St. Louis County SHOWME ROUTE 66

Quarterly Magazine of The Route 66 Association of Winter 1996 "Invaluable" "A Delight ...A Must" St. Louis Post Dispatch Ollt West Magazine

TOlJR\\OOK

C. u,\SKl'P) C\TR.TIS

A History of Route 66 in Missouri Over 350 Vintage Postcards & Photographs with Detailed Driving Instructions

This 272-page volume will take you on a nostalgic trip on old 2-lane Route 66 across Missouri, both educating and entertaining you, whether you're "touring" in your home or experiencing the "Show Me State" on the open road.

To the Springfield News-Leader, " •••the book's real attraction for Route 66 fans and nostalgia lovers is its photographs," The St. Louis Post-Dispatch said the book "••.otTers a glimpse of what the Golden Age held for motorists." $20 (Plus $3 for shipping & handling) Send check or money order to: Curtis Enterprises 2302A Gascony Drive Lake st. Louis, MO 63367 . 314-625-8267 This photo shows the first cloverleaf interchange west of the nearing completion. Finished in 1932 at a cost of $37,000, the red granite-faced bridge is at Highway 66 (Watson Road) and , south of Kirkwood, Missouri. The February 1932 issue of Missouri Motor News explained how it works, "Traffic desiring to turn from one road on to the other uses a paved circle or ramp constructed at each corner of the intersection. All left turns are prohibited, and neither is traffic allowed to cross either road. The necessity for left turns is eliminated by constructing the drives so that traffic makes two right turns. It is expected that drivers may be slightly confused the first time they use this structure, but it is neither complicated nor difficult. The one important thing to remember is that in place of making a left turn, the driver of the vehicle goes over or under the bridge and then makes two right turns." • • Step Back in Time at

ROUTE Nostalgia 66 Gift Shop Route 66 Collectibles MOTORS @ - Automobilia - Signs (All 8 States) ~e~ Porcelain Signs T-Shirts Route 66 Tin Signs • Posters ___...... "."•-•. Gas Pump Globe Coca-Cola Items Caps Die Cast Models Pins ~e~ Coffee Mugs 1997 Route 66 Calendars Travel Guides 1997 Country Roads Calendars Books VHS Videos

- For Sale- Restored Pumps Collector Cars For Sale Gas Pumps 12661 Old Hwy 66 • Rolla, MO 65401 • (573) 265-5200 1-44 N. Service Road (Old Rt. 66) between Exit 189 (Hwy V) & Exit 195 Wayne E. & Patricia Bales Owners Original buildings (1940, 1950) still sit along Old Route 66 Route 66 Motors established 1985 We accept MasterCard and Visa· We ship UPS • • • • tn/ to...... golf courses, mineral and geology museums, concerts, historic sites, the Mark Twain National Forest, fishing, parks, antique car museum, canoeing, antique shopping, UMR's Stonehenge replica, picnicking, farmers' market, the University of Missouri-Rolla, camping, experimental mine, nuclear reactor, swimming, driving range, exercise trails, rivers and springs, motels, restaurants, tennis courts, caves wineries, libraries, shopping, miniature golf, conference center and food service, old courthouse, historic log house and much, much more!

On Historic .". ~ "" Convention Incentives Available 1MISSOORI ~ Rolla Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center IUS \ 1301 Kingshighway • P.O.Box 823 • Rolla, MO 65402 573-364-3577 • Toll Free Information Line 1-800-809-3817 •Fax 573-364-5222 Uiv~

• •

We're prowl to 6e a part of Le6anon and Route 66

Be sure to stop by and see our Route 66 Vintage Photo Display

300 s. Jefferson (1 block off Old 66) Lebanon,MO 532-7300

SHOWME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 1 Route 66 Association of Missouri Association News

We had a very productive and entertaining meeting in Springfield, January 18. During our annual Association election, these officers were retained for another two-year term: Ron Robb, President; Tommy Pike, Vice President;Freeman McCullah, Treasurer; and Herman Heironimous, Secretary. Also, the following members were elected to the Association's Board of Directors: Linda Bresnahan, Cuba; Henry Gerdes, St. Louis; Jane Herndon, Republic; Bill Huxel,Union; Karla Wilkerson, Marshfield. We urge anyone with questions, ideas, or a desire to help the Association to contact a member of the Board in your area. (See page 4.) We want to thank the folks at Mrs. O'Mealey's for a great lunch, and a special thank you to our guest speaker Dan Fortner. Dan entertained us with personal stories and humorous recollections of his years as owner of A&W restaurants in Rolla and Springfield, both on Old Route 66. This year's Annual Motor Tour will be held September 12-14. It will begin in the St. Louis area and continue west through Joplin and into . To help with the tour, contact Jane Dippel or Kent Sanderson (see page 4). We encourage you to mark your calendar now to plan to be a part of your Association's Event of the Year! The Missouri Department of Transportation has indicated to us that "Historic Route 66" exit signs on Interstate 44 will be in place across the state this April. These signs will direct travelers off the "big street" to the "Main Street."Also in April, the state expects to execute the Association's lease on the triangular piece of property at Kearney & Glenstone in Springfield. Plans are afoot for a Missouri Route 66 informational kiosk at the site. In response to efforts by Laclede County residents (see Spring 1996 issue), Missouri House of Representatives Beth Long has introduced House Bill 94 which has been referred to the House Transportation Committee and is awaiting a hearing date. It reads: "All highways and roadways, and portions thereof, within this state which constituted the original United States Highway 66, as determined by the Missouri Department of Transportation, shall be renamed "Route 66" along those portions ...and no political subdivision shall designate such portions otherwise." We will, of course, follow the progress of the bill and keep you informed. The annual6.6M Route 66 Run, open to all, will be May 3 in Pacific. Prizes for all age brackets. (314) 451-3890 for details. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jerry Richard, co-founder of the Historic Route 66 Association of , who died January 22 in an airplane crash. At the service, a friend spoke,"I knew Jerry Richard.What a nice thought."

Next Meetings: April 19 at Cavern City Hideout in Stanton - 12:30 pm July 12 at Wildwood Springs - 5 miles south of Old 66 and Cuba November 8 at Route 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage

12 X 15 Replica "Historic Route 66" Metal Roadsign $20 Official Missouri U.S. 66 5-Color Sweatshirt $18 Official Missouri U.S. 66 5-Color T-Shirt $13 (Indicate Size of Sweatshirt or T-Shirt: M-L-XL-XXL) 8 X 8 Missouri U.S. 66 Shield Car-Door Rubber Magnet $10 (2 for $18) [Add $3 Per Item for Shipping & Handling] Make check payable to: Route 66 Association of Missouri Mail to: Ron Robb, 12775 Old 66 Blvd., Carthage, MO 64836

2 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 NewMembers

The following are New 1996 Members of the Route 66 Association of Missouri.

Gary Adamson Donald Creighton Robert Kinkaid Bob & Jean St. John Everton, MO Hatboro, PA San Francisco, CA Higginsville, MO

Francis M. Bevans Eula Mae Curtis J. Kr~penbach Rt. 66 Saturn Car Club Wilmington, DE Springfield, MO New 011and, PA Springfield, MO Rex Bevans Larry Curtis Frank Kuroda Katie Schmidt Westminister, CO Hazelwood, MO Allen Park, MI Springfield, MO

Big Chief Dakota Grill Harris Dark Steak "n" Shake Loretta Scott Pond,MO Springfield, MO Springfield, MO Sullivan, MO

Beatrice Black Donovan's Restaurant James Little John Shikanuarnily Lake St. Louis, MO Branson, MO Chicago,IL Springfield, 0

Robert Bolander Matthew Ddpke Clyde Lorance Gustav Siegmund Springfield, MO University ity, MO Springfield, MO Southfield, MI

Dolly Bresnan Stu Dunkel Owen & Betty McNamara Sports Leisure Travel Affton, MO Jefferson City, MO Florissant, MO Sacramento, CA

Evelyn Brewer Mike Edlund Gary Mitchell Strafford Real Estate Co. Lebanon, MO Muskegon, MI Philadelphia, PA Strafford, MO

Britton Funeral Home Robert Eugemann Wala Mitrenfia Marion Thurston, Jr. Cuba, MO Washington, MO Elk rove Vi lage, IL Columbia, MO

Wm. & Shirley Buckley William Farr Elbert Montgomery Bill & Pat Tilley Marion, AR Republic, MO Lebanon, MO Potosi, MO

Andrew Burkemper Diane's Lounge George & Judy Mosley John Tra~er St. Peters, MO Cuba, MO Pacific, MO Hobart, I

Arthur & Caroline Burnor Mike Fensler Muffler Mart Bob & Pat Turnure Plato, MO Grass Lake, MI Rolla, MO Florissant, MO

William Byrnes Pegtiy Finley Greg Naylor Bob & Francie Turnure Hanover, KS Les Ie, MO Lynchburg, OH Glendale, MO

John Caldwell Jim & Louise Gilbert Ann & Carroll Neyrey Grace Valian Brownsburg, IN St. Louis, MO Crystal Beach. FL Grants Pass, OR

Louise Campbell 66 Drive In Theatre Van Nightingale Vernon & Sons, Inc. Cuba, MO Carthage, MO Orange, CA Lebanon, MO

John Carlson Bill Hagen David Ohlendore Rose Mary Vierdag Defiance, MO Kansas City, MO Granite City, IL Florissant, MO

Bob & Janet Carter John Hanson Nelson Owen Marrie Wack Marshfield, MO Des Plaines, IL Lebanon, MO St. ouis, MO

Frank Case M. Harris Construction Mychael Patrick West Wind Antiques Richland, MO Cuba, MO Kihei, HI Marshfield, MO

Elbert Childers Roger Hurlbert A. Raben Art Whitworth Hartsburg, MO San Francisco, CA St. Louis, MO Bourbon, MO

Elvin Clark Norman Huston Russell Renshaw Karl & Esther Wickstrom Linn, MO St. Charles, MO Springfield, MO Marshfield, MO Glynn & Beverly Cooper Sherry Hutchins Cuba Cinema Kenneth Wilhite Springfield, MO Dixon, MO Cuba, MO Lilburn, GA

Dr. Delbert Copehart Clarke Ingram Steven Rider Karla Wilkerson Carthage, MO Rochester, NY Albany, NY Marshfield, MO

Cowan's Rt. 66 Station Tyge Jantzen Ike's Smokehouse Dale Worcester Strafford, MO Luxembourg Villa Ridge, MO Canton, MI

Mark Crane Andrew Jessup Roberts-Judson Lumber Wanda Young San Francisco, CA Palm Springs,CA Cuba, MO Lebanon, MO

SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 3 Route 66 Association of Missouri Route 66 Associations

Officers I Directors Historic Route 66 Assn of Arizona P.O. Box 66 Jim PoweU Howard Hufford Founder P.O. Box 191 Kingman, AZ 86402 5560 Pershing #404 St. Thomas, MO 65076 Anita Leeming (520) 753-5001 St. Louis, MO 63112-1721 (573) 477-3531 W: (314) 982-5500 Bill Huxel Historic Route 66 Assn H: (314) 367-2418 1361 N. Washington 2117 Foothill Blvd., No. 66 Ron Robb Union, MO 63084 La Verne, CA 91750 President (314) 583-5906 Geoffrey Willis (714) 289-8666 12775 Old 66 Blvd. Carthage, MO 64836 Ada Moore (417) 358-7742 Route 5, Box 363A Route 66 Assn of Lebanon, MO 65536 2743 Veterans Parkway #166 Tommy Pike (417) 532-3404 Vice President Springfield, IL 62704 1602 East Dale Bob Nichols Jeff Meyer (708) 392-0860 One South Main Street Springfield, MO 65803 (417) 865-1318 Webb City, MO 64870 (417) 673-7449 Kansas Historic Route 66 Assn Freeman McCullah P.O. Box 169 Peggy O'Neill Treasurer 7510 Sutherland Riverton, KS 66770 1590 Woodlake Drive St. Louis, MO 63119 Scott Nelson (316) 848-3330 Chesterfield, MO 63017-5712 W; (314) 340-4100 W: (314) 889-2338 H:(314) 647-1727 H: (314) 527-3968 Route 66 Assn Dieter Roller Norman Heironimous 1415 Central NE 1313 Neff Road Secretary Albuquerque, NM 87lO6 St. Clair, MO 63077 905 E. Washington (Hwy 66) Elmo Baca (505) 246-0211/753-8172 (573) 629-4428 Cuba, MO 65453 W:(573) 885-6826 Kent Sanderson Oklahoma Route 66 Assn H:(573) 885-4651 1111 Miremont Dr. 223 E. 3rd Street Manchester, MO 63011 Wayne Bales (314) 227-1262 Chandler, OK 74834-3851 12661 Old Highway 66 Ron Burden (405) 258-0008 Rolla, MO 65401 AlfSmith W: (573) 265-5200 P.O. Box 498 H:(573) 364-7656 Marshfield, MO 65706 Old Route 66 Assn of H: (417) 859-5343 Linda Bresnahan P.O. Box 66 P.O. Box 524 Mark Stauter McLean, TX 79057 Cuba, MO 65453 309 Hutchinson Drive George Rook (806) 354-9716 W: (573) 885-2477 Rolla, MO 65401-3913 H: (573) 885-7831 W: (573) 341-4874 Route 66 Territory Museum H:(573) 341-2932 C.H. (Skip) Curtis 7965 Vineyard Ave., Suite F5 2302 Gascony Drive Karla Wilkerson Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 P.O. Box 535 Bob Lundy (909) 948-9166 (314) 625-8267 Marshfield, MO 65706 (417) 859-6304 Jane Dippel CANADA 7920 Captain Conn Mary Lou Stone Canadian Route 66 Assn St. Louis,MO 63123 Honorary Director W: (314) 889-2574 324 Main Box 31061 #8-2929 St. Johns St. H: (314) 843-7132 Halltown, MO 65664 Port Moody B.C. (417) 491-4242 Fran Eickhoff Canada V3H 4T4 P.O. Box 244 John Bradbury Lorrie Fleming (604) 341-6634 Cuba, MO 65453 Historian (573) 885-3007 Univ. MO - Rolla Library FRANCE Room G-3 Henry Gerdes Assn Francaise Route 66 Rolla, MO 65401-0249 9950 Solar Lane W: (573) 341-4874 88, Rue du Chateau St. Louis, MO 63123 H: (573) 364-3544 F. 92600 Asnieres, France W: (314) 923-4768 H: (314) 849-7830 HOLLAND Jane Herndon The Dutch Route 66 Assn 7349 W. Summit Republic, MO 65738 P.O. Box 2012 (417) 732-4006 1620 EA Room The Netherlands

4 SHOW ME ROUTE 66/ WINTER 1996 SHOW ME ROUTE 66

Volume 8, Number 4 / Winter 1996 Features

The History of U.S. Highway 66 in St. Louis Stories {, Photos An in-depth examination of the paths Route 66 took in the St. Louis area. of By James R. Powell 8-22 Old Route 66

The emphasis of Show Me Route 66 The Original magazine is to entertain and educate A look at Manchester Road, St. Louis' original Route 66. readers with stories of the Old Road. Any personal photos, anecdotes or By Jay Nies & Tim Walsh 11 reminiscenses of old 2-lane Route 66 that we receive will be published in an appropriate issue so that others can Route 66 Bridges of St. Louis share in your experiences. 66 crossed the Mississippi River on five bridges. A brief history of each Upon receipt of any material, copies By James R. Powell 12-13 will be made and the originals will be promptly returned to sender. It is preferred that submittals be in a typed format; however, handwritten or The "Bend" microcassette versions are also Why is there a bend in the famous ? Here's the answer. welcomed. If mailing, be sure to mark By James R. Powell 15 any package that contains photographs "Photos Do Not Bend." (ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO PICK UP AND/OR Roadside Poets RECORD YOUR MATERIAL IN A couple of glimpses at times past. PERSON.) Please contact the editor. By Arthur Davis and Elbert Childers 23

So dig out those old photographs and postcards, and all your stories that accompany them, or just send us your Departments On The Cover personal glimpses of old Route 66. By This 1937 Cities Service road map publishing the material, you will ensure Association News 2 shows the various Mississippi River that those experiences will be saved for crossings at St. Louis of U.S. 66 future generations. New Members 3 (Chain of Rocks Bridge), St. Louis Write to: City 66 (Chain of Rocks Bridge - then Show Me Route 66 Route 66 Associations 4 Riverview Drive), Optional 66 c/o C.H.(Skip) Curtis crossing the McKinley Bridge, and 2302 Gascony Drive Comment 7 Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 East St. Louis City 66 over the .-,. (314) 625-8267 Municipal Bridge. ""- ~ Photo Credits 24

SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 5 CAVE TOURS BOAT RIDES MOTEL/CAMPING RESTAURANT GIFT SHOPS CANOE/RAFTS Meramec Caverns is the home of America's favorite and most spectacular cave formations. Spend one hour or stay for an entire weekend. The Caverns has it all for an inexpensive and memorable family getaway. Open daily

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6 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 MISSDURI us SHOW ME 66 ROUTE 66 Comment

FOUNDER James R. Powell Show Me Route 66 magazine is published four times a year, with each EDITOR issue emphasizing one of the ten counties the Old Road traversed in Missouri. C.R. (Skip) Curtis Generally, we present personal stories and vintage photographs of families that lived and worked along the famous highway. Reviews and comments of EDITORIAL ADVISORS our efforts have been so positive that we want to once again ask all who Ron Robb might have an idea for a story, or just old postcards or photos, to contact us. Jim Powell The magazine will help with the retelling of your story so that others can share in your experiences. (See "Wanted" on page 3.) PRODUCTION MANAGER In this special issue, we are deviating from our standard storytelling to concentrate on one subject: Paths of Route 66 in the St. Louis area. Because Art Latimer of the volume of requests for information concerning the many and varied ways U.S. Highway 66 took through and around St. Louis, the magazine CONTRIBUTING WRITERS asked Route 66 Association of Missouri founder Jim Powell to compile an Van Beydler in-depth article on the subject. John Bradbury As many of you know, there were two basic routes U.S. 66 took through C.R. (Skip) Curtis the St. Louis area: the "original" (Manchester Road) and the "historic" (Watson Road) routes. Jim's article addresses the history of these routes, as Bruce Debo well as the other city and by-pass routes. Emma Dunn Through painstaking and exhaustive research, he has amassed Missouri Kirk Pearce highway department documents and maps from various sources for each of James R. Powell the early Route 66 years. The result of his labors is presented here as a well- Alf D. Smith documented and historically accurate account of Route 66 and St. Louis. In an accompanying article, Jay Nies and Tim Walsh present an account Mark Stauter of "original" 66 through Manchester, Kirkwood, Maplewood, et.al. A group of local citizens are making an attempt to obtain the installation of signs on COMMUNITY AFFAIRS this route proclaiming it also as a historic route to complement the "Historic Jane Dippel Route 66" signs already in place on Watson Road through St. Louis to Pacific, Kent Sanderson Missouri. You are encouraged to join (or renew in) the Route 66 Association of PRINTED BY Missouri. Subscription to the quarterly magazine Show Me Route 66 is included in membership. We hold regular meetings at various sites in the Curtis Enterprises state throughout the year, as well as an annual cross-state driving tour. The Lake St. Louis Association is committed to preserving, promoting and developing Route 66 in Missouri. Individual efforts are enhanced by group activities. Together, The Show Me Route 66 magazine is published we can make a difference! To inquire about membership, write to Route 66 quarterly by the not-for-profit Route 66 Association Association of Missouri, Box 8117, St. Louis, MO 63156. of Missouri. Subscription is included with annual membership in the Association.

Advertising Rates: Enjoy the issue! Full Page: $100/(4) Issues: $300 1/2 Page: $50/(4) Issues: $150 113Page: $40/(4) Issues: $130 1/4 Page: $30/(4) Issues: $100 Business Card: $15/(4) Issues: $50 Submit check and quality camera-ready copy to: Route 66 Association of Missouri c/o C.H. Curtis 2302 Gascony, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 C.H. (Skip) Curtis (314) 625-8267 Editor

The Route 66 Association of Missouri is made possible by membership dues, Show Me Route 66 advertising, and contributions from the public. SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 7 The History of u.s. Highway 66 in St. Louis

BY JAMES R. POWELL

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: The purpose of this article is to describe how the U.S.Highway System was established and numbered, summarize the background of U.S. Highway 66 in the St. Louis area, and detail the various paths the highway took through the City of St. Louis. Every effort has been made to make this report as historically accurate as possible; however, there were several complicating factors. Among them: the numerous changes in the routing oIU.S. 66, City 66 and/or Optional 66 between 1926-1937; the inconsistencies in routing among the various map makers; the different months during the year that the various maps were issued; and, in some years, oil companies issued more than one map. The route descriptions are based on the best available information. If anyone has better and/or different data, please contact the author at P.O. Box 8117, St. Louis, MO 63156.]

FEDERAL INTERSTATE "10" while "90" was assigned to the route along the Gulf of Mexico.) Less important and/or future north-south routes could HIGHWA Y SYSTEM be fitted between the principal routes using odd numbers, while even numbers would be used in the same manner for east-west On November 20, 1924, the American Association of State routes. On October 30, the Joint Board issued its "final" report Highway (and Transportation) Officials (AASHTO) adopted a that selected the system of roads to be known as United States resolution asking the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a board highways. This report designated 75,884 miles of road as part of composed of members of the Bureau of Public Roads and the the interstate system, with each road given a specific routing and State Highway Departments. The board was to "cooperate. in number. formulating and promulgating a system of numbering and marking The process of designating the routes and assigning numbers highways of interstate character." went very smoothly, especially considering the politics of the On March 2, 1925, a Joint Board composed of three period (every community wanted a "numbered" route) and the representatives from the Bureau of Public Roads and 21 Highway interests of the various trail associations. At least this was true Department engineers was appointed to carry out the task. This until after the final report was issued. board appointed a Committee of Five to assign route numbers for The report was approved by the Secretary on November 18, the entire country. 1925, forwarded to AASHTO, and accepted at their annual On September 25, the Committee of Five held its final meeting. The Joint Board was then dissolved and the Executive meeting at the Jefferson Hotel in St. Louis. The number "60" was Committee of AASHTO was empowered to make "minor" assigned to the route "from Chicago, Illinois, to Bloomington, changes in the recommended system "as appeared necessary or Springfield, St. Louis, Missouri, Rolla, Springfield, Joplin, Vinita, desirable." Oklahoma, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, EI Reno, Sayre, Amarillo, Between November 1925, and final approval of the system Texas, Tucumcari, New Mexico, Santa Fe, Los Lunas, Gallup, on November 11, 1926, the committee acted on 132 requests, Holbrook, Arizona, Flagstaff, Barstow, California, Los Angeles." many of which were not minor, resulting in changes in the route (It is interesting to note that the Committee of Five included Frank numbers and expansion of the system to 96,626 miles. One of T. Sheets of Illinois, B.H. Piepmeier of Missouri, and Cyrus S. these changes (the renumbering of U.S. 60) had far-reaching Avery of Oklahoma; therefore, three of the five members had a effects for the future of the road to be known as U.S. Highway vested interest 'in the numbering of the road from Chicago to Los 66, and is the subject of a separate in-depth article to be included Angeles; the other members were from Oregon and South in the next Greene County issue of Show Me Route 66. Carolina.) On August 11, 1926, AASHTO sent the following letter to How were the numbers assigned? The solution was rather the state highway departments of eleven states (the eight Route simple once the idea of using trail names was discarded. Since 66 states, plus Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia): the United States is about twice as wide as it is deep, it was decided "Please be informed that the Executive Committee has settled to use a grid numbering pattern: north-south routes would be given a controversy of long standing in reference to the use of Number odd numbers, and east-west would be given even.Principal north- 60 by assigning Number 60 to the route from Virginia Beach to south U.S. routes would end in "I" or "5" (the easternmost route Springfield, Mo., and Number 66 to the route from Chicago to was assigned the number "I" and the westernmost "101 "). Los Angeles. Route Number 66 is identical with former Number Principal east-west routes would be given multiples of "10" (i.e., 60." "10, 20, 30"). (The northernmost route was given the number

8 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 u.s. 66 BACKGROUND

When U.S. 66 was formally approved on November 11, 1926, amendment added 300 miles of roads to the primary system, and substantial portions of its designated path had not been constructed specifically provided $11,500,00 for previously designated roads and/or paved. This was particularly true in the St. Louis area, in Kansas City and St. Louis, including "new" Watson Road. where the approved route would not be complete until 1933. As a Also, the Executive Committee of AASHTO approves all result, Manchester Road (which was designated to carry U.S. 50), changes in the "United States Numbered Routes."There is no was also used as the original path of U.S. 66 since, at the time, it mention in the committee minutes for 1927 through 1934 of the was the only improved road heading west out of St. Louis with relocation of U.S. 66 from Manchester to Watson. This is because no river crossings. (U.S. 50 and 66 signs were posted on the "new" Watson Road location of U.S. 66 was approved as part Manchester by the end of October 1926.) of the original numbered highway system. The original 1926 map of the "United States System of It seems fairly clear, therefore, that the intent of the highway Highways," adopted by AASHTO and approved by the U.S. officials was always to route U.S. 66 through Pacific, and Department of Agriculture, shows the approved routes of U.S. 50 Manchester Road was a temporary route until the designated route (Manchester Road) and U.S. 66 out of St. Louis. U.S. 66 follows was complete. its intended path west through Pacific, Missouri. Also, the April It is important to note at this point the distinction between 1927, issue of American Highways (which was the first time the the original alignment (Manchester Road) and the historical U.S. Highway System was published by AASHTO for the general alignment for the purpose of posting "Historic Route 66" signs in public), shows the following routings for U.S. 50 and U.S. 66 in Missouri. Missouri (emphasis added): The 1990 legislation declaring U.S. 66 a historic highway in "U.S. SO - Beginning at the Illinois-Missouri state line Missouri is somewhat vague and does not contain any criteria for at St. Louis via Grays [sic] Summit, Union, Drake, posting the signs. As a result, a four-member committee of the Mt. Sterling, Linn, Jefferson City, California, Board of Directors of the Route 66 Association of Missouri Sedalia, Knobnoster, Warrensburg, Lee's Summit to established such criteria for submission to the Missouri the Missouri-Kansas state line at Kansas City. Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The criteria for posting the signs were jointly agreed to by the Association and MoDOT. "U.S. 66 - Beginning at the Illinois-Missouri state line The initial criteria were determined based primarily on three at St. Louis via Pacific, Cuba, Rolla, Lebanon, key factors: what routing did U.S. 66 follow in its heyday; what Springfield, Carthage, Joplin to the Missouri-Kansas routing is most commonly known as U.S. 66; and what sections state line at Galena." of the highway are still a driving experience. The agreed upon criteria:"In general, 'Historic Route 66' The American Automobile Association (AAA) seemed to signs will be placed on usable sections of roadway most commonly recognize that U.S. 50 was the primary route on Manchester Road, identifiable as Route 66 during the late 1930s and post-World as shown by their 1927 Tour Books: War II years, when the highway was most heavily traveled and thereby gained its historical significance. Marked sections will "ST. LOUIS- be approximately five miles or more in length with reasonable JOPLIN,Mo. access at the end." U.S. Route Numbers The Manchester Road U.S. 66 routing is significant since }t No. SO St. Louis-Grays [sic] Summit was the original; however, the Watson Road routing met the No. 66 Grays [sic] Summit-Joplin" established criteria for "Historic Route 66" signing. '

Further, at least as early as 1927, the road through Pacific was included in the state highway plan, and by 1929, work was started in St. Louis County on "new" Watson Road as the routing of U.S. 66 in St. Louis. Construction was completed in late 1932, and U.S. 66 was relocated to "new" Watson Road as of January 1, 1933. (U.S. 50 remained on Manchester Road until 1955; at that time, U.S. 50 was also relocated to Watson Road.) Mixed Drinks Cold Beer Politics, of course, entered into the decision to build new Watson Road. But the issue was not where the highway would go; instead, it was how the road would be funded and, if funded, when it would be built. In 1927-28, there were basically three separate camps with regard to how to fund the state road building. One faction wanted a pay-as-you-go program; a second wanted a $60,000,000 state road bond amendment; and a third, led by the Automobile Club Fran Eickhoff - Owner of Missouri, wanted a $120,000,000 bond amendment. A (Member Board of Directors - Route 66 Association of MO) compromise was reached for an amendment of $75,000,000, 1205 W. Washington Cuba, MO65453 which was approved by the voters on November 6, 1928. The 573-885-3007

SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 9 u.s. 66 ROUTINGS

With that background, let's delve into the many paths of U.S. From Granite City, IL - "To St. Louis: Ron 66 in the St. Louis area. In the following sections, "U.S. 66" refers Madison Ave., R on 30th St., next L on G St.,[now to the "regular, main or primary" routing, while other routes are Grand, which is one-way northbound at 27th - go west preceded by a descriptive prefix. Also, all routings are one block to State Street] R on 18th St., next L on "westbound" except where noted. State St." [Curve L and then R onto Broadway (Updated or clarifying data [brackets] is added by the author.) through Madison, IL, to Venice.] From Venice, IL - "To St. Louis: at end of [Broadway] street, L on Main St. 0.2, R across ORIGINAL ROUTE McKinley Bridge." [A small section of old Broadway is now blocked in both directions - follow the signs to the bridge.] u.s. 66 "Entering St. Louis: At end of [McKinley] bridge L 1926. The highway that was then marked as U.S. 60 was routed on 9th St.; next R on Salisbury St. .6; R on Natural by the AAA (1926 North Central Tour Book) across the McKinley Bridge Ave .. 3; L on Grand Blvd. 1.4; R on Delmar Bridge (see page 12) over the Mississippi River as follows: Blvd .. 6; L on Sarah St. "To Joplin: From Sarah St. go west on Lindell Blvd . .3; L on Boyle Ave .. 6; R on Clayton Ave. thru Forest Park 2.7; L on McCausland Ave. 1.1; Ron Manchester Rd."

1928. The AAA 1928 South Central Tour Book listed the routing to St. Louis as the same as 1927 from Edwardsville to the McKinley Bridge, then: "at end of [McKinley] bridge L on 9th St.; next R on Salisbury St. .6; R on Natural Bridge Ave .. 3; L on Grand Blvd. 1.4; R on Delmar Blvd .. 6; Lon Sarah St. .1; R on Washington St. .1; L on Whittier St. "To Joplin: From Sarah [sic] St. go west on Lindell Blvd. 3.0; L on Skinker Rd. 1.0; ahead on EAST McCausland Ave. 1.1; R on Manchester Rd." ST.LQUIS Sl:LOUIS MO. ILL. A McKinley Bridge Auto Trails Map from this period describes ~ the eastbound routing as: "Approaching St. Louis from the Southwest on Highways No. 50-66 (formerly Mo. Highways No. t 12-14) known as the Jefferson City an Springfield- Joplin routes, go east on Manchester Road through Map No.1 Maplewood to McCausland Ave., left on "Entering St. Louis: At end of st. [Broadway] L on McCausland (West end of Forest Park) to Lindell Main St. .2 [miles]; R across McKinley Bridge 1.2; Blvd. (North side Forest Park) right on Lindell to L on 9th St. 2.4; R on Washington Ave .. 2; Lon Sarah St. (4100 block) left on Sarah to Delmar Blvd. 12th St. (700 block), right on Delmar to Grand Ave. "To Joplin: From 12th st. go west on Locust Blvd. (3600 block), left on Grand to Natural Bridge Ave. and Lindell Blvd. to end; L on Skinker Rd. lrni; R (3700 block North), right on Natural Bridge to on Clayton Rd. 4.6; L on Denny Rd. [Lindbergh] Salisbury street, left on Salisbury street to 9th street 2mi; R on Manchester Rd." approach of McKinley Bridge."

1927. According to the AAA 1927 North Central and South There has long been a debate about whether U.S. 66 first crossed Central Tour Books, U.S. 66 approached and went through St. the Mississippi River on the McKinley Bridge or the Municipal Louis as follows: "Free" Bridge. Let's look at the record. From Edwardsville, IL - "To St. Louis: R on In 1926 to 1928, a 1.67 mile section of Illinois Routes 3 and Hillsboro St., L on Main St., R around Court House 4 (U.S. 66) did not exist between the City of Madison, IL 0.2, Ron St. Louis St. 0.3, L" [on West Street (McKinley Bridge) and the Madison County Line south toward under the railroad tracks onto St. Louis Road, R on East St. Louis (Municipal Bridge), because Madison Co. had not Chain of Rocks Road to Mitchell, IL; from Mitchell, take Nameoki Road (SR 203) to Granite City]. (Continued on page 14)

10 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 The Original In a book titled Baldwin: City With A Future, author- historian Caverly Scott Wallace noted that the St. Louis County

By JAY NIES AND TIM WALSH Court, the county's governing body, established and laid Manchester Road in 1835 as an extension of Market Street in St. Louis. In 1839, the Missouri General Assembly established Kirkwood, Missouri native Jack Geders believes there's Manchester Road as the first state road in St. Louis County in no substitute for the original Route 66. order to provide an overland link between St. Louis and For six fleeting years of the legendary highway's infancy, Jefferson City, the state capitol. the Main Street of America ran through the city of St. Louis In a letter addressed July 12, 1990 to Wayne Muri, former and St. Louis County along Manchester Road. chief engineer of the MO Department of Highways and "For many years when the subject of Highway 66 came Transportation, Missouri state Rep. Francis Barnes wrote: up in conversation, it seemed to me that everyone thought "Reference to official highway maps and the minutes of that Watson Road was always the original Highway 66," the State Highway Commission shows that from 1926 to a Geders said. "In 1926, when Manchester Road was designated date subsequent to Jan. 12, 1932 ...United States Highway 66 Highway 66, Watson Road was not even on a state highway followed Manchester Road in St. Louis County and a portion department map." of Franklin County." Geders, who grew up two blocks away from Manchester At that time, Barnes suggested that the department place Road on Woodlawn Avenue in Kirkwood, now heads up a historic road markers along Manchester Road. The suggestion tight coalition of roadside historians who assert that was never carried out. Manchester Road is the original, authentic Route 66. Route 66 Association of Missouri founder Jim Powell He was 14 when the Missouri Highway Commission wrote in a 1990 article in the American Automobile paved the 18-foot-wide, two-lane thoroughfare through his Association's Midwest Motorist magazine, "Route 66 was hometown. Work crews for the project camped at the old 11- originally marked State Road 14, and from 1926 to 1932 it Mile House at the southwest corner of Manchester and wound its way through downtown St. Louis and out to Woodlawn roads in Kirkwood, near his father's dairy. The Manchester Road and then followed Manchester through workers used wagons and mules to grade the roadbed. After Maplewood, Kirkwood, Manchester, Ballwin, Grover, Pond the concrete was poured, they packed dirt along the edges of and Fox Creek, all the way to Gray Summit. In 1929, the road, and you had you stay off for 21 days. After that, up construction was started on "new" 66 in St. Louis and Franklin went the u.s. 66 shields, he recalled. counties. The road was planned as a replacement for existing Geders remembers that between Kingshighway in St. 66 on Manchester, running west from about the St. Louis Louis and the town of Maplewood, Manchester originally was County line at the intersection of Chippewa Street...and paved on the north side of the road with rough cobblestones, rejoin[ing] then-current Route 66 at Gray Summit." and had streetcar tracks on the south side. And heading up A March 31, 1931 article in the St. Louis Globe Democrat Solomon's Hill east of Barrett Station Road in present-day revealed that 8,000 people attended a March 15, 1931 Des Peres, it was left with rough brick so horses could get celebration in Rolla commemorating the completion of the solid footing while ascending the severely steep, curving shift hard-surfacing of Highway 66 through Missouri. Geders noted in elevation. that the Watson Road alignment did not yet exist in 1931, Mother Road enthusiasts in St. Louis and St. Louis County once again attesting to Manchester Road's claim to early Route have begun to embrace the highway's humble heritage along 66 supremacy. Manchester Road. But Geders goes against the popular notion Following the completion of the 1933 Watson Road that Manchester Road was intended to serve as U.S. Highway alignment,U.S. highways 50 and 66 converged in Gray 50 and only wound up wearing the Highway 66 shields because Summit, Mo., west of Pacific. The highways ran across the it took longer to complete a Watson Road connection from St. same pavement until diverging past Villa Ridge. Louis to Gray Summit, Mo. Geders has bent the ears of several municipal officials Instead, Geders maintains that the state intended to have along Manchester Road who hope to mark the path of early Manchester Road serve as Highway 66 from the beginning Route 66 travelers. and only contemplated an alternate alignment when traffic "Signs should be on Manchester because it was the along Manchester Road got to be too heavy for the road to original Route 66 in 1926," Geders said. "I have no dispute handle. (A map issued by the Missouri State Highway with them putting 'Historic Route 66' signs on Watson. It is Commission in 1927 marks Manchester Road as highways 66 historic. But Manchester Road should have signs that say, and 50.) Geders suspects that state and municipal politics also 'Original Route 66.' " figured into the decision. Manchester Road is the only artery west out of St. Louis Jay Nies & Tim Walsh are members a/the Route 66 Association a/Missouri. that does not cross a river, Geders said, and construction crews [NOTE:The Route 66 Association of Missouri cJealy recognizes, and has had to build two bridges over the meandering Meramec-River always recognized, that Manchester Road is the original path of Route 66 to carry Watson Road west into Pacific. "And back in 1926, in the St. Louis area, and is in fact one of the most historic sections of the contractors did not have the earth-moving and construction road. Numerous articles published by Association members and in the equipment that is available now," Geders said. Association magazine Show Me Roule 66, describe Manchester Road as the original routing.]

SHOWME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 11 Route 66 Bridg

New McKinley Bridge. largest eiloetrJe brldg. in the world, St. Louit. Mo.

McKinley Bridge (First River Crossing) The McKinley Bridge was started on November 15, 1907, and Chain of Rocks Bridge (Third Crossing) officially opened as a toll bridge on November 10, 1910. At that On February 7, 1927, an application for a charter was submitted to C time, it was the largest electric railway bridge in the world. The near the northern city limits of St. Louis at Chain of Rocks. ("Chain of R bridge cost $4,500,000 and is named for Congressman William point.) On February 15, the charter application was approved. B. McKinley, the then-president ofthe Illinois Traction Co., which It has been reported that in the original plans the roadway was to be later became part of the Terminal Railroad Association. In the factual. On February 8, 1927, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch stated that late 1920s and 1930s, the bridge had a center roadway just for vehicular traffic," and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reported,"It willi "passenger autos," and a separate outer roadway for trucks. On width, sufficient to allow a double line of traffic with ease." (In 1927, a June 28, 1931, the toll for cars was reduced from 35 cents to 20 Construction started in October 1927, based on final plans submitted cents one-way. building of the bridge, but the most enduring concerned a fatal accident. McKinley Bridge carried U.S. 66 from 1926-1928, and a bridge pier. For the next 30 years, flowers were anonymously placed Optional 66 from 1929-1937. It is still open (the toll is 50 cents), mystery was solved when bridge workers found a note attached to a sm and the deck has recently been repaired. "These flowers placed here today in memory of Walter Lewis McKee 1929 while employed in building this bridge. Remembered by his moth The bridge opened at 1:45 PM on July 20, 1929. The length of the b . span bridge in the world. It was electrically lighted, and 400 planted elm (The next day the Post-Dispatch reported the cost of the bridge as $2,00 toll was 35 cents for a car and driver, with 5 cents for each additional pa On February 8,1927, the Globe-Democrat stated that, "The promot However, due to a lack of traffic, the tolls were not sufficient to cover receivership in June 1931, wiping out more than $1,000,000 in capitalizatid the only bidders, on March 19,1932. There were two basic reasons for that lack of traffic. Prior to 1933, compared to crossing the river via the McKinley Bridge or Municipal B since Missouri State Road 77 (Lindbergh Boulevard) was not yet comple at Jet. with Chain of Rocks Bridge Route; our route via McKinley Bridg

Also, at this time, private toll bridges could not carry U.S. numbere I Municipal "Free" Bridge (Second Crossing) Missouri requested AASHTO to route Alternate U.S. 40 and 67 over th On June 13, 1939, the City of Madison, Illinois purchased t~ b The Municipal Bridge was completed in 1916 at a cost of improvements in 1951. On June 22, 1952, as part of a cross-country tom $6,000,000, and opened to the public in January 1917. (By 1980, the first of eight stops dedicating U.S. 66 as the Will Rogers Highw~y. (I the total cost was $10,701,000.)At one time, it was the largest bridge includes the caption, "Where U.S. 66, Will Rogers Highway, cros double-span bridge in the world. It was free for passenger cars for many years as the Will Rogers Highway.) until July 21, 1932, at which time tolls were charged for the first The bridge carried U.S. 66 from 1936-1955, and By-Pass 66 from time. In 1942, the bridge was re-named for General Douglas discontinued the tolls in early August 1966.(The "new" Chain of Rocks MacArthur. maintenance free, the original Chain of Rocks Bridge closed for repairs i Municipal Bridge carried US 66 from 1929-1935, City 66 In 1981, the bridge had one more time in the spotlight - serving as as from 1936-1955, and the "Historic Route" from 1934-1955. It underway by Gateway Trailnet to incorporate the bridge into a hiking/bil was closed to vehicle traffic in August 1981.

12 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 r/ges of St. Louis

CHAIN OF ROCKS BRIDGE SI.LouiJ, Mo.

Where U. S. 66, IlWiU Rosus HiShw4Y', crosses the MissiSSippi River

Veterans Memorial Bridge (Fourth Crossing) Construction on the $11,000,000 Veterans Memorial Bridge (above, top; foreground) was started during the first tted toCongress for erection of a toll bridge spanning the Mississippi River week of July 1948, and opened as a toll bridge on January 13, ain of Rocks" refers to the natural ridge of rocks that spans the river at that 1951. The bridge was owned by the City of East St. Louis, and the automobile toll was 10 cents. At the time, the bridge was the as to be 40 feet wide, accommodating 4 lines (lanes) of traffic. This is not largest cantilever-type structure across the Mississippi River, and ted that the bridge "would have a deck 20 feet wide to handle two-way the sixth longest of its type in the country. "It will be a one-deck crossing, with a roadway approximately 20 feet in In 1972, the bridge was renamed in honor of the slain civil 1927,a "double line of traffic" meant one lane in each direction.) rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ubmitted by the American Bridge Company. Many mysteries surround the Veterans Bridge carried U.S. 66 from 1955-1967. It is still accident. On January 30, 1929, an iron worker drowned when he fell from open, but is no longer a toll bridge. placed on the bridge each Memorial Day. Finally, on May 30, 1959, the d to a small bouquet. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the note read, McKee of Victoria, Mo., our son and brother, who lost his life in January , .s mother, sister and brothers." of the bridge is 5,348 feet, and it remains today the 12th longest continuous nte ' elm trees lined the 4-mile approach from the Illinois side of the river. as $2,000,000, while the Globe-Democrat had a cost of $2,500,000.) The itional passenger. e promoters consider there would be ample patronage to assure success ..." o cover the annual fixed charges of over $150,000. The bridge went into italization.It was subsequently purchased for $600,000 by the bondholders,

. to 1933, it was difficult to get to downtown St. Louis from the bridge as .cipal Bridge, and there was no way to go around St. Louis from the bridge ,t complete. The 1932 Hobbs Guide had this comment, "Mitchell [Illinois], ley Bridge is most direct." numbered routes. (In April 1933, just after State Route 77 was completed, (Fifth Crossing) over the bridge, but was refused.) On November 9, 1967, U.S. 66 was relocated to the newly 1d t4 bridge for $2,300,000 and borrowed another $850,000 fo: capital completed $31,000,000 Poplar Street Bridge (the actual name is try ~romotional tour for the movie The Story of wil! Rogers, the bndge was the Bernard F. Dickman Bridge, after the former 1930s mayor of ghw.Ay(It. is interesting to note that the 1936 "Curt Teich" postcard for the St. Louis). It was not a toll bridge. ay, crosses the Mississippi River." Obviously, Route 66 had been known Poplar Street Bridge carried U.S. 66 from 1967-1977. Still in use, it carries U.S. 40, I-55, 1-64 and 1-70. 66 from 1955-1965. Under threat of court action, the City of Madison fRocks 1-270 bridge opened nearby in September 1966.) Toll free, but not repairs in February 1970, and never reopened. ing asa set for the movie Escape From New York. Plans are currently well hikingfbiking trail, connecting existing trails in Missouri and Illinois. A companion article, The "Bend," appears on page 15.

SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 13 obtained the right-of-way. Most likely, this road to the Municipal R on Madison Ave; R on 30th St.; next L on Bridge was all along the designated path of U.S. 66; however, it Grand Ave.; Ron Niedringhaus Ave.; next L on was impossible to use due to the 1.67 mile gap. State St., then curve Land R onto Broadway On June 26, 1926, the Illinois Department of Highways through Madison to Venice.) awarded the contract for this section of work, with a provision that "the right-of-way had not as yet been secured but would be Entering St. Louis: At end of Municipal Bridge, secured on behalf of the Department, and that the contractor should L on 7th; R on Chouteau; angle L onto Manchester; not start work until the right-of-way had been secured and notice R on Boyle. to proceed had been given." To Joplin: From Boyle, L on Clayton through By late 1927, Madison Co. had still not obtained the right- Forest Park; L on McCausland; R-on of-way. The Illinois Highway Department was so upset that in a Manchester Road. letter to Madison Co. dated November 2, they said,"We do not contemplate the awarding of any further contracts in Madison County until such time as the right-of-way for the connections on Routes 3 and 4 from the City of Madison to the south line of Madison County is secured ..." On December 12, 1927, the Madison County Board of Supervisors received a committee report on the efforts to obtain the nine tracts necessary to build the road, and on January l7, 1928, the county board authorized condemnation proceedings on the five tracts that could not otherwise be obtained. On July 3, 1928, the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reported that, "The last tract of land necessary for the construction of a hard road between Madison, III., and East St. Louis was acquired yesterday in a friendly condemnation suit...The strip acquired is one and a fourth miles long. Completion of this road will form a connection with ...East St. Louis and with routes Nos. 3 and 4 at Madison, Ill." The paving was completed on December 17,1928. (The road would have been opened to traffic soon after that.) All construction was complete by mid-1929, and final inspection and acceptance by the state took place on September 13, 1929. The final cost was $46, 501. Also, keep in mind that in the early days of the U.S. Numbered Highway System, the route markers in St. Louis were placed by the Automobile Club of Missouri. Coincidentally, all four U.S.

Highways passing through St. Louis in the 1920s -U.S. 40, 50, ••••••• SUMC( ..,... AUTOMOBILE "CLUB OF SOIITHERH 61 and 66 - were routed directly past the then Auto Club CALIFORNIA headquarters at 4228 Lindell, accessed by McKinley Bridge. 110' so. "'Ut:_04 Sf. LO',,,,''us

1929-1932. About January 1, 1929,U.S. 66 shifted to the Municipal "Free" Bridge (page 12). That routing, as shown in about 1930 by the Automobile Club of Southern California, was: From Edwardsville, IL - To St. Louis: Ron Vandalia onto St. Louis Street; L on West Street Map No.2 under the railroad tracks onto St. Louis Road; R on Chain of Rocks Road to Mitchell, IL; from Mitchell, take Nameoki Road to Granite City. This routing was substantially the same until the end of 1932. The only change, (according to the Automobile Club of Southern From Granite City, IL - To St. Louis: Ron California and the Hobbs Guide and Service Directory), was a Madison onto Broadway; L on 4th in Venice, IL slight rerouting in 1932 onto Oakland Avenue (i.e., Clayton onto (State Route 3); R on Madison; L on 2nd onto Oakland, L on McCausland, R on Manchester Road). St. Clair; R on 9th; L on Missouri; R on l Gth to the entrance to Municipal Bridge at Piggott Avenue. (The 1930 AAA Tour Book shows: To St. Louis:

14 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 The "Bend" By JAMES R. POWELL

The Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River Myth No.4: Due to the lack ofbedrock along the originally near St. Louis is probably the most unique of all Route 66 anticipated center line, it was not feasible to properly bridges; indeed, one of the most unique anywhere in the support and/or anchor the bridge piers. country. The reason: The Bend. The bridge was built with a Not true. There was no lack of bedrock in this section of the 24-degree angle change (bend) in it. Why? Speculation has river. For example, on June 25, 1929, the Globe-Democrat run rampant for years. But before we resolve this question, reported that,"To build the four river piers, it was necessary let's address some of the myths about why the bend is there. to drill holes into the rock of the river bed to anchor cribs used to protect the cofferdams from the Mississippi's current, which Myth No.1: The main span would block the water flow averages seven miles an hour at that point. It also was necessary into the City of St. Louis Water Intake Tower No.2. to sink piers for a 2000-foot approach on the Illinois side." Not true. The issue was safe navigation, not the water flow into the tower. Two years before opening, a public hearing Well then, what's the story? With sincere apologies to concerning the bridge was held on June 29,1927 because the Sherlock Holmes, "...when you have eliminated the impossible, plans required approval of the U.S. Army Engineers of the whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." War Department (Corps of Engineers). According to the St. On July 21,1929, the Post-Dispatch reported that,"There Louis Post Dispatch, at that hearing the assistant Chief are five spans over the river, the longest, across the channel Engineer of the Inland Waterways Corporation stated that the on the Illinois side, being 1400 feet. A pier supporting the "current at Chain of Rocks is middle of that span, one of six particularly swift largely due in the stream, is just above the to the position of the intake Chain of Rocks intake towers, and that a bridge there tower. ..At the west end of this would make navigation span there is a 22-degree [sic] extremely dangerous to large angle in the bridge, required by steamboats and particularly to the government to prevent tows of barges." interference with navigation." On September 1, 1927, [Emphasis added.] "...the river the St. Louis Globe-Democrat current there is the swiftest reported that "at a hearing water between Keokuk, Ia., and several months ago, river men New Orleans, flowing objected to placing the piers normally eight miles an hour." on the new structure close to All the evidence indicates the intake tower at Chain of that the bridge was originally Rocks saying that the swift current there would be dangerous planned to go straight across the river from the end of the 4- to [river] traffic ...The backers and engineers for the project mile Illinois approach to the 10 acres of land on the Missouri denied the fast current [7-8 miles per hour] would have any side of the river. This line, which can be envisioned today by effect on [river] traffic and it is understood their plan obtained drawing a straight line between the first pier on each side of the approval [August 30, 1927] of the ...United States District the river, would have placed the entire structure on an angle Engineer, on whose recommendation the permit was granted." to the water flow through the main channel. The Corps of Engineers deemed such an angle across the main channel to Myth No.2: The bend was ordered by the Corps of be unacceptable/unsafe for proper navigation of river traffic Engineers after construction had commenced. in the channel between the piers of the 1400-foot main span. Not true. The final plans, prepared by the American Bridge As a result, the Corps of Engineers ordered the main span Company in October 1927, show the bend. There were changes to be constructed directly face-on to the water flow through made after construction had commenced, but those changes the channel. This, in turn, necessitated the 24-degree angle at had nothing to do with the bend, and the application to the the end of the main span to bring the bridge ashore north of Corps of Engineers for the changes was made by the backers/ the Chain of Rocks Waterworks on the land owned by the promoters. promoters. (The Missouri side of the river was not considered navigable.) Myth No.3: The promoters of the project did not have Further, in 1927, a major bridge with a 24-degree bend clear title to the land on the Missouri side of the river. would not have been considered unusual based on the Not true. On May 20, 1927, the Globe-Democrat reported that anticipated vehicle speed and loads of the day. the promoters had purchased 10 acres of land just north of the Case closed? City Waterworks at Chain of Rocks. The land cost $20,000, and was formerly part of Levelle Estate.

SHOWME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 15 OPTIONAL 66 "".The [eastbound] optional route leaves the regular route at Clayton and McCausland avenues and A McKinley Bridge Auto Trails Map from the late 1920s describes continues north on Skinker boulevard to Lindell an eastbound routing through St. Louis as follows (emphasis boulevard, east on Lindell boulevard to Whittier added): street, north on Whittier street to , "Approaching St. Louis from the Southwest on east on Delmar boulevard to Grand boulevard, north Highways No. 50-66 known as the Jefferson City on Grand boulevard to Natural Bridge avenue (3700 and Springfield-Joplin routes, go east on north), east on Natural Bridge avenue to Salisbury Manchester Road through Maplewood to street, northeast on Salisbury street to Ninth street McCausland Ave., (7000 block) then straight ahead and continuing on Ninth street to the McKinley on McCausland Ave. to Clayton Ave.(first road to Bridge to Venice, Ill., where the route enjoins the right at S-W comer of Forest Park). regular route in Venice. "Follow signs of U.S. 50-66 on Clayton Ave. to "".The restricted part of the optional route is on Boyle Ave.(4300 block) leave U.S. Route 50-66 Skinker and Lindell boulevards west of here but go straight ahead on Boyle three blocks to Kingshighway, so a different routing for Vandeventer Ave (3900 block); turn left into commercial vehicles has been marked leaving the Vandeventer Ave., go two blocks to Forest Park regular route at Clayton and Boyle avenues, north to Ave. (200 block) then east to Grand Ave. (3600 Lindell boulevard, thence turning east with the block); then left into Grand Ave. to Natural Bridge remainder of the optional route." Ave.(3700 block North), right on Natural Bridge to Salisbury street, left on Salisbury street to 9th street approach of McKinley Bridge."

1929. The McKinley Bridge routing became Optional 66 in July, 1929.(Optional 66 is just another name for Alternate 66; this term was apparently preferred by the AAA and McKinley Bridge.) It remained as the preferred route until the mid-1930s, as described later in this report.

Vol. 1, No. 1 of the Missouri Motor News, published by the Automobile Club of Missouri in July 1929, heralded the establishment of Optional 66, as follows:

"NEW U.S. 66 BEST MARKED ROUTE, OPEN Auto Club Establishes Optional Route in St. Louis. "Making it one of the best marked highways passing through a metropolitan area, U.S. Highway 66 Optional route has been completed through St. Louis by the Sign Posting Department of The Automobile Club of Missouri.

"Through travel over the new optional route which is restricted o in part to keep off heavy commercial vehicles, has been saving 4 •••• miles distance in going through St. Louis and avoiding several railroad grade crossings in East St. Louis. "Approximately 300 new 'Optional U.S. 66' signs were used in the marking and they are placed at least one in each block facing in each direction for the entire distance of the route. New reflecting Map No.3 glass signs are used at all turns that are highly visible at night. 1930. A McKinley Bridge Auto Trails Map from about 1930 shows Optional 66 as: Entering St. Louis: At end of McKinley Bridge, L Used Parts Wheel Covers 50·60·70 Bought & Sold on 9th; next R on Salisbury; R on Natural Bridge; L on Grand; R on Delmar; L on Whittier. To Joplin: From Whittier, R on Lindell; Lon :$2&(tJ(:) [-- Skinker; ahead on McCausland; R on Manchester. }llIxcl s Alllo I

16 SHOW ME ROUTE 66/ WINTER 1996 A McKinley Bridge Auto Trails Map from this period describes The Hobbs Guide has the following description which confirms the eastbound routing as: why Optional 66 was the preferred route: "Approaching St. Louis from the Southwest on [From] "Venice, III.; westbound keep straight Highway No. 66 known as the Springfield-Joplin ahead and follow Optional 66 [McKinley Bridge]. route, follow U.S. 66 markers through Maplewood Left here on lll. No.4 and U.S. 66 is via to the junction of McCausland Avenue, Clayton [Municipal] free bridge, 3.6 miles longer and more Avenue and Skinker Boulevard. These three streets congested; heavy trucking ..." converge at the Southwest corner of Forest Park. "Tourists bound for Illinois Routes 3, 4 or 16 should leave the regular U.S. 66 route at this point and follow the 'Optional U.S. 66' markers through the City direct to the McKinley Bridge. Another 'Optional U.S. 66' route leading to the McKinley Bridge branches off the regular U.S. 66 route at Boyle Avenue (4300 Block West). Heavy downtown traffic and congestion avoided by these two 'Optional' Routes. A savings of about four miles, and a half hours time is made by taking the McKinley Bridge route." HISTORIC ROUTE 1931-1932. According to the AAA1931 Tour Book and the 1932 Hobbs Guide, Optional 66 was: By 1933, construction on New Watson Road in St. Louis Entering St. Louis: At end of McKinley Bridge, and Franklin Counties was complete, and U.S. 66 and Optional L on 9th; next R on Salisbury; R on Natural 66 were rerouted. Bridge; L on Vandeventer. In September 1933, the "Highways 50 and 66 Association," To Joplin: From Vandeventer, R on Lindell; composed of merchants along Manchester Road from St. Louis L on Skinker; ahead on McCausland; to Gray Summit, sent a letter asking MoDOT to change the R on Manchester Road. designation of "new" Watson Road. The Association's complaint was that the new road had been Map No.4 officially marked as "U.S. 66," and the Association asked that those markers be changed to "Optional 66." The letter went on to say that, "There are about $50,000,000 invested in property along the old 66 route, about thirty five miles of highway." The request was not granted. On August 31, 1932, the first paving work ever done by the State of Missouri within the City of St. Louis was started. State funds were used to pave Watson Road from the city limits to Chippewa Street, and for the partial surfacing of Chippewa from Watson Road to Brannon Avenue. The paving was undertaken as a result of a Supreme Court ruling which held that the state could devote funds to street buildings within large cities where the thoroughfare to be constructed is the continuation of a state highway, and where it is sparsely settled. Watson-Chippewa conformed with those requirements. The state surfaced Watson Road its full 56-foot width with asphaltic concrete; the unpaved central20-foot strip of Chippewa from Watson Road to Tamm Avenue; and two 18-foot unpaved strips on either side of a 20-foot central strip on Chippewa from Tamm Avenue to Brannon Avenue. The cost was $86,000.

In 1932, the Hobbs Guide and the Automobile Club of Southern California also show: Entering St. Louis: At end of McKinley Bridge, L on 9th; next R on Salisbury; R on Natural Bridge; L on Vandeventer. To Joplin: From Vandeventer, R on Lindell; L on Boyle; R on Clayton onto Oakland through Forest Park; L on McCausland; R on Manchester Road.

SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 17 U.S. 66 Entering St. Louis: At end of Municipal Bridge, L on 7th; R on Chouteau; angle L onto Manchester; 1933. Contrary to popular belief, in 1933, U.S. 66 did not yet R on Boyle; L on Clayton; L on Kingshighway follow its "Historic Route," probably because construction of (then State Route 99). Chippewa Street from just west of Kingshighway to the St. Louis To Joplin: From Kingshighway, R on Arsenal; city limits was not complete. L on Watson Road; angle R onto New Watson Road. 1933 maps from the State of Illinois, Conoco (H.M. Gousha- HMG) and Gulf Oil (Rand McNally - RMN) show the routing as:

Hold o. Solo EAST ST. LOUIS leff....., ILLINOIS HoId"--f+~~~!-- eve .•.• ST. LOUIS WA&H''''OTOH I.OCU8T' --, • MISSOURI ST.I"uIl.llb"~1 ~:::. ,.:~~..:~'::~~~~~ic Murllcip.1 : •

Map No.6

1934-1935. U.S. 66 followed its "Historic Route" as follows: Entering St. Louis: At end of Municipal Bridge, L on 7th; R on Chouteau; L on IOth; Map No.5 R on Hickory; L on 12th [now Tucker]. [Note: The jog onto l Oth and Hickory (to avoid the busy intersection at 12th), is shown on numerous maps starting in 1934, and is especially clear on the 1937, 1938 and 1943 AAA maps. The Automobile Club of Southern California also shows this routing in late 1933. The jog has since been eliminated by apartment construction.] To Joplin: From 12th, angle R onto Gravois; R on Chippewa; ahead on New Watson Road.

OPTIONAL 66 Copies of the following issues of the Route 66 Association of Missouri's quarterly magazine Show Me Route 66 are available for 1933. The above referenced 1933 U.S. 66 maps seem to show $5 per copy (includes shipping & handling): Webster County, Pulaski County, Laclede County, Optional 66 as: Greene County, Phelps County, Crawford County. Entering St. Louis: At end of McKinley Bridge, Indicate issues desired and send check to: L on 9th; next R on Salisbury; R on Natural Bridge; Route 66 Association of Missouri L on Vandeventer; R on Lindell; L onto 2302 Gascony Drive Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 Kingshighway.

18 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 To Joplin: From Kingshighway, R on Arsenal; SIGNIFICANT REROUTINGS L on Watson Road; angle R on New Watson Road. (In late 1933, the Automobile Club of Southern California shows: ...L on Vandeventer, at end of 1936. On June 17, 1935, AASHTO approved a major rerouting street angle L onto Kingshighway, then R onto new of U.S. 66, with an effective date of January 1, 1936. Watson Road.) "U.S. 66 in Illinois west of Edwardsville is described as follows: Edwardsville, Mitchell, to a 1934-1937. According to the 1934, 1935 and 1936 MoDOT maps, bridge over the Mississippi west of Mitchell. and the 1934 and 1937 AAA Tour Books, Optional66/0ptional Missouri is changed to read: Beginning at the City Route 66 took the following route: Mississippi River west of Mitchell, via State Route Entering St. Louis: At end of McKinley Bridge, 77, to Pattonville [now part of Bridgeton], then L on 9th; R on Salisbury; L on Blair; L on Hebert; coincide with U.S. 61 to a point south of Kirkwood; R on 13th; ahead on 12th [now Tucker]. or an 'Alternate' from a point west of the To Joplin: From 12th, angle R onto Gravois; Ron Mississippi River. ..through St. Louis to Watson Chippewa; ahead on New Watson Road. Road, then via Watson Road as heretofore." As a result of this change, U.S. 66 (it was not marked a "By-Pass" at this time) now crossed the Chain of Rocks Bridge (see pages 12-13) and followed Lindbergh (then SR 77) west then south to the first cloverleaf interchange west of the Mississippi River at Watson Road. "Optional 66" remained as described above for 1934-37; and the U.S. 66 Municipal Bridge routing as described above for 1934-35 became "City 66" in Illinois and Missouri.

Map No.7

A 1937 Cities Service map (RMN) and MoDOT map listed the routing as: ...L on 9th; R on Palm; L on 13th; ahead on 12th ... [9th is now one-way, and Palm is cut-off by 1-70.]

A McKinley Bridge Auto Trails Map from this period also confirms Hebert Street, and describes the eastbound routing as follows: . Map No.8 "Approaching St. Louis from the Southwest on U.S. 66, known as the Springfield-Tulsa Route, follow Regular U.S. 66 markers to Twelfth and Hickory Streets in down-town St. Louis. At this point tourists Also at this time, another "City 66" routing was established: bound for Illinois Routes 3, 4, 16 and Illinois U.S. Entering St. Louis: At end of Chain of Rocks 66,67, should leave the Regular U.S. 66 route. This Bridge, L on Riverview Drive; L on Broadway; is the junction of the Regular U.S. 66 route, and R on Calvary; L on Florissant; L on Hebert; Optional 66 route. When approaching this junction, R on 13th; ahead on 12th [now Tucker]. instead of turning to the right into!'Hi> ckory Street, To Joplin: From 12th, angle R onto Gravois; proceed straight ahead on Twelftf Boulevard R on Chippewa; ahead on New Watson Road. (Optional U.S. 66), which leads direct to the (Optional 66 and the above City 66 joined at McKinley Bridge." the comer of Blair and Hebert; the two City 66 (This description was a paste-on sticker on a prior routes joined at the comer of Hickory and 12th McKinley Bridge map.) Streets.)

SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 19 1937. This additional City 66 routing, as shown on a 1937 Cities "Relocation of U.S. 66 into and thru St. Louis and Service map (RMN), became: present route via Chain of Rocks Bridge to be Entering St. Louis: At end of Chain of Rocks designated By-Pass U.S. 66, and old city route U.S. Bridge, L on Riverview Drive; L on Broadway; 66 to be abandoned in Illinois. R on Calvary; L on Florissant; R on Warne; "U.S. 66: Beginning at ajunction with present U.S. L on Carter; angle R onto Florissant; around the 66 at the Worden Junction of U.S. 66 and Illinois curve at Mullanphy onto 13th; then at O'Fallon, State Routes 4 and 43; thence south-westerly over ahead on Tucker. new divided lane, access controlled highway to a To Joplin: From Tucker, angle R onto Gravois; junction with U.S. 40 west of Troy; thence into and R on Chippewa; ahead on New Watson Road. through East St. Louis and over Veterans Memorial (Optional 66 and the new City 66 joined at Bridge [now Dr. Martin Luther King Bridge - see 13th Street. Current street names are shown.) page 13] via U.S. 40; thence via 3rd Street Expressway (to junction with present Missouri U.S. So, in 1936-1937, U.S. Highway 66 crossed the Mississippi River 66 City Route), Gravois Avenue, Chippewa Street on three toll bridges: and New Watson Road to a junction with present U.S. 66 on Chain of Rocks Bridge U.S. 66 south of Kirkwood; "Old location of U.S. Optional 66 on McKinley (discontinued after 1937) 66 via Edwardsville, Illinois; Chain of Rocks Bridge City 66 on Municipal Bridge into Missouri and via present U.S. 66 through Hazelwood and Kirkwood to above described About the time Optional 66 was discontinued, City 66 on the east junction to be designated U.S. 66 By-Pass Route; side of the Mississippi River was rerouted: and present City Route from west end of Chain of On what is today Illinois State Route 203 from near Rocks Bridge southerly over presently marked city Mitchell to East St. Louis, [Nameoki Road then R route to an intersection with relocated U.S. 66 on on Edwardsville Road and L around the curve onto 3rd Street Expressway be retained, but Ill. city route McCambridge to the end of SR 203 at Collinsville be abandoned." Road/9th Street] then R on 9th; L on Missouri [later, the L was on Broadway]; R on 10th to The pre-Interstate 55/70 routing was: entrance of the Municipal Bridge at Piggott Via Collinsville Road (old U.S. 40) which becomes Avenue. 9th Street in East St. Louis, R on State [now ML King Drive] to the underpass at the end of the street, 1955. From 1938 to mid-1955, the routings through St. Louis then go L onto the bridge ramp, cross the bridge, remained the same; however, on July 3,1950, the name of Watson then L on the "3rd Street Expressway." (It is Road in the City of St. Louis west from its junction with Chippewa interesting to note that the "3rd Street Expressway," to the city limits was changed to Chippewa. which followed the path that is today beneath 1-70 into 1-44 next to the Arch in downtown St. Louis, On July 19, 1955, AASHTO changed the routing "through East was constructed as a "U.S. 66" project.) St. Louis and St. Louis to take advantage of new expressway construction" as follows:

Map No.9 Map No. 10

20 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 1963. The next change took place on June 19, 1963, when AASHTO eliminated the remaining City 66 (by this time "Business 66") route in St. Louis.

1965. On October 2, 1965, AASHTO eliminated By-Pass 66 in both Illinois and Missouri. (Illinois had removed the By-Pass U.S. 66 signs in April 1965, and MoDOT authorized removal of the signs in Missouri on August 19, 1965.) By joining (and encouraging others to join) 1967. On November 9, 1967, U.S. 66 was relocated to the newly the Route 66 Association of Missouri, you can completed Poplar Street Bridge (page 13) and followed I-55 a be a part of our continuing efforts to help short way to the Tucker/Gravois exit [now Exit 290C on 1-44], preserve, promote and develop Route 66 in and then Gravois-Chippewa-Watson as before. Missouri. In addition to being able to stay in Decertification. Finally, on June 25, 1974, AASHTO voted to touch with others who share the same "Eliminate as a U.S. Route currently designated U.S. 66 from interest, members also receive our The Loop in Chicago, Illinois, to the intersection of U.S. 71 in entertaining and informative quarterly Joplin, Missouri, beginning at the eastern terminus of U.S. Route 66 at the 1-44 interchange east of Joplin, Missouri." This action magazine Show Me Route 66. was deferred because portions of the divided highway (I-55) in Illinois did not meet federal interstate highway specifications. Please tell your friends and neighbors about In February 1975, MoDOT removed the U.S. 66 signs on our Association ... and help Save Route 66! Gravois-Chippewa- Watson, and marked the portion constructed by the state - from Brannon Avenue to 1-270 - as State Route 366. 1-44 was dual-marked with U.S. 66 shields. For membership information, write to: By January 1977, Illinois had completed I-55, and the familiar "66" shields were removed, but not forgotten, in Illinois and Route 66 Association of Missouri Missouri. Box 8117, St. Louis, MO 63156 BOOTS MOTEL

~~~MhI~ ~#t BOOTS MOTEL A~~~~~ TI),~.vtl c.-tl~I),;t

Offering a cozy rest for travelers through the years Since 1939 107 S. Garrison (Old 66) Carthage, MO(417) 358-9453

SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 21 Summary of Route 66 in St. Louis

Significant U.S. 66 routings in the St. Louis area (along with their present-day descriptions), are summarized below. When more than one routing exists during a period, the most representative is shown.

ORIGINAL ROUTE (U.S. 66 & Optional 66 - 1926-1932)

From Edwardsville, IL: R on Vandalia onto St. To Joplin: Leave 1-270 at Lindbergh/U.S.67 Louis Street;L on West Street under the railroad (Exit 25A), go southbound 16.5m to a point south of tracks onto St. Louis Road (SR 157); R on Chain of the town of Kirkwood at the junction of Lindbergh Rocks Road to Mitchell, IL; south on State Road with Watson Road (SR 366); R on Watson Road. 203 (Nameoki Road); R on Madison onto REROUTING Broadway; at end of Broadway, L and follow signs (City 66 - 1936-1963) across McKinley Bridge. Entering St. Louis: At end of now-closed old Entering St. Louis: At end of McKinley Bridge, Chain of Rocks Bridge, L on Riverview Drive; L on cross over 1-70; angle R onto Salisbury; Ron Broadway; R on Calvary; L on Florissant; R on Natural Bridge; L on Grand; R on Delmar; Lon Warne; next L on Carter; angle R onto Florissant; Sarah. around the curve at Mullanphy onto 13th; then, at To Joplin: From Sarah, R on Lindell; Lon O'Fallon, ahead on Tucker. Skinker; ahead on McCausland; R on Manchester To Joplin: From Tucker, angle R onto Gravois; Road; Or: From Sarah, R on Lindell; L on Boyle; R on Chippewa; ahead on Watson Road. R on Clayton through Forest Park. [Clayton is cut off by present-day U.S. 40/1-64 - follow Clayton DRIVINGOPTION 1.5m to the traffic circle, go 3/4 of the way around (1930s Illinois) into Wells; L at the yield sign still on Wells; L at the traffic light onto Hampton; cross U.S. 40/1-64; A suggestion for driving the early 1930s route in Illinois, and take 2nd R onto Clayton.]Clayton to McCausland; then rejoining the "Historic Route" in St. Louis: L on McCausland; R on Manchester Road. From Mitchell, go south on State Road 203 (Nameoki Road); R on Madison onto Broadway; HISTORIC ROUTE L on 4th (SR 3); follow SR 3 (which becomes St. (U.S. 66 & City 66 - 1933-1975) Clair Avenue) to just past the Baltimore & Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad Underpasses/Bridges and the Entering St. Louis: At end of now-closed 1-55/70 junction to 9th; R on 9th; Ron M L King MacArthur (Municipal) Bridge, L on 7th, R on Drive (formerly State) to the underpass at the end of Chouteau; L on Tucker. the street; go beneath the underpass and L onto the To Joplin: From Tucker, angle R onto Gravois; bridge ramp; cross the Dr. Martin Luther King R on Chippewa; ahead on Watson Road. Bridge into Missouri; at end of bridge, follow Cole [The 10th - Hickory Street jog has been Street (State Route D) past the TW A Dome to eliminated by apartment construction.] Tucker Boulevard; L on Tucker to Gravois. (All but Cole Street was part of U.S. 66 or City 66.) REROUTING (U.S. 66 & By-Pass 66 - 1936-1965) [AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sincere thanks to the American Association of State Entering St. Louis:At end of now-closed old Highway and Transportation Officials in Washington, DC; the Library of the American Automobile Association in Heathrow, FL; the Auto Club of Missouri Chain of Rocks Bridge, follow 1-270 9.5m thru in St. Louis; the Federal Highway Administration in Washington, DC; the Hazelwood.(Actually, the old alignment follows Mercantile Library in St. Louis; the Missouri Department of Transportation in Dunn Road, formerly known as Lindbergh St. Louis; the Library of the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis; the Newberry Boulevard, which is the service road on the north Library in Chicago, IL; and the main branch of the Public Library in St. Louis, for their assistance in researching the maps and other information used to write side of 1-270.) this article.]

James R. Powell is the founder of the Route 66 Association of Missouri.

22 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996 Roadside Poets u.s. Route 66 Time Waits For No One By Arthur Davis By Elbert Childers

Route 66 was a joy to drive. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, First gravel, then concrete and 20 feet wide. Things I never thought of when I was young. Helped build this road when scarcely more than a lad; Tookfor granted I'd have time to do everything, I'm proud of its history and the small part I had. Knowing not what the future might bring.

Rocks, trees, and fences, nothing could stay Miller's Cave, the grapevine swing across the ravine, Where surveyor's stakes marked the right-of-way. Boiling Springs, or the Big Sink Hole I've never seen. Hills leveled down and valleys filled, There's a Lookout Tower notfar away, Where Route 66 we started to build. I'll climb to the top of it someday.

With surveyor's chain and the level rod, Tomorrow I'm going to go to the Onyx Cave, A trail was blazed through mountain and sod. Looking for pretty rocks along the way. The work was hard and the days were long, Today I'lljust visit with afriend or two, Machines were few but backs were strong. I'll have plenty of time, those other things to do.

This concrete ribbon - a three thousand mile run, Suddenly I moved away, which was kinda sad, Stretched from Chicago to L.A. in 1931. Leaving behind every friend that I had. Tourists came through in cars today rarely seen, Things which I thought wouldforever last, Moon, Stutz, Pierce Arrow, and Stanley with steam. Soon became just memories of the past.

"Main Street of America," Route 66, In sadness and silence I bow my head, Took Missouri from mud and out of "the sticks. " Hearing words that should have been said. Crank up the old Jitney, and go for a spin, Never doing things that could have been done, Then leisurely travel this great road again. All because time waits for no one.

Arthur Davis of Crestwood, a self-described "Hillbilly Poet," Elbert Childers, of Hartsburg, MO, had a hand in building the famous Route 66. remembering places along Route 66 of his boyhood. Help Save the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Gateway Trailnet, Inc., a non-profit organization, is raising money to preserve the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge as a park across the Mississippi River in Sf. Louis, Missouri.

The Route 66 Association of Missouri is a proud sponsor of this preservation project. Call, write or e-mail for information on how you can help save the bridge:

7185 Manchester Rd. We need St. Louis, MO 63143 ,our "'" GATEWAY (3141644-0315 ,~ TRAILNETINC e-mail: [email protected] SuppDrt///

SHOW ME ROUTE 66/ WINTER 1996 23 Membership For membership information, please write to: Route 66 Association of Missouri, P.O. Box 8117, St. Louis, MO 63156

• PHONES OWNER - MANAGER MAILING LABEL • COLOR TV WM ROBERT LEHMAN Member Renewal Date Membership Classification • POOL PHONE ---- \. • COMMERCIAL RAlES (417) 532-3111 / ---- \. John Q. Public 12-31-96 I R vUungefl vUOggvUote~ 66 Old Highway 66 YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

St. Louis, MO 63011 "0" H;."'"" R,,,'. ••.. / CITY ROUTE 66 E. Ex" 130 off 1-44 emaU Sa / 236 SEMINOL£ I / Member Name & Address Renewal LEBANON, MO 65536 Please periodically check your Route 66 Association of Missouri mailing label to determine when you should renew your membership to ensure that delivery of Show Me Route 66 magazine (and newsletter) will not be On Historic Route 66 interrupted 901 E. Washington (1-44 Exit 208) Cuba,MO CHANGE OF ADDRESS? 65453

Please immediately notify the Association of any change Since 1930 of address to ensure that delivery of Show Me Route 66 magazine (and Newsletter) will not be interrupted. 573-885-3411 Route 66 Association of Missouri , Harold & Pauline Armstrong P.O. Box 8117 St. Louis,MO 63156

Photo Credits Located on Historic Route 66 East (417) 532-6114

Maps Nos. 1,9, 10 and Back Cover photo reprinted courtesy of the Automobile Club of Missouri; may not be reproduced without permission.

Other maps, and postcards on pages 12-13 are from the Jim Powell Collection. These items are subject to Bus. RT. 1-44 E. EXIT 130 copyright restrictions, and may not be reproduced without JON AND DONNA BOESE LEBANON, MO 65536 permission.

"Will Rogers" Chain of Rocks Bridge postcard on Page 13 reprinted courtesy of the Curt Teich Postcard Archives, Lake County (IL)Museum; from the Jim Powell Collection; may not be reproduced without Next Issue: permission. Our Spring Issue will showcase the "Birthplace of Route 66" Veterans Bridge on Page 13 from the Missouri Springfield, Missouri, with a historical account of the behind- Department of Transportation; may not be reproduced without permission the-scenes maneuverings of how Route 66 got its name. Also •••Springfield stories of the Lurvey and Sanders families Postcard,page 15 courtesy The Missouri US 66 Tour Book and a look back at the 59 years of the Rail Haven Motel

24 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 / WINTER 1996