair.info Karaoke - 2 Pool Tables - Darts BEST BUDGET INN CRAWFORD COUNTY HISTORICALSOCIETY On the lake...at Hwy 96 & Old Route 66 VIVA CUBAMURAL PROJECT 3 Stories of History - Wed & Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m., (417) 358-6911 cubamomurals.com 1 Murals Beautifying Cuba Sun Noon-4 P.M. Since 1984 BIG RED BARN RV PARK No Planes, Trains, or Freeway Noise Allowed! CUBA CHAMBER OFCOMMERCE WAGON WHEEL MOTELICONNIE'S 1(888) 244-2276 VISITOR CENTER SHOPPE AT WAGON WHEEL www.cubamochamber.com www.wagonwheeI66cuba.com - (573) 885-3411 BOOTS COURT MOTEL Back on the Road Again - Drop By and See Us! CUBA BAKERY & DELI WALLACE HOUSE Just off Route 66 at 615 NW Main - (573) 205-8453 Catering & Banquet Facilities Available CARTHAGE CONVENTION cubabakeryanddeli.com & VISITORS BUREAU www.visit-carthage.com - 1 (866) 357-8687 CUBA FREE PRESS DEVILS ELBOW, MO "Defending Your Liberties Since 1960" HISTORIC PHELPS HOUSE - CARTHAGE BECHT PROPERTIES, INC HISTORIC PRESERVATION, INC. CUBA SUPER 8 Commercial Real Estate - Ft. Wood Area Open for Tours Wednesdays April thru Service With A Smile! (573) 336-4400. November & Event Rentals Call (573) 885-2087 for Reservations ELBOW INN BAR & BBQ MOTHER ROAD COFFEE EAST OFFICE BAR & GRI LL "Most Historic Bar & Restaurant On Route 66" Great coffee on the historic Carthage square Known for our Fried Chicken & Portabello Mushrooms! (417) 35~-8182 PINEY BEACH CABINS FRISCO'S GRILL & PUB Rt. 66 Cottage Court - www.pineybeachcabins.com POWERS MUSEUM The Place to Be! 121South Smith Street - www.powersmuseum.com - 10% off in Shop Call 573-885-1522 SHELDEN'S MARKET StorelPost Office on Big Piney River STONE'S THROW DINNER THEATRE HAYES SHOE STORE Best Dinner Theatre on Route 66 - (417) 358-9665 Old Fashioned Service - Today's Styles (573) 885-7312

missouri66.org 41 lnll business members directory FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/missouri66

DIXON,MO HAYTI MO RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT JOPLIN All Suites with all the Comforts BOILING SPRING CAMPGROUND/ HAYTI WELCOME CENTER www.marriott.comljlnri - (417) 782-0908 CANOERENTAL Enjoy the show - Learn more at VisitMO.com Route 66 Family Fun - www.bscfloottrips.com THE COLONEL'S PANCAKEHOUSE (573) 759-7294 A Joplin Favorite Since 1960! - Stop in for Breakfast HAZELGREEN, MO or Lunch Tues-Sun 6 A.M. to 2 P.M.

DOOLITTLE, MO~ _ GASCOZARK TRADINGPOST TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY & FLEA MARKET MARRIOTTJOPLIN COOKIN' FROM SCRATCH / PHILLIPS 66 Visit Us At www.gascozarkfleamarket.com Comfortable Suites at a Great Value! Home of the "Route 66 King of the Road www.marriott.comljlnts - (417) 659-8111 Burger Challenge" HAZELWOOD, MO TRANSPORT DISTRIBUTION CO.CTDc) Truckin' on 66 - www.gotdc.com EAGLEVILLE, MO CITYOF HAZELWOOD, MO "Much More Than You Imagine" WILDER'SSTEAKHOUSE EAGLEVILLE WELCOME CENTER www.Hazelwoodmo.org "Famousjor Good Things to Eat & Drink Since 1928" Enjoy the show - Learn more at VisitMO.com (417) 62 -7320 HILLSBORO, MO ELLISVILLE, MO KANSAS CITY, MO STU'S CLASSIC CAR CARE ----- SCHAEFER AUTOBODY CENTERS Seecializin~ in Repair & Restoration KANSAS CITY WELCOME CENTER Auto Collision Repair, Refinishing, and Detailing of 50's-60 s-70's Classic Cars Enjoy the show - Learn more at VisitMO.com

EUREKA,MO INDEPENDENCE, MO KIRKWOOD, MO CHEROKEECHIEF TRADING POST DANIEL R.JONES, ATTORNEY AT LAW, P.c. BEST WESTERN KIRKWOOD INN Antiques, Collectibles, & Mannequins Road Lawyer, Registered Agent - Call (816) 252-0205 Best Rest West of the Arch - 2 Blocks from Doc's KOAST. LOUIS WEST / HISTORIC ROUTE 66 DOC'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON On Rt 66 - President's Award Winner 200812009 JEFFERSON CITY, MO Since 1955 - www.docsharleydavidson.com LONG'S AUTO CENTER MISSOURI DIVISION OFTOURISM KIRKWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY Across from Six Flags - Preowned Sales & Service Enjoy the show - Learn more at VisitMO.com www.longsautocenter.com KIRKWOODPOLICE DEPARTMENT ROUTE 66 STATE PARK & VISITOR CENTER JOPLIN, MO SPENCER'S GRILL On Historic Highway - Route 66 Museum 1 Gift Shop AKirkwood Favorite Since 1947!! SUPER SMOKERS BBQ CANDY HOUSE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Zagat Rated "BBQ Best Bet" - World Champions Watch our Candy Makers - Dwtn at 510 S. Kentucky ZISSER TIRE ANDAUTO - KIRKWOOD Full Service Auto Repair and Tire Sales Since 1999 COOPER'S 66 • FANNING,MO Featuring in-house Smoked Meats & Craft Beers at 124 S. Main - (417) 781-US66 LAKE OZARK, MO FANNING 66 OUTPOST GENERAL STORE Home of the Route 66 Rocker - World's Largest COUNTRY CABOOSE LAKE OZARK HELICOPTERS, INC. Railroad Museum - www.countrycaboose.com "You've never seen the Lake like this before!" lakeozarkhelicopters.com FENTON,MO CRABBY'S "Always Fresh, Never Frozen" - (417) 206-FISH ROCKWOOD RESORT MOTEL MOTOEXOTICA CLASSIC CARS LLC Serving Families Since 1953 & Family Owned - Classic & Exotic Car Dealer - 200+ Classic Cars GRANNY SHAFFER'S FAMILY RESTAURANT Call 573-365-2460 in Stock - (636) 600-4600 "Tastes Homemade Cause It Is!" 2728 N. Rangeline THE DOG PATCH STORE GRANNY SHAFFER'S ON THE PLAZA Nostalgia Gifts, Collectibles and Decor FLORISSANT, M.;.__.;O "Tastes Homemade Cause It Is!" 7th & Illinois FLORISSANT OLDTOWN PARTNERS, INC IMAGES IN TILE LEASBURG, MO __ www.florissantoldtown.com - (314) 837-0033 Custom Tile Murals - See Our Joplin & Galena Route 66 Murals! - (417) 206-0252 BELMONT VINEYARDS Great Wines for Fun Times! - (573) 885-7156 GAY PARITA, MO JOPLIN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ONONDAGA CAVE STATE PARK GAY PARITA SINCLAIR visitjoplinmo.com www.mostateparks.com - www.onondagafriends.org Travelin' Main Street USA - The Dream of My Life - An Adventure Through Time & History JOPLIN MUSEUM COMPLEX SKIPPY'S ROUTE 661NN AMissouri Ultimate 100 Destination "Good Food for Good People" GRAVOIS MILLS, M..;.,O _ JOPLIN PETRO TRUCK STOP The Perfect Spot to Refuel, Refresh and Relax LEBANON,MO WATER'S EDGE MOTEL & BOAT RENTAL A Short Side Tri' - Road Warriors Discounts JOPLI N TRANSMISSION & AUTO CENTER ACE MUFFLER SHOP (573) 372-220 "Get Your Auto Fixed on Route 66" (417) 626-7300 A Real Muffler Shop, Not a Clamp and Rip Off! (417) 588:i320 JOPLINWELCOME CENTER HALLTOWN, MO Enjoy the show on Route 66 - VisitMO.com AL'S DRIVE-THRU LIQUOR Fastest, Friendliest Service in Town - LAURA JEAN DERRICK, ARCHITECT KITCHEN PASS RESTAURANT AND BAR See Our Vintage Neon Beer Sign! Preservation 1 Renovation 1 Consultation Celebrating 25 Years! Food-Spirits- (417) 863-1530 Live Entertainment - (417) 624-9095 ANGIE'SPLACE "We aim to please, and that's our promise!" - WHITEHALL MERCANTILE MURPHYSBURG RESIDENTIAL Call 417-532-1774 Collectibles, Antiques, Primitives, Usables HISTORIC DISTRICT A Place of Prestigious & Elegant Addresses CHARLIE'S FARMS & GARDENS HANNIBAL, MO __ ...where goodness grows for taste. May thru October. NEWS/TALK FM 102.9 / A.M. 1310 KZRG HANNIBAL WELCOME CENTER Listen to Route 66 Radio Show - CITY OF LEBANON Enjoy the show - Learn more at VisitMO.com Saturdays 8 P.M.-Midnight Friendly People. Friendly Place. - www.lebanonmo.org

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CUSTOM LAWN CARE RV EXPRESS 66, LLC PHELPS,MO Lawn Care - Pruning - Trimming - (417) 588-3448 WEBSTER COUNTY HISTORICAL KC OBSOLETE PARTS DOWD'S CATFISH & BARBEQUE SOCIETY & MUSEUM Ford Parts & Accessories - RT66 Gift Shop Serving "Award Winning Catfish and BBQ" Mon.-Sat. 1-4 p.m. April-December. (417) 452-FORD (3673) on Route 66 - (417) 532-1777 On Facebook - Call 417-468-7407 FOREST MANOR MOTEL PHILLIPSBURG, M_O ---' Historic Roadside Motel & RV Park - (417) 532-6114 MILLER,MO HAPPYTRAILS RVCENTER HISTORIC ROUTE 66 MOTEL HANGAR KAFE AT KINGSLEY FIELD Full Service RV Dealer - Sales - Service - Rental American Owned - Next to Dowd's 'Flyin' 'Farmin' and 'Feedin' - Hangar Kafe 1 (800) 743-6065 Catfish & Barbeque - (417) 532-3128 is What Your 'Needin' HAPPY TRAILS RV PARK JONES AUTO & TRUCK PLAZA Full Service RV Park on Route 66 at Exit 123 off 1-44. ANDJONES FAMILY DINER MOUNT VERNON, MO We Offer a 4-cent Cash Discount on Gas! HISTORIC ROUTE 66ANTIQUE MALL VINTAGE CAR BROKER & ROUTE 66 TOURS Antiques, Rt. 66 Memorabilia & More! JONESY'S ANTIQUES "I Find 'em - You Bind 'em" - Call (417) 316-1906 1-44 Exit 123 The Collector's Choice! Open 7 Days a Week! LEBANON 1-44 SPEEDWAY OSAGE BEACH, MO RICHLAND, MO Racing every Saturday Night during May-September on Route 66! ECONO LODGEINN & SUITES- LARRY'S SERVICE LAKE OF THE OZARKS A-Blast-from-the-Past! LINDSAY CHEVROLET I LINDSAY FORD Guaranteed Clean Rooms - Call 573-348-1781 "Where The Trucks Are" on Route 66! - (417) 532-3114 MYERS AFFORDABLE PLUMBING JAKE CULPEEPER'S CATTLE CO. Prompt and Professional Service. MADISON STREET GRILL "The Steak Place at Lake of the Ozarks" Serving Great Steaks, Seafood, & Spirits!! (417) 532-0120 LAKE MEDIA ROCK HILL MO Day Trippin Magazine - Vacation News Magazine MUNGER MOSS MOTEL CITYOF ROCK HILL Your Home Away From Home LAKE OF TH E OZARKS CONVENTION & www.rockhillmo.com www.mungermoss.com VISITOR BUREAU Midwest Vacation Fun Destination NANCY BALLHAGEN'S PUZZLES ROCK PORT,MO www.missouripuzzle.com OZARK DISTILLERY Tours Every Saturday-Call 573-348-2449 ROCK PORT WELCOME CENTER ROUTE 66 MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTER www.ozarkdistillery.com Enjoy the show - Learn more at VisitMO.com Let Us Display Your Route 66 Collection! ROBIN'S RESORT • ROUTE 66 SODAS, LLC - www.robinsresort.net - Call 573-348-2275 ROGERSVILLE MO ROUTE 66 ROOT BEER LAST CHANCE GARAGE The Ones For The Road - www.route66sodas.com SEVEN SPRINGS WINERY www.sevenspringswinery.com - Call 573-317-0100 SHEPHERD HILLS FACTORY OUTLETS On Rt. 66 Since 1960 - www.shephills.com THE GOLDEN DOOR MOTEL www.goldendoormotel.com - Call 573-348-2128 ALEX'S PIZZA PALACE STARLITE LANES Best Pizza for over 50 Years! Call 573-364-2669 Where The Fun Begins! Bowl on Historic Route 66! YANKEE PEDDLERS TEA ROOM "A Fine Tradition in Fun Taste" - Call 573-348-5045 CITY OF ROLLA VALUE TIRE CENTER "The Middle of Everywhere" - www.rollacity.org "Better Deals on Tires & Wheels" www.creepinonchrome.com PACIFIC,MO FALL CREEK ROCK SHOP BEACON CAR WASH Rock Shop on Route 66 - WHIRLWIND RANCH ALPACAS Minerals, Fossils, Jewelry, Lapidary Yarns, Clothing & More! Reservations Required. Come by & see our Beacon Motel Neon Sign! www.whirlwindranch.com CITY OF PACIFIC KENT JEWELRY I ROUTE 66 ENGRAVING Creating Custom Jewelry & Gifts on the Route WILLARD QUARRIES, INC. Est. 1859 - www.pacificmissouri.com "YouCall We Haul" - (417) 532-2728 DAVE SINCLAIR MUFFLER MART CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP-RAM Located at 100 East 6th Street - (573) 364-5434 MANCHESTER, MO "If it's not right, we'll make it right" PHELPS COUNTY BANK (636) 271-4055 Employee Owned - www.phelpscountybank.com CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB OF ST.LOUIS (573) 364-5202 Dedicated to the Classic Thunderbird 1955-1957 MAHLER'S TRUCK AND AUTO REPAIR Same Location for 34 Years on Route 66! ROLLA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (636) 271-2020 & VISITOR CENTER MAPLEWOOD, MO OSAGE DENTAL GROUP "Engineered for the Road" - www.visitrolla.com PARAMOUNT JEWELERS PACIFIC ANTIQUE MALL ROUTE 66 MOTORS "See our Landmark Neon Sign Since 1946" Classic Cars and Used Cars - (573) 265-5200 www.paramountjewelers.com Antiques & Collectables - 1 Block s. of Route 66 at 125 N. First St. THE MULE TOBACCO BARN Let the Giant Sterling Hillbilly Wave You In! MARSHFIELD-

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ST. CHARLES, MO DIRECTIONS SAINT LOUIS, LLC SPENCER MO St. Louis' Premier Tour Company - FAST LANECLASSIC CARS offering Day Trips and Tours from St. Louis! SPENCER GARAGE "We Sell Investments That Accelerate" See Spencer Restored on Historic Route 66 DONUT DRIVE-IN NEON TIME Best Hand-cut Donuts in St. Louis on Route 66! Custom Neon & Vintage Sign Restoration SPRINGFIELD,MO (636) 940-7070 EAT-RITE DINER Eat-Rite or Don't Eat At All B&N AUTO PARTS ST. CLAIR, MO FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE BEST WESTERN ROUTE 66 RAIL HAVEN On Route 66 at 6211 Chipeewa - Guests Get A True Rt. 66 Experience Since 1938 HENDERSON'SANTIQUES See Our Vintage "Bow-TIe' Neon Sign! Architectural Artifacts for Home and Garden BUD'S TIRE & WHEEL CO. Selling Tires & Wheels Over 50 Years on Route 66 Call (314) 795-2612 HI-POINTE THEATRE The House of Hits Since 1922 CITYOF SPRINGFIELD LEWIS CAFE www.hi-pointetheatre.com Department of Planning & Development "Home Cooked Meals For Over 65 Years" HOWLlN' WOLF HOT RODS (417) 864-10~7 OLD BUS STOP COFFEE SHOP "Old School Hot Rods Done Right" CURTIS ENTERPRISES AND ART GALLERY www.birthplaceofroute66.com Your Gathering Place to Stop and Relax on Route 66! J. BENTZINGER AND ASSOCIATES, INC. Manufacturers Representatives -"Surrounding our DANNY'S SERVICE CENTER RIVER HILLS TRAVELER Customers with Service" - (314) 549-5510 Look for our original Neon Sign Ozarks Outdoor Information at West Bypass & W. Division! - Friendly Folks - ~ree Samples PUBLISHING CONCEPTS, LLC Publishing eBooks, Travel Logs, Maps, DR. MICHAELJ. CLARKE ROUTE 66 CAR CLUB Web sites - (314) 781-8880 HISTORY MUSEUM OF Father's Day Car Show - Call (636) 629-5445 OlARKS SCOUTING SAINT JOHNNEPOMUK CHAPEL (417) 883-1636, Archiving SW Missouri ST. CLAIR HISTORICAL MUSEUM ST. LOUIS TRANSITIONS Boy Scouting Heritage VFW POST 2482 Route 66 St. Louis Books & Unique Handmade Items ESLICK ENTERPRISES On Route 66 in the former art deco inspired - route66stlouis.com David J. Eslick, Photographer - (417) 889-9332 Skylark Motel! ST. LOUIS WELCOME CENTER FIREWORKS SUPERMARKETS Enjoy the show on Route 66 - VisitMO.com Visit our locations in Spring~eld & Gray Summit - ST.JAMES MO SOUTHWEST MARKET CUISINE Open All Year! 4M VINEYARDS& FARMS "Sandwiches Our Specialty" GREAT RIVER ENGINEERING TED DREWES OFSPRINGFIELD, INC. GREENSTAY HOTEL & SUITES www.greatrivereng.com Stay green and friendly "It Really is Good, Guys... and Gals!" HARBELL'S GRILL &SPORTS BAR JOHNNIES BAR T.F.A. THE FUTURE ANTIQUES The Leading Mid Century Dealer in the St. Louis Area Just West of Park Central S9uare on 66 - • Coldest Beer on Route 66 Watch for flickering Neon Flame! MURDON CONCRETE PRODUCTS ST. ROBERT MO HISTORY MUSEUM ON THE SQUARE Look for our Dripping Faucet Neon Sign! "Where History Comes Alive on Route 66" ALL STAR INN & STAR RESTAURANT SPURGEON'S "66" SERVICE KIRK WHEELER AUTOMOTIVE, INC. "66" Station on Route 66 Since 1961 "Locall), Owned & Operated - Home Cooked Food on Old Route 66" wheelerauto.com -"Your Work Truck Dealer" ST.JAMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (417) 886-2886 & TOURIST CENTER BAYMONT INN & SUITES I ST. ROBERT-FT. LEONARD WOOD LA QUINTA INN - SOUTH SPRINGFIELD Discover the Ozarks' Best! (417) Hometown Hospitality at its Best Your Home While Traveling - 890-6060 VACUUM CLEANER MUSEUM LURVEY PROPERTIES AND FACTORYOUTLET CITY OF ST. ROBERT www.vacuummuseum.com - 1 (866) 444-9004 "Come Grow With Us" - www.saintrobert.com MEXICAN VILLA EL TACO COMFORT INN On Route 66 at 316 W. Kearney - ST.LOUIS MO Unique Rustic Lodge - (573) 336-3553 See our Vintage Neon Sign! MISSOURI NEON COMPANY AAAAUTO CLUB OFMISSOURI FAIRFIELD INN Making Business Comfortable! - (573) 336-8600 Since 1934 - Custom Signs, Billboards, We're Always With You Digital Displays - (800) 788-1778 FIRST STATE BANK, ST. ROBERT AMERICAN CARNIVAL MART Together We Are Making Progress MITCHEM TIRE & WHEEL The place to ~nd fun stuff! Selling Quality Tires on Route 66 Since 1939 AUTO EVALUATORS,INC. HAMPTON INN Hot 'On The House' Breakfast - (573) 336-3355 MOMMA MARY'S NAVAJO TACOS ForAll Your Automotive Needs - (314) 968-2992 "One Bite is a true Southwest delight" LIBERTY LODGE BANC CARD MIDWEST, INC. 66 Roams on Route 66! - (573) 336-3121 MOTHER ROAD ANTIQUES & UNIQUES Merchant Services Since 1997 - (314) 963-1602 Visit the "BIGGEST" Little Antique Shop on Route 66! jan(a)banccardmw.com PULASKICOUNTY TOURISM BUREAU Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Pulaski County - Missouri's Natural Beauty BLUEBERRY HILL- www.pulaskicountyusa.com MOTHER ROAD MOTORCYCLES RESTAURANT & MUSIC CLUB Late Model, Low Mileage Motorcycles www.BlueberryHill.com ROUTE 66 DINER www.WeBuyHarleys.com Open 7 Days 11a.m.- Wowee!!! "Food, Fun, and Fifties 24 Hours a Day!" (573) 336-8989 OlARKS PUBLIC TELEVISION CHUCK-A-BURGER KOIK-Spring~eld / KOIJ-Joplin DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT SUNSHINE CAFE Visit us at www.optv.org Cruisin' Capitol of the Midwest since 1957 SWEETWATER BAR-B-QUE R&S MEMORIAL DECORATIONS CREVE COEUR PAVING "A taste of the Ozarks" At 1-44 & Exit 163, Making Memorial Decorations Since 1959 Our Reputation Rides On Our Service Open Daily Call (417) 732-6263 www.CcpStl.com REX SMITH OIL COMPANY DENT DEVI L of St. Louis SHREWSBURY, MO Family Owned & Operated on Pointless Dent Removal www.dentdevil.com Bypass Route 66 Since 1933 (636) 230-7900 CITY OF SHREWSBURY

44 Show Me Route 66 PLEASE VISIT AND SUPPORT OUR VALUED BUSINESS MEMBERS business members directory ~

ROUTE 66 BARBER SHOP BUSHMASTERS ROCKIN RACE PLACE VILLA RIDGE MO Get Your Kicks with a Haircut at an & HOT ROD MUSEUM Old Tyme Barber Shop on Route 66 Located at MM #94 on 1-44 - The Place to Drink, BOURBEUSE VALLEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON Eat BBQ, Sniff Nitro. Live Nitro/Jet Dragster Junction of 1-44 & Hwy 50 on Route 66 ROUTE 66 HOT DOGS Start-Ups on '$aturdays www.route66hotdogs.com K LEIGH BUGS ANTIQUE MALL Antiques, Collectables, & Furniture - (636) 451-6303 ROUTE 66 MISSOURI TOURS CHESTNUT PLAZA Step-on Guides {or Motorcoach Tours At Corner of 1-44 and State Highway 125 SUNSET MOTEL Call (417) 343-1567 CITY OF STRAFFORD A Vintage Neon Night Scene along Historic Route 66! SPRINGFIELD AREA The Best Small Town on Main Street USA - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Route 66 WALNUT GROVE, MO Everywhere Should Be Like This - Call (417) 862-5567 DELCOUR PROPERTIES 7C'S WINERY Alice DelCour - (417) 839-2152 SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY Fine Wine & Mead in a Country Setting LIBRARY CENTER Drive Here to Research Route 66 and More! JOE'S ROUTE 66 DINER Hand-breaded Pork Tenderloins, WAYNESVILLE MO SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY LIBRARY Hand-cut Onion Rings & Tater Fries Daily! LOCAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT CAVE STATE CRUISERS CAR CLUB Genealogy, Family Heritage, KEISER PROPERTIES LLC Cor Show the Weekend After Father's Day and Civil War Research Center! "40 Years on Route 66" (573) 435-9297 SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY STRAFFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITY OF WAYNESVILLE LIBRARY STATION Call (417) 894-7653 for Information on Established 1833 - www.waynesvillemo.org Cruise into the Library Station to view 2014 "Route 66 Days" Event Cor and Train Memorabilia! HOPPERS PUB STRAFFORD BRANCH LIBRARY "66 Brews on Route 66" - www.hopperspub.com SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI Cruise down Route 66 to the (573) 774-0135 CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Strafford Branch Library! Birthplace of Route 66 - Springfield, MO LONE OAK PRINTING CO. 1(800) 678-8767 TEAM LIQUORS "Small Store with a Lorge Selection" - PULASKI COUNTY HISTORICAL SPRINGFIELD/ROUTE 66 KOA on Rt. 66 just East of Strafford MUSEUM & SOCIETY Great Camping on Route 66 Since 1972! Open Saturdays Only 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April thru Sept. THE CUTTING ROOM STEAK 'N SHAKE Give your hair a "Kick" on Route 66!! SECURITY BANK OF PULASKI COUNTY Famous For Steakburgers & Route 66! Established 1936 - On the Historic Pulaski County Courthouse Square STEWART AUTO SERVICE INC. SULLIVAN, MO Making Friends Since 1971at 521 E. Commercial SKYLINE CYCLES,INC. CENTRAL ELECTRIC & STORAGE Visit us on Route 66 or at www.skylinecycles.net • TWIN MOTORCYCLE & TATTOO Serving the Community for 40 Years! Home of the Route 66 Tattoo (573) 468-3143 THE OLD STAGECOACH STOP Open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April thru Sept. UNIVERSITY PLAZA HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER DU KUM INN RESTAURANT WAYNESVILLE-ST. ROBERT Full-Service Convention Facility on Route 66 Serving Route 66 Travelers Since 1961! CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (573) 468-6114 www.waynesville-strobertchamber.com WATERMAN'S HYDROSEEDING, LLC mwhydroseed(aJao/.com HARRY'S TIRE, LLC New Tires, Custom Wheels, & Tire Repair WEBB CITY MO WHITE MOTOR COMPANY (573) 468-4128 "Buy Rite From White" - (417) 866-8143 CULVER'S ROUTE 66 www.whitemotorcompany.com SCHMIDT AUTO CENTER America's First Route 66 Culver's! "Late Model Pre-Owned Vehicles Since 1954" Hwy 171& Madison on Route 66 WILSON'S CHUCKWAGON (573) 468-2233 Burgers & BBQ on Route 66 at 1820 W. Kearney WEBB CITY AREA CHAMBER (417) 862-1101 SULLIVAN AREA OF COMMERCE & ROUTE 66 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE YOUR BIG HAIR DAY STUDIO VISITORS CENTER "Spend The Night or a Lifetime" On the Route at Broadway & Webb - SHANNON MEDLEY, STYLIST www.sullivanmochamber.com Wedding & Event Hair Design by Appt. Only Call (417) 673-1154 (417) 987-8448 WEBB CITY FLORIST & GREENHOUSE SUNSET HILLS MO See Our Historic Sign on Original Route 66 at 1001 S. Jefferson! - (417) 673-3780 STANTON,MO CITY OF SUNSET HILLS MERAMEC CAVERNS www.sunset-hills.com WEBB CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Open Everyday! Oldest Stop on Route 66 HOLIDAY INN ST. LOUIS SW - ROUTE 66 Newly Remodeled - At intersection of Watson Rd. WEBSTERGROVES, MO & Lindbergh Blvd. STATELINE,MO YORKSHIRE VILLAGE PADDOC LIQUORS MILE 277TAP & GRILL Port of Route 66 Since 1951 On Old Route 66 at State Line - Where Route 66 and Exquisite mix! Look for our Gas Pumps! WILDWOOD MO UNION,MO CITY OF WILDWOOD, MISSOURI STOUTLAND, MO HUXEL'S AUTO REPAIR Planning Tomorrow Today - www.cityofwildwood.com Used Ports for Old Cars 1940 to 1980 ROUTE 66 COUNTRY CAFE HISTORIC "BIG CHIEF" ROADHOUSE ATTRISH'S GAS & GRILL INDIAN HARVESTTRADE Established 1929 - www.bigchiefroadhouse.com On Historic Route 66 at Exit 140 off 1-44 On Route 66 - www.indianharvesttrade.com (636) 458-3200 . (417) 286-4500 MASON DIXON FLEA MARKET STATE FARM INSURANCE Open Saturdays & Sundays - Mikel Garrett, Agent STRAFFORD, MO On Route 66 at Junction 1-44 & US 50 www.mikelgarrett.com - (636) 458-5055 AUSTIN'S PUMPING SERVICE STOVALL'S GROVE "Service is not a Deportment, it's on Attitude" Dance Hall, Tavern, and Live Music Since 1935 (417) 987-9914

missouri66.org 45 ~I business members directory

ILLINOIS ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 SCENIC BYWAY PIZZA HUT EXPRESS www.illinoisroute66.org - Call 217-525-9308 50s Style Dining - 1 Block W. of Coleman Theatre ATLANTA,IL at 101 "A" Street STAUNTON,IL THE PALMS GRILL CAFE WAYLAN'S KU-KU BURGER Homemode Food - Homemode Pies & Cokes - DECAMP JUNCTION INC. Don't just ask for a burger. Ask for WAYLAN'S Free Iced Teo!- (217) 648-2233 Historic Roadhouse Serving Since 1926 (618) 637-2951 OKLAHOMA CITY OK AUBURN IL HENRY'S ROUTE 66 ANN'S CHICKEN FRY HOUSE BECKY'S BARN - RABBIT RANCH / EMPORIUM On Historic Route 66 at 4106 NW 39th Street OFF TH E BRICKS ON ROUTE 66 Rt.66 Info Center - www.HenrysRoute66.com 405-943-8915 Antiques, Souvenirs, Amish Candy & Jams (217) 836-3043, BeckysBarn.com WILLOWBROOK,IL TULSA,OK THE ROUTE 66 ALLIANCE DELL RHEA'S CHICKEN BASKET CARLINVILLE IL A non-profrt committed to the preservation, As Seen on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" protection and promotion of the Mother Road MAGNUSON GRAND HOTEL and "Chicago's Best" & CONFERENCE CENTER VINITA,OK www.magnusongrandhotel.com KANSAS Full Service - Route 66 CENTER THEATRE BAXTERSPRINGS, KS Historic Center Theatre on Route 66 EDWARDSVILLE,IL in Vinita, Oklahoma! CAFE ON THE ROUTE CITYOF EDWARDSVI LLE HI-WAY CAFE Third Oldest City in Illinois PHILLIPS ROUTE 66 VISITORS CENTER "The Best Little Cafe on Route 66" - (918) 256-5465 www.cityofedwardsville.com A Restored 1930's Phillips Service Station (620) 856-2066 SHOUT & SACK C-STORE & DELI Rock Out on 66 - Buckle Up! Be Cool! Be Clean! Be Back! GRANITE CITY, IL PIZZA HUT Watch for the Route 66 Shield on our Roadside Sign! HISTORIC ROUTE 66 FLEA MARKET TEXAS Over 100 Vendors Selling Old & New - ADRIAN,TX Find your Deal & Grab a Meal! GALENA, KS CARS ON THE ROUTE MIDPOINT CAFE & GIFT SHOP HAMEl IL The Home of Tow Tater - Home of the "MidPoint Ugly" Pie - (806) 538-6379 Inspiration for "Tow Mater" from "Cars" ROUTE 66 RIDEZ Repair & Restoration of Classic Cars PIZZA HUT NEW MEXICO & Route 66 Gift Shop See our Galena Mural inside our location! ALBUQUER UE NM WEEZY'S ROUTE 66 BAR & GRILL STREETCAR STATION COFFEE SHOP ABSOLUTELY NEON, INC. • Known for Karen's Famous Fried Chicken! "For the coffee you desire" on Route 66 - (618) 633-2228 (620) 783:S554 TUCUMCARI1..:...N:.:..:M:.:.--_~~__ ...I LIVINGSTON IL RIVERTON, KS TEE PEE CURIOS The neon is back on! 575-461-3773 PINK ELEPHANT ANTIQUE MALL NELSON'S OLD RIVERTON STORE "See Our Giant Roadside Attractions!" Home of the "Hand Crafted Sandwich" THE BLUE SWALLOW MOTEL (618) 637-2366 (620) 848-3330 A Unique Experience out of Another Time - (575) 461-9849 LITCHFIElD,IL OKLAHOMA CALIFORNIA CITY OF LITCHFIELD - TOURISM OFFICE AFTON,OK Where Land and Water Come Into Play LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA AFTON STATION & ROUTE 66 PACKARDS NATIONAL HISTORIC ROUTE 66 LITCHFIELD HISTORY MUSEUM Route 66 & Vintage Car Museum / Visitors' Center & ROUTE 66 WELCOME CENTER FEDERATION Preserving and Promoting The Mother Road Located at 334 Historic Old Route 66 ARCADIA,OK - Open 7 Days a Week POPS THE ARISTON CAFE GEORGIA Food, Fuel & Fizz! www.pops66.com - (405) 928-7677 r::==-=-:-:--=-~------'" "Remember! Where Good Food Is Served" BYRON,GA MITCHElL,IL CLAREMORE, OK ROADS AN D RAI LS Route 66 Souvenirs - www.roadsandrails.net CLAREMORE CONVENTION LUNA CAFE 478-334-3772 & VISITORS BUREAU "See Our Spectacular Neon Signs by Day Claremore, OK - www.visitclaremore.org and Especially by Night!" PENNSYLVANIA MT.OllVE IL CliNTON,OK NEW SALEM, PA OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM CROSSROADS DINER LEES LEASING COMPANY LLC A tribute to "The Mother Road" www.route66.org A Classic Route 66 Diner Since 1953! Kathryn & Robert Jurosco - Proud Supporters of Rt. 66! (580) 323-7866 Call (217) 999-8491. TENNESSEE MURPHYSBORO,IL ElK CITY?OK NATIONAL ROUTE 66 MUSEUM COMPLEX NASHVILLE, TN SILKWORM,INC. www.elkcity.com - (580) 225-6266 (800) 826-0577 - www.silkwormink.com JOE LOESCH - THE ROAD CREW Songs from the Mother Road & Route 66 MIAMI .•OK Audio 'History - NewWaytoRead.com SPRINGFIElD,IL ALLEN SIGN STUDIO WAVERLY TN COZY DOG DRIVE IN "A Sign of Service" www.allensignstudio.com "Famous Hot Dog On a Stick" JESS McENTIRE - MOTHER ROAD MUSIC www.cozydogdrivein.com MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU "Makin Music for the Mother Road" Home of Coleman Theatre, Ribbon Road & More motherroadmusic(ii)yahoo.com 46 Show Me Route 66 Dave & Geniece Tyler 573-348-2128 800-348-2128 rtlie golden (])oor • RESORT / MOTEL· YOUR GOLDEN DOOR TO A WONDERFUL VACATION ::£af,e 0/ Me (!)zarf,s 'iI~~e P.O. Box 227 4690 Osage Beach Pkwy ll.&l~~~IMl@ 0 [mD ~aMl % Mile East of the Grand Osage Beach, MO 65065 Glaize Bridge - Passover Exit www.goldendoormotel.com ~~~

~> Don and lenore Neuharth Econolodge Co-Owners/General Managers Inn &Suites TM BY CHOICE HOTELS lake of the Ozarks 5760 Business 54 Parkway Osage Beach, MO 65065 Phone: 573.348.1781 Fax: 573.348.1938 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/mo135 [email protected]

Lake of the Ozarks Centrally located with year LI\Ki: C>2I\RK round attractions, events and festivals. Helicopter Tours Start at $29 Request your free Come Fly With Us! vacation guide today Experience the Thrill! • 6 Tours Available funlake.com 2101 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark lakeozarkhelicopters.com SOO-fun-Lake (573) 302-0022 CRockwood Resort Motel 1701 Bagnell Dam Blvd. * Lake Ozark, Mo. 65049 (573) 365-2460 -- toll free 1-866-Rockwood e-mall: [email protected] or rockwood@socketJlCt

I mile south of'Bagnell Dam 011 Bus. 54 hwy. "at lilt! Bagnell Dam Strip". where tile filii begins"

SEVEN lS SPRINGS WINERY

Come for the wine ... Stay for the atmosphere ... Remember the view! 573.317.0100

846 Winery Hills Estate' Linn Creek MO www.sevenspringswinery.com [email protected] JmJ then and now

BY JOE SONDERMAN

(THEN) There were no television stations in the Tri-State area when the 66 Drive-In opened on September 22, 1949 showing the film Two Guys From Texas. F. Naramore and WD. Bradfield's drive-in on a nine-acre site three miles west of Carthage could ac- commodate 400 cars and had a walk in seating area for up to 18 people. The drive-in faded with the arrival of the Interstate, but held on until 1985. It became a salvage yard, the once .busy lot filled• with junked vehicles.

(NOW) Mark Goodman bought the salvage yard in 1986. Eleven years later, Mark, his wife Dixie and the family began clearing out the battered cars and the 66 Drive in re-opened on April 18, 1998. It is the only survivor of the six drive-ins once located on the Mother SS Road that bore the 66 name and was added to the DRIVE-I National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The 66 is open Monday-Sunday THEAT between April and the middle of September CART GE, and shows family friendly fare only.

48 Show Me Route 66