'HISTORIC ROUTE 66 IN MISSOURI IS NOW A SCENIC BYWAY! To be eligible for the Scenic Byway Program ARCHAEOLOGICAL CULTURAL in Missouri, a route must have at least one of six intrinsic qualities that provides the basis for the designation. Missouri Route 66 has all six intrinsic qualities! The route may be rural, suburban or urban. Missouri Route 66 is all of these!
Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque, Picture represents the activities of Springfield, MO =site of the Native Americans in Missouri and appearance of many famous the Kickapoo Trace, Osage Trail personalities and entertainment and Trail of Tears that coincided groups. with the path of Route 66.
HISTORIC
Rest Haven Motor Court, Springfield, MO-- Chain of Rocks Bridge, built in 1929 carried Jasper County Court House, In business since 1947 and is still operating traffic over the Mississippi River until 1977. It Carthage, MO was built in 1898 and as is its 1950 neon sign. Service station no is still standing and open tofoot traffic. still in use. longer exists. NATURAL RECREATIONAL SCENIC
Hiawatha Bluffs at Devils Elbow, MO Schifferdecker Park, Hooker Cut, Pulaski County. Wasfirst 4-lane rise over 300' above the Big Piney Joplin, MO divided section of Route 66 in MO and created River. to help facilitate traffic into nearby Fort Leonard Wood. At the time, it was considered the largest highway rock cut in the country.
Jensen Point, at Top of Lookout Mountain, • __::- Pacific, MO-built in '- 1938 as part of Henry ~~~~-; Shaw Gardenway ? highway project. Starlite Lanes, Lebanon, MO 1-44 Exit 127, 1900 West Elm Street 417-532-7000 LebanonMO FACTORY OUTLETS or 800-727-4643
I" I Stop by and visit with the Reid family. The Reids came to this Route 66 location in 1961 and operated the 66 Sunset Lodge as the Capri Motel until 1966. Then in 1972 Shepherd Hills Factory Outlet was born on the same ground as the Capri Motel. Next came the ownership of the Shepherd Hills Motel. In 1999 the Lebanon Route 66 location of the Shepherd Hills Factory Outlet moved into our new modern building. This business has expanded and now includes eight different locations.
~~OCK!T ~~ KNIVES DENBY POtTERY I
DENBY POTTERY ISpobel1 Factory Seconds & Overstocks, 40% to 50% off
MAG A Z I N E Volume 16, Number 4 - 2005 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI ESTABLISHED JANUARY, 1990 Features Advertisers 3 Officers, Board of Directors, Doc's Harley-Davidson Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven and Associations St. Louis, MO Springfield, MO Shelden's Market Shepherd Hills 4 Business Member Directory Devils Elbow, MO Lebanon,MO Robert Gehl John A. Heger Realtors Seba Station 7 Welcome New Members Heger & Associates, Inc. Warwick, OK Robert Gehl Pacific, MO Jim Montgomery Body & Paint, LLC 8 Scenic Byway Star Motel Cuba, MO R. Scott Taylor Waynesville, MO Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson /Buell Osage Beach, MO 9 President's Roadmap Ozark Harley-Ilavidson/Buell Tommy Pike Lebanon,MO Harry's Tire Service, Inc., • 11 Preservation News Sullivan, MO Michael Romero Taylor Fecatures Contd •• Show Me Route 66 Magazine 12 Folks Get "Festive" on Route 66 Founder President Kip Welborn 23 A Visit With Anna Backues Jim Powell TommyPike Kip Welborn 13 The Last Steinbeck Awards Contributing Writers David Knudson 25 A Look Back In Time - Bruce Debo Skip Curtis BruceDebo John McGuire - Skip Curtis Robert Gehl KevinHansel DavidKnudson RonMcCoy 14 Graham and the Wigwam Motel 27 Rights of Salvage John McGuire GlendaPike Win Top honors Bruce Debo - Skip Curtis TommyPike Paul & DebbieRhew David Knudson Joe Sonderman MichaelR. Taylor 29 Our First Route 66 Trip Out of State R. ScottTaylor KipWelbom 15 A Survivor is Reborn Paul and Debbie Rhew Kevin Hansel Production Staff 31 Frankoma Pottery Glenda Jo Pike - TommyPike 16 News from the Road Ron Mccloy BryantBusiness Graphics 121 N.MapleSt. CoverPhoto, "St. Louis Skyline", Buffalo,MO65622 17 A Dream Turns 40 St. Louis' Gateway Arch National Park Service, (417) 345-4815 Joe Sonderman Jefferson National Expansion Memorial www.bryantbus.com 22 Stanley Cour-tel Motel Association of Missouri Advertising Rates Per Issue @6 V8Page- $35, $60 and LinAir Motel Official Website: V4Page- Kip Welborn V2Page - $75, FullPageB/W- $120 w.missouri66.org FullPageColor- $150 Other rates are availableupon request (417) 865-1318 Show Me Route 66 Magazine is the official publication of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. ShowMe Route 66Magazine 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 cost in advance of$6.00 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 sent direct to Tommy Pike, President, Route 66 Association of Missouri, 1602 East Dale St., Springfield, MO 65803-40 14 or sentby email to fur:[email protected]. Reproduction of this magazine in part or in whole, is prohibited without written permission from the President and/or 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 edit 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. 3 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 Officers Board of Directors Associations President Marge Ball Route 66 Association of Illinois Associations Continued ... 8516 Ava Dr. Tommy Pike 2743 South Veterans Parkway #166 The Old Route 66 Association of Texas St. Louis, 63123-3314 1602 East Dale St. Springfield, IL 62704 P.O.Box 66 (314) 256-0655 Springfield,MO65803-4014 (708) 389-3823 McLean, TX79057 Johnny Miller, President (417) 865-1318 Jerry Benner (806) 779-2225 [email protected] [email protected] 1115 Chatelet Dr. Bob Lile, President www.iI66assoc.org Ferguson, MO63135 [email protected] Vice-President (314) 521-4255 Route 66 Association of Missouri www.barbwiremuseum.com Diane Warhover [email protected] p.o. Box 8117 www.mockturtlepress.com/texas/home.html 447 Clemens Ave. St. Louis, MO63156-8117 Kirkwood, MO63122-3808 Fran Eickhoff (417) 865-1318 New Mexico Route 66 Association (314) 965-5751 p.o. Box244 TommyPike, President 1415 Central Ave. NE [email protected] Cuba, MO65453-0244 [email protected] Albuquerque, NM87106 (573) 885-9175 Secretary www.missouri66.org (505) 472-3763 [email protected] Richard Delgado, President Mark Stauter Kansas Historic Route 66 Association [email protected] Robert Gehl 309 Hutchinson Dr. p.o. Box 66 www.rt66nm.org Rolla, MO65401-3913 1667 Timber Ridge Estates Dr. Baxter Springs, Kansas 66713 Wildwood, MO63011-1971 (573) 341-2932 (620) 848-3669 Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona [email protected] (636) 458-4585 Dean Walker, President P.O.Box 66 (636) 458-4080 - fax [email protected] Treasurer [email protected] Kingman, !\l 86402 www.ksrt66association.us (928) 753-5001 Robert Schulz Norman L. Heironimus (928) 753-5852 - fax 763 North Market St. Route 66 Association of Kansas p.o. Box 504 Tom Spear, Executive Vice President Waterloo, Illinois 62298 p.o. Box 66 Cuba, MO65453-0504 Jan Davis, Director of Operations (618) 939-7021 Riverton, Kansas 66770 (573) 885-4651 (620) 848-3330 [email protected] [email protected] www.azrt66.com Rich Henry Scott Nelson, President [email protected] Historian/Oral History 1107 Historic Old Route 66 California Historic Route 66 Association Chairperson Staunton, IL 62088 Oklahoma Route 66 Association P.O.Box 1359 (618) 635-5655 Jerry Benner p.o. Box 446 Rialto, CA92377 [email protected] 1115 Chatelet Dr. Chandler, OK74834 (909) 874-9448 www.henrysroute66.com Ferguson,MO63135 (405) 258-0008 (909) 874-5947 - fax (314)521-4255 Mike Hickey,President Kevin Hansel, President [email protected] Gary Hoselton Marilyn Emode, Officer Manager [email protected] 2232 Hunn Rd. [email protected] :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ww.wemweb.com Foristell, MO63348 www.oklahomaroute66.com Membership Services (636) 441-4448 Other Preservation Groups Cont.... Robert Gehl, Director [email protected] Other Preservation Groups 1667 Timber Ridge Estates Dr. Friends of the Mother Road Wildwood,MO63011-1971 Virgie Cole-Mahan National Historic Route 66 Federation c/o Kip Welborn (636) 458-4585 24320 Raleigh Rd. P.O. Box 1848 3947 Russell (636) 458-4080 - fax Waynesville, MO65583 Lake Arrowhead, CA92352 St. Louis, MO 63110 [email protected] (573) 774-2982 (909) 336-6131 (573) 774-6808 - fax (618) 236-7346 (909) 336-1039 - fax Internet Services [email protected] Emily Priddy, President David Knudson, Executive Director [email protected] Carolyn Hasenfratz, Director Kenny H. Storie [email protected] www.friendsofthemotherroad.org 1544 High School Drive 826 Spring Hill Farm Rd. www.nationaI66.org Brentwood, MO63144 Ballwin, MO63021 Canadian Route 66 Association (314) 936-0930 Route 66 Preservation Foundation (314) 604-7619 P.O. Box 81123 carolyn_ [email protected] P.O. Box 290066 [email protected] Burnaby, BC Canada V5H 4K2 Phelan, CA92329-0066 Bonnie Game, Pres. (205) 456-7566 (760) 868-3320 Larry W. Tamminen [email protected] 418 North Washington St. (760) 868-8614 - fax L. Fleming, Founder, (604) 314-6634 Carterville, MO64835-1242 Jim M. Conkle, CEO [email protected] (417) 673-1506 [email protected] www.route66.ca [email protected] www.cart66pf.org MISSOURI Cuba, MO - Continued: Eureka, MO- Continued: Avilla, MO East Office Bar & Grill Route 66 State Park Avilla Post Office • Great Food in a Comfortable Family • Drive on 66, See Exhibits, Buy Gifts Atmosphere • • In 1915 Building on Historic Route 66 Frisco's Grill & Pub Florissant, MO Bourbon,MO • Steaks - Seafood - Pasta The 3 "C" Company Circle Inn Malt Shop 1-44 Express • Militaria and Archival Specialists • Family Owned - On Route 66 since '56 • Custom Pickup and Delivery Main Street Bar & Grill Jim Montgomery Body & Paint Gray Summit, MO • Stop by for a Burger and a Beer • Full Service Body Shop & Painting- U-Gas Philips 66 Flatbed Wrecker Service Brentwood, MO Mace Supermarkets Halltown, MO Carl's Drive In • "Come Shop With Us" My Shop Creations • "16 Seats in Heaven" McGinnis Wood Products, Inc. • Rt. 66 Items, Leather, Antiques & More City of Brentwood •Specializing in Wine Barrels • City of Warmth - www.brentwoodmo.org Missouri Hick Bar B Q Harrisonville, MO • Enjoy Rustic Dining and Great Food! Miller Mini Storage LLC Carterville, MO Mullally Distributing Co., Inc. Carterville Route 66 Diner • "Budweiser - King of Beers" Joplin, MO People's Bank •Homemade Biscuits'n Gravy from Scratch Cycle Connection • Your One-Stop Financial Center Harley-Davidson / Buell Pop's Corner Cafe City of Carterville • www.cycleconnectionh-d.com • "Whopper Burgers On The Run" River Valley Rod & Custom Car Club Granny Shaffer's Family Restaurant Carthage, MO • "Tastes homemade Cause It is!" • "Still Cruisin' After All These Years" 66 Drive-In Theatre 2728 N. Rangeline RJay's Performance Center • • Open Fri/Sat/Sun April thru Sept Granny Shaffer's On the Plaza • Car Trailer and Hot Rod Parts Allan Antiques & Appraisal Service • "Tastes homemade Cause It is!" Roberts-Judson Lumber 7th & Illinois •Established in 1914 Carthage Convention & Visitors Bureau Holiday Inn of Joplin The Jesus Christ Foundation • Angels, Antiques, Art & More! • Ask For Special "Route 66Assn ofMO"Rate! • Promoting Jesus - King of the Road Carthage Route 66 Tea Room Joplin Museum Complex • Blue Plate Special Mon-Fri./ Antiques The Munro House Historic Route 66 Mini Mall & •Bed/Breakfast on Historic 66 1-877-244-1912 Paddoc Liquors Community Building The Rose • On Old Route 66 at State Line- • Karaoke - 2 Pool Tables -Darts Look for our Gas Pumps! Powers Museum Wagon Wheel Motel Richardson's Candy House • www.powersmuseum.coml0% offin Shop • "Come Sleep at Our Wheel Instead of Yours n •Watch our Candy Makers-S Mi s.from Wallace House Main & 7th Columbia, MO • Catering & Banquet Facilities Available Sultan of Smoke State Historical Society of Missouri • "AMust Stop for the #1 BBQ on Route 66" • www.system.missouri.edu/shs Devils Elbow, MO Transport Distribution Co. (TDC) Becht Properties, Inc. •Truckin' on 66 - www.gotdc.com Cuba,MO Bob's Gasoline Alley Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ Pit Kingdom City, MO • Gasoline & Route 66 Memorabilia • Campground & Canoe Rental Now Available Nostalgiaville, USA Charles A. Kolb C.P.A Shelden's Market • "Your 50's & 60's Nostalgia Superstore" •Proud Supporter of Route 66 • Store/Post Office on Big Piney River City of Cuba Kirkwood, MO •Route 66 Mural City Ellisville, MO Doc's Harley-Davidson Country Kitchen West County Lanes • Since 1955-www.docsharleydavidson.com • "Are You Ready For A Real Meal?" • www.westcountylanes.com 636-227-1469 Crawford County Historical Society Lake of the Ozarks, MO • 3 Stories of History - Wed & Sat IOAM-2PM, Eureka, MO Reflections Condominiums Sun 12-4PM Cherokee Chief Trading Post •Lakefrant - Come Play In Our Front Yard Cuba Chamber of Commerce • Antiques, Collectibles, & Mannequins Visitor Center Long Ford Leasburg, MO • www.cubamochamber.com • Acrossfram Six Flags-www. long-ford. com Skippy's Route 66 Inn Cuba Free Press Phil's Bar B. Q. •"Good Foodfor Good People" • "Defending Your Liberties Since 1960" • Ribs Are Phil's Specialty For Over 50 Years Please Visit And Support Our Business Members! Lebanon,MO Pacific, MO - Continued: Rolla, MO - Continued: Charlie's Farms & Gardens Citizens Bank Phelps County Bank
City of Lebanon City of Pacific Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce • Friendly People. Friendly Place. •Est. 1859 - www.pacificmissouri.com o "Rolla: The Middle of Every where tr www.lebanonmo.org Industrial Technologies, Inc. www.rollachamber.org Dowd's Catfish & BBQ House Route 66 Motors & Nostalgia Gifts • Great Food at Great Prices on "66" John Heger Realtors / o Classic Cars, Collectible Gifts Eric's Performance Express Inc. Heger & Associates, Inc. The Mule Trading Post • "Quality Auto Repair At A Price That's Fair!" •Route 66 Items, Antiques, & Life Size Animals Faye's Diner McLaren Grading, Inc. Totem Pole Trading Post, Inc. • "Really Homemade Food" o Antiques, Souvenirs, C-Store "Since 1933" Heartland Antique Mall Pacific Area Chamber of Commerce Zeno's Steakhouse & Motel o www.pacificchamber.com o Home of the Famous 120z - Since 1957 Historic Route 66 Inn Pacific "Family" Bowl • A Great Place - Right on Route 66 o All Abord! Where The Good Times Roll St. Charles, MO KFC / A& W Root Beer 636-257-4474 Fast Lane Classic Cars o See Our Rt. 66 Photos - 1 Blk N on Jefferson Pacific Partnership •"We Sell Investments That Accelerate" Lindsay Chevrolet Gateway Chapter - Falcon Club Ron Sansone Construction, Inc. of America Munger Moss Motel o Brick, Concrete, & Stone Contractor 636-271-4844 o Your Home Away From Home- St. Charles County, MO Route 66 Chevrolet Motor Company www.mungermoss.com Cruisin Clean Auto Detailing o "Get Your Kicks at Route 66 Chevrolet!" Nancy Ballhagen's Puzzles • If you're Cruisin ... Route 66 Realtors • www.missouripuzzle.com You should be Cruisin Clean! Orchard Hills Package Store • Check us for all your Real Estate needs 636-271-6660 o In Business on Route 66 Since 1946 St. Clair, MO Route 66 Wine & Gift, LLC Ozark Harley-Davidson / Buell Lewis Cafe • Make the Run to Lebanon o I Blk S. of Rt 66 on First St.- o "Home Cooked Meals For Over 65 Years" Come check us out! ozarkharliey-davidson.com Route 66 Car Club Regional Radio KJEL 103.7 FM- Sheffield's Grill & Cafe o Father's Day Car Show-Call 636-629-5445 KBNN750AM o Fine Dining in a Casual Old World Atmosphere 636-271-9494 Route 66 Lumber Co. dba St. Clair o Serving 36 Counties in the Ozarks Building Center Route 66 Museum & Research Center Smitchell's Route 66 Dairy & Diner o "Get Your Sticks At Route 66" • Let Us Display Your Route 66 Collection! o Authentic Style Hot Dogs/ Ice Cream, Etc. 636-257-6609 Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets St. James, MO °On Rt. 66 Since 1960-www.shephills.com The Great Pacific Coffee Company o For Coffee, Food, Wine & Cold Beer 4 M Farms and Vineyards o Original home of Concord Grapes Marshfield, MO 636-257-9911 The Meramec Valley on Route 66 Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce Current News Magazine Johnnies Bar o Coldest Beer on Route 66 Maryland Heights, MO Murdon Concrete Products LeBlanc Insurance & Financial Services o Lookfor our Dripping Faucet Neon Sign! Phillipsburg, MO o Classic Insurance & Old Time Service. Russ & Tina's Historic Rt. 66 Mall o A Warm Welcome and a Cold Drink Osage Beach, MO o Antiques, Rt. 66 Memorabilia & More! Spurgeon's "66" Service Lake of the Ozarks Harley- 0"66" Station on Route 66 Since 1961 Davidson Shop Rock Hill, MO St. James Tourist Information Center o When Fun is your Destination- City of Rock Hill o Discover the Ozarks Best! lakeojiheozarksharley-davidson.com o www.rockhillmo.com www.stjamesmissouri.org
Pacific, MO Rolla, MO St. Louis, MO American Legion Post 320 City of Rolla AAAAuto Club of Missouri
Beacon Car Wash Federation Map Company Cenveo / Color Art o New home for historical neon Beacon Motel o Full Service Printing on Rt 66 for 47 Years! sign Memoryville, U.S.A., Inc. Chuck-A-Burger Drive-In Restaurant Birdsong Pharmacy • Visit our Website: memoryvilleusa.com o Cruisin' Capitol of the Midwest since 1957 o Pharmacy, Gifts, Cards, Collectables Muffler Mart Please Visit And Support Our Business Members! '.,. ,. f~: '' St. Louis, MO - Continued: Stanton,MO Waynesville, MO Continued: Classic Cars Plus Antique Toy .Museum "The Source" KJPW 102.3 FM I • www.classiccarsforrent.com 636-386-0566 • A Fun & ExcitingTourThru the Past .1390 AM Eat-Rite Diner Jesse James Wax Museum • Located on Historic Route 66 • Eat-Rite or Don't Eat At All • World Famous Video Footage of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of John C. Gower, CFP, EA real Jesse James Commerce • Financial Planning Services Meramec Caverns • www.waynesville-strobertchamber.com Ted Drewes • Open Everyday! Oldest Stop on Route 66. Webb City, MO Westport Customs and Collision Center Strafford, MO Bradbury Bishop Deli •"From Flames to Frames" 314-692-9922 Cowan's Route 66 Convenience • Visit Our Historic Soda Fountain Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce St. Peters, MO Keiser Equipment Company Fords Unlimited Car Club Webb City Historical Society Strafford Area Chamber of Commerce • For More Information 417-673-3000 St. Robert, MO BP of St. Robert - Amoco Sullivan, MO ILLINOIS • We Make It Convenient on Route 66 Copies, Marketing & More Belleville,IL City of St. Robert • Special Assn Member Offers! Motor Car Memories Inc. www.copiesmarketmore.com •Route 66 Collectibles 618-398-7001 Ehrhardt Properties Harry's Tire Service, Inc. • "Tires are our Business" Litchfield,IL First State Bank - St. Robert Since 1952 on Route 66 The Ariston Cafe Native Experience Eco Base Camp • "Remember! Where Good Food Is Served" Microtel Inn & Suites •Base Camp to Adventure on Route 66 • wwwftwoodhotels.com Bulaski County Tourism Bureau Union, MO Murphysboro,IL • Pulaski County - Missouri's Natural Beauty Huxel's Auto Repair Silkworm, Inc. • 800-826-0577 www.silkwormink.com "The Source" KJPW 102.3 FM / • Used Parts for Old Cars 1940 to 1980 1390AM Indian Harvest Trade • Located on Historic Route 66 • On Route 66 - www.indianharvesttrade.com Springfield, IL Cozy Dog Drive In Shelbina, MO Villa Ridge, MO • "Famous Hot Dog On a Stick" Auto-Mat LLC Bourbeuse Valley Harley-Davidson www.cozydogdrivein.com • Let us help you find that Special Vehicle •Junction of 1-44 & Hwy 50 on Route 66 Staunton, IL Route "66" Storage Springfield, MO DeCamp Junction Inc. Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven • 636-451-0677 Tri-County Restaurant • Historic Roadhouse Serving Since 1926 • Guests Get A True Rt. 66 Experience Henry's Route 66 Rabbit Ranch / Since 1938 • Good Foodfor 76 Years on Route 66 Wayside / BP Amoco Emporium College Street Body Shop, Inc. •Rt.66 Info Center - www.HenrysRoute66.com • 417-862-4326 Best Body Shop in Town- • "The friendliest store in town" on Route 66 Ask My Mom KANSAS Curtis Enterprises Waynesville, MO • www.birthplaceofroute66.com Cave State Cruisers Car Club Riverton, KS Eslick Enterprises • 573-435-9297 Eisler Bros. Old Riverton Store • David J Eslick,Photographer 417-889-9332 City of Waynesville • A Fun Visit Back In Time www.eislerbros.com Ingram Enterprises, Inc. Cole-Mahan Enterprises, Inc. OKLAHOMA Lurvey Properties • Theatre on the Square in Waynesville Claremore, OK Pulaski County Historical Museum Claremore Convention & Visitors Springfield-Greene County Library & Society Bureau Center • Open Saturdays Only 10-2 PMApril thru Sept • Claremore, OK www.visitclaremore.org Ramada Inn Springfield, Missouri Convention & • On Historic Route 66 1-800-272-6232 Visitors Bureau Elk City, OK Security Bank of Pulaski County • Birthplace of Route 66 - Springfield, MO National Route 66 Museum 1-800-678-8767 Star Motel Steak 'n Shake Warwick, OK • Famous For Steakburgers & Route 66! The Old Stagecoach Stop Seaba Station • Open Saturdays 10 to 4 April thru Sept • Make New Memories on Route 66 While Visiting old Ones Please Tell Them You Are A Member Too! CALIFORNIA . Lake Arrowhead, CA ! National Historic Route 66 Federation For Route 66 Association of Missouri MINNESOTA Minneapolis, MN membership information Custom Business Video, Inc. • route66today.tv Get to Know the People along Rt. 661 and to print an
List maintained by Robert Gehl, Director of Membership Services application form see Updated as of November 07,2005 ---~fu.fe 66 Association of Missouri Official Website: w.missouri66.org
Welcome new member,! 3rd Quarter 2005 Report
Please join us in welcoming the following 28 new • Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson Shop - members to the Route 66 Association of Missouri during Osage Beach, MO the period of July 1st, 2005 through September so", 2005. • RobertD.Lance -ScottCitY,MO • LeBlanc Insurance & Financial Services - Your support of the Association is most appreciated and Maryland Heights, MO we look forward to your enjoyment and involvement in • Gerald Link - Flint, MI Association projects and activities. • Mullally Distributing Co., Inc. - Cuba, MO • Ozark Harley-Davidson I Buell - Lebanon, MO Welcome aboard and we hope to see you along Old • Pacific "Family" Bowl - Pacific, MO Route 66 in Missouri! • PaddocLiquors -Joplin,MO • Dorothy Ryan - Pacific, MO • Norman E. Bentley - Punta Gorda, FL • Joe & Michele Sanderson - Gladstone, MO • Glen & Sue Blesi - Sullivan, MO • Star Motel - Waynesville, MO • Joel Braunstein - Elkhart, IN • Ted Terbeek - Yucaipa, CA • T'C. Bryant - Kirkwood, MO • The Meramec Valley Current News Magazine - • Richard Chadeayne - Millstadt, IL Pacific,MO • College Street Body Shop, Inc. - Springfield, MO • West County Lanes - Ellisville, MO • Luis P. Cruz - Cape Coral, FL • Cuba Free Press - Cuba, MO This New Member Report was prepared by Robert Gehl, • Michael Forbes - Lisle, IL Director of Membership Services. If you were a new •Doralee & Gene Gladden - Jefferson City, MO member during this period and your name does not • Rick Gold - Frontenac, MO appear here, please contact me at 636-458-4585 orviaE- • Patricia Gray - St. Louis, MO mail at [email protected] and you will be included • Karen Irwin - Imperial, MO in the next report. • HenningKjensli -FortMyers,FL 8 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 I• VOLUME 16/ NUMBER 4
~ 0lA4e By R. Scott Taylor, Field Liaison Office! not regulation. Missouri Department of Transportation Anyone may nominate a road for possible designation by the Secretary, but the nomination must be submitted through On November 9, 2005, The Missouri Hi~hways and a state's official scenic byway agency and include a corridor Transportation Commission voted unanlI~IOusly to management plan designed to preserve and enhance the designate Historic Route 66 as a state Scemc Byway. Covering over 300 miles, Historic Route 66 Byway will unique qualities of the byway. be the longest scenic byway in the state. Route 66 spans The byways themselves typically are supported through a the state from the Illinois state line to the Kansas state network of individuals who volunteer their time and effort. It line. is a bottom-up, grassroots-oriented program. Local citizens and communities create the vision for their byway, identify Missouri's Scenic Byways Program the resources comprising the intrinsic qualities, and form the The Missouri Scenic Byways program is a statewide theme or story that stirs the interest and imagination of partnership intended to provide recreational, educational visitors about the byway and its resources. Local citizens and and economic benefits to Missourians and visitors communities decide how best to balance goals, strategies and actions for promoting the byway and preserving its through the development of a system of touring routes in intrinsic qualities. The vision, goals, strategies and actions I Missouri. for the byway are laid out in the corridor management plan The Scenic Byway Advisory Committee in required for the byway.. .., partnership with the Missouri Department of Nomination is not about fillmg out an application. It s all Transportation and other appropriate parties will about telling the byway's story. That's the premise that is promote and assist the development of statewide Scenic driving the FHWA's work on requesting nominations for Byways designated for their exceptional natural beauty possible national designation. In Missouri, nominations may or scenery, or natural, historical, cultural or recreational be submitted at any time to the Scenic Byways Advisory resources. Committee which meets semi-annually and is composed of Under the National Scenic Byways Program, individuals representing tourism, the motoring public, the established in 1991 by the U.S. Department of conservation department, historic preservation, outdoor advertising, state parks and transportation. Transportation as a part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of (ISTEA), the U.S. Route 66 and the Byway Process Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as "What we want to do is tell the story of Route 66 as it National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based passes through Missouri," Taylor told several gatherings of on their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, people at various public meetings.Unlike the state's other recreational and scenic qualities. There are 95 such byways, Route 66 will be a zo" century byway. designated byways in 39 states. The Federal Highway Just as Route 66 was never an ordinary road, the route will Administration promotes the collection as America's not be an ordinary scenic byway. Sure there are various Byways, a distinctive collection of American roads, their scenic vistas, rolling landscapes, and beautiful forests, but stories and treasured places. They are roads to the heart there is also an abundance of urban landscapes, neon signs, and soul of America. Byways are exclusive because of and billboards that define the true culture and history of the their outstanding qualities, not because byways are byway. Unlike most byways in the nation that attempts to confined to a select group of people. Managing the eliminate billboards, the Route 66 Byway of Missouri wants intrinsic qualities that shape the byway's story and to embrace the outdoor advertising industry as a part of the interpreting the story are equally important in improving heritage it is trying to preserve. the quality of the visitors' experience. The National "This is a grass-roots program. We want the citizen's of Scenic Byways Program is founded upon the strength of Missouri to define the byway," Taylor said. Now that the the leaders for individual byways. It is a voluntary, byway is designated, private groups and local governments grassroots program. It recognizes and supports can apply for federal funds to develop interpretive sites and outstanding roads. It provides resources to help manage make other improvements to serve as a draw. the intrinsic qualities within the broader byway corridor to be treasured and shared. Perhaps one ofthe underlying SEE BACK COVER FOR A SAMPLE OF THE QUALITIES principles for the program is that it is about recognition, THAT MADE ROUTE 66 A SCENIC BYWAY! SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 1
ovember 9,2005, was a "red letter" day for Historic Springfield this year. The theme of this year's conference Route 66 in Missouri, our Association and the was From Wagon Trains to Route 66: Rural to Metro. NMissouri Department of Transportation. That is Paul Taylor, Publisher, Route 66 Magazine, was the the day our beloved road became a Scenic Byway in the keynote speaker for the General Opening Session. State of Missouri. Please refer to the article appearing htJ'~~ Paul spoke on "How Route 66 Changed the elsewhere in this issue written by R. Scott Taylor, Landscape of the Midwest". Roy Blunt, U.S. MoDOT. Glenda and I along with Scott Taylor have Representative was the luncheon speaker. spent many, many hours and traveled many miles Representative Blunt's address was titled "Saving over the past two years working to make this America's Treasures/Preserve America". I had the happen. AND this designation would not opportunity to talk one on one, for a few minutes have been accomplished without the help with Blunt about Route 66 and the Corridor of many of our Association members who Preservation Act with the promise from him of helped along the way with meeting more discussion on this subject at a future time. arrangements and contacting local here were four Blocks of Conference officials. Some contacts had to be Sessions with three choices in each and a repeated several times. Thanks to those TField Session also with three choices. of you who so willing helped when I Every one of the choices promised to be very asked. I am afraid I would leave someone informative and interesting and it was very difficult out if! started listing names. However, I do want to choose which one to attend. We attended the Block to give special thanks to Kip Welborn. Without his love of One session titled "From Model T to V8: Historic the road in St. Louis City and County and his last minute Preservation and Route 66". It was a panel discussion giant effort, this area would not have been included in the about Missouri Department of Transportation Byway. Because of this, the whole road from state line to identification and conservation of our Route 66 Resources. state line is included. Topics discussed included: the transition of the roadway here will be much more work to be done in the from gravel to 2-lane to divided 4-lane to replacement by 1- coming months to gain Federal Scenic Byway 44; The Henry Shaw Gardenway, which was Route 50/66; Tstatus. I will be asking again for your help when I and MoDOT's interest in the agency's historic resources have all the information in hand, to know what will be and recent efforts to collect information about its roadside required from the Association. If any member or friend of parks. Speakers were Thomas Gubbels, Historian, Dr. Route 66 has experience in grant writing and would be Toni Prawl, Architectural Historian and Karen Daniels, willing to help in this capacity, please contact me as soon as Architectural Historian all from MoDOT. possible. he Block Two Session we attended was "Getting eptember 10 and 11, found a lot of us enjoying our Back to Basics: Historic Tax Credit Basics: annual Motor Tour. However, Jerry Benner and TPlanning Your Small Project". The reviewers were SDave Winkler represented the Association spending John Sandor, Architectural Historian, Technical their time at the Manchester 2005 Homecoming Preservation Services from the National Park Service and sponsored by The Old Trails Historical Society. This year's Angelo Logan, Architect with the Missouri State theme celebrated the City's connection with Historic Route Preservation Office. They covered the basics of the state 66. Manchester Road was the original Route 66 link and federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit programs with through the area in 1926 to 1933. Jerry set up his very an emphasis on applying the Secretary of Interior's impressive display of photographic images featuring Standard for Rehabilitation--all in connection with doing a Route 66 in the Baxter Log Cabin in Schroeder Park, rehab project for a home or small business. Manchester. Jerry and Dave visited with those attending aul Taylor, Publisher, Route 66 Magazine and the celebration about the photos and provided information Elizabeth Rosin, Historic Preservation Consultant, about the Association. Thank you Jerry and Dave ! PHistoric Preservation Services led Block Three lenda and I attended the annual Missouri Statewide Session. This was on "Living History on the Mother Road: Historic Preservation Conference October 21-23, Historic Architecture of Route 66" and of course, this is the G2005. The conference is sponsored by the Missouri one we attended. The diverse architectural resources Alliance For Historic Preservation and was held in found along Route 66 was the topic, including an overview SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 10 of architecture along the entire And last but not least, route and discussion of the the Field Session we property types found along joined was titled "Get Route 66 in Kansas, Oklahoma Your Kicks! Route 66 in and Missouri. Springfield". Our tour guide iving Off the Land: was Skip Curtis, Author, and His tor i c R u r a I Member of The Route 66 LResources" was the Association of Missouri. Skip Session in Block Four we gave detailed information selected. Preservation of farm about Route 66 sites past and buildings and early log present from the place of Route structures requiring special 66's conception to its outer attention and techniques was Springfield extremities. discussed. Speakers were Manchester Homecoming display. Photo. Jerry Benner Glenda and I wished each of Ralph Bray, Historical Architect, Missouri Parks you could have been on this tour so you could have Department, David Roggensees, Site Administrator, absorbed some of Skip's knowledge and enthusiasm. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site and Ted Glenda and Iwish to express thanks to the Missouri Hilmer, Superintendent, Wilson's Creek National Alliance For Historic Preservation for inviting us Battlefield. to be a part ofthis Conference. he General Closing Session began with updates The year 2006 will bring the 80th Anniversary of from the Missouri State Historic Preservation Route 66. Please contact me if you have ideas for TOffice by Mark Miles, Director. "Heritage special activities in relation to the Anniversary. Tourism: A GoldMine of Ideas, Views, and Experiences oj The Association is for all members--individual as well as the Past" was the topic of speaker Michael Bouman, business--and your input and participation is extremely Executive Director, Missouri Humanities Council. important to the well being of the Association. I am always happy to talk with you and receive your suggestions.
SEABA STATION Antiques Gifts Collectibles Souvenirs Florals Make New Memories on Route 66 While Visiting Old Ones Traditional Springfield 1 mi.E of Hwy 177 on Route 66 in Warwick, Ok motel earns honors Leader recently awarded A National Register of historic Places Property Springfield NewsH able mention in their Route 66 Rallha~en ~,!'o:ating for hotels and " A Hampton Inn Top Route 66 Roadside Attraction "Best Of The zar. traditional motel has motels. ThIs charml~g visitors to Springfield Mail: RR. 1 Box 7891, Chander, OK 74834 served travelers an tel located at 203 S. since 1938. T~IS. ~f~eld: Missouri is a land- _ Phone: 405-258-6700 Fax 405-258-6777 Glenstone, In pnn d the growth and devel- _ --..~---.. mark that has survive d the face of both ~/ opment that has change 66 over the years. An early pho Springfield and old ~ou~e pman Brothers,th .""'e ••• II••••'e".uP_p Built in 1938, by t e IP ed travel-wn.l Rail Haven Motor Courv--'-~~~ famili~ e oute 0
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[ 417-866-1963 573·885·4204 Reservations: 1108 S. W. Main Fax: 573·885·6108 1·800·304·0021 Webpage: www.route66railhaven.com Cuba, MO 65453 Mobile: 573·259·1040 Route 66 Rail Haven, 203 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802 VOLUME 16, NUMBER
ROUTE 66 CORRIDOR PRESERVATION PROGRAM ADVISORY COUNCIL ESTABLISHED
By Michael Romero Taylor, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program Manager, National Trails System fflce - IMR, National Park< Service,
A Fede:al1\dvisory ~il for the Route 66 J~s M. Conkle, California Route 66 Corria6r "Preservation ~roffigram.~4ffinabeens Preservation Foundation; M~ Da)jd King established to advise the Secretary of Interior bn punaway, University of New ~exic:?>Ms. m~t'€rs~ relating to the Rodte 66 dorridor Melvena Heisch, Oklahoma Historital "Society; Prese~atiop Program. The G:ouncil wi]l make Mr. Michael Jackson, Illinois /Historic recomm~l9.d'ltions on ways to 'best preserve the Preservation Agency; Mr. Davi?' Knudson, most repr\sentative and-significant properties National Historic...Route..66 F~cIer~tj·on;Mr. J~hn along Rout~6'6, and on program activities such as w.. ~:lfphey, New Mexico HI~tonf Prese:vatIOn cost-share gr1nts and types/levels of technical DivisionzMs. MaryAnn Naber, Federal HIghway assistance tliat the National Park Service !should Administration; Ms. Cano lyn Gallagher provide parthers along the route. Fifteen m~mbers Pendleto~, Kansas Historic Route 66 Association; have been/~ppointed by the Secret~~ oftnter~or Mr~Tommy Gene Pike, Route 66 Association of for four-year terms to represent various agencies Misso~ri? Mr Jim R~ss, O~lahom)\Route 66 and o}g'.lniz~tions t?at pave an est~bli~hed Assocratron;'Ms. Phyllis T. Seitts, Bure~ of Land preservation mterest m Route 66. N ommations Management; Mr. Gregory William Smith, Texas n ~ were Isoiicited from State Historic Pr~ervation Historical Commission; Mr. R. Scott \ Taylor, officrs~'Departments of Transportation, Bllreau of Missouri Department of Transportation; and Mr. Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Federal Michael Wallis, Historian & Biographer] of the High~ly Administration, Route 66 Associations, American West., I the National Historic Route 66 Federation, and For more information about tile Route 66 tribal \governments. The first meeting of the Corridor Preservation Program, plea~e visit Council, is tentatively scheduled-to ..take place in www.cr.nps.gov/rt66. If you have aquesfion about
February>2006. -s the~ounc~l, or about the Progra m general, ~ppo~nte'€i~e~beIs ..~:.Mr. David P'.Bricker, please email 1M_Rt66@nps:,gov . California Depa~nt g,t:TransportatlQ!li Mr. .- SHOW ME ROUTE 66 I VOLUME 16,NuMBER 4 12 c.tolk~Set ttc.te~tive"o~ Route 66I By Kip Welborn On September 9th, approximately 60 individuals in 30 vehicles "got festive" and participated in the 16th annual Route 66 Association of Missouri Motor Tour, held the weekend of September 9 through 11. The theme of this years tour was "Festival 66" because of the many festivals taking place up and down Route 66 in Missouri that weekend. Registration took place on Friday, September 9, at Springfield's very own Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven motel. It was a beautiful day, and people took advantage of the spacious grounds to enjoy the weather, take in the amenities, and catch up with their fellow 66ers. That evening, Association President Tommy Pike and his wife Glenda arranged for a trek to the nearby Steak 'n Shake for dinner. It was as good a dinner as it was a trip down memory lane, as this Steak 'n Shake is like those found in days past, complete with its neon and lights a blaze. Kip We/born, co-chair, at end of a long Saturday. On Saturday, the tour headed out of Springfield. Participants Photo: Kent Sanderson were able to take in the festivals held in Strafford, Conway, Lebanon and St. James. Folks could win a cake on the "cake walk" in Strafford; ride a "train" around the festival in Conway, and take in car shows in Lebanon and St. James. There was also a "poker run" between Springfield and Cuba, which gave everyone a chance to make a stop at some of the businesses along the Route. This year, those helping with the poker run were Cowan's Route 66 Convenience in Strafford, the Historic 66 Antique Mall west of Lebanon, the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Nancy Ballhagen's Puzzles east of Lebanon, the Elbow Inn Bar & Pit BBQ and Shelden's Market in Devils Elbow, The Mule Trading Post east of Rolla, and Spurgeon's "66" Service in St. James. A big thank you to all the businesses who participated in the poker run! Participants checking schedules on Sunday morning before leaving Holiday Inn Express at Cuba. This years midpoint stop was in Cuba. The midpoint dinner was Photo: Kent Sanderson held at the Crawford County fairgrounds, with some delicious barbecue courtesy of Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q in Cuba. There besides feasting on the excellent barbecue, we chatted with our tour friends about the events of the day, and several lucky people won a door prize or two. After dinner, some of the tour participants took an evening cruise to see several of the excellent neon signage nearby at Johnnies Bar and the Murdon Concrete Products in St. James and the Mule Trading Post in Rolla, On Sunday, tour goers paid a visit to Bob's Gasoline Alley and enjoyed Bob Mullen's extensive collection of signs and memorabilia. Bob and Darlene always the consummate hosts, provided a generous food spread for everyone to enjoy, and their hospitality and conversation Conway Festival. really topped things off! From there, participants proceeded back into Photo: Kip Welborn Cuba, where we visited the Crawford County Historical Society museum and its memorabilia from Crawford County's past and present. Many on the tour also spent a time viewing the murals in the "mural city" including the most recent mural dedicated to the Civil War. From Cuba, the tour proceeded East to its final destination at the Tri-County Truck Stop Restaurant. There everyone had some great food, got a chance to say their good byes and reminisce about the tour, and mark the end of the 2005 motor tour. A special thank you to all the members of the Motor Tour Committee, and to everyone who made the tour a success. Hope we see Niangua Bridge East of Marshfield. you next year on the 17th Annual Route 66 Association of Missouri Photo: Kip Welborn Motor Tour! More Pictures on Page 28. 13 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16,NuMBER 4
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA in demand. More and more towns wanted us to visit them. On September 16'\ 2005, San Bernardino was Before long, we were planning 3 events simultaneously - the the site of the National Historic Route 66 Federation's upcoming event, the following year's event and the one after last John Steinbeck Awards event. that. Looking back, the first Federation event took place in But, the work became overwhelming. And in August, we the fall of '97. About 100 Route 66 fans packed into a rushed Mary Lou to the hospital and almost lost her. The tent in the tiny whistle stop of Lander gin, Texas to see the diagnosis was that a low grade infection had taken hold of award presented to author Michael Wallis and enjoy her and gotten into her blood stream. She was in the hospital some Texas BBQ. From there, we took the awards for two weeks and is still recovering. She was simply banquet to town after town with the intention of working too hard. It was time to stop producing the events. introducing mid-sized communities to Route 66 But, a very worthy team, consisting of Michael Wallis, enthusiasts and to inform the communities of the Jim Conkle, and Helen Baker, are going to continue on with importance ofthe Route. Then, we expanded the events a large annual event. We had already made many to include the Authors & Artists Expos which gave arrangements to take our event to Albuquerque, so the group Route 66 authors, artists, videographers and will go there first. None of this will affect the operation of craftspeople a venue to sell their wares. Next, we the Federation or its preservation efforts, except for the introduced 66 Summit meetings to give representatives better. We will be able to concentrate on itt more. of the state associations a forum to discuss issues that concerned them. Soon, host communities were building other activities David Knudson around our events. Weekends grew into very large Executive Director festivals. The largest attendance was recorded in National Historic Route 66 Federation Albuquerque which was estimated to have been 80,000 PO Box 1848, Lake Arrowhead, CA92352 people. Phone: 909-336-6131 Fax: 909-336-1039 As interest and attendance grew, our events also grew Email: [email protected], Website: www.nationa166.org
Daily, weekly and monthly military and construction rates JOHN A. HEGER Outdoor pool, free cable, electric air and heat Restaurant and Package Liquor Store in House Broker / Officer Life Member Million Dollar Club Off: (636) 271-6600 STAR MOTEL Mailing Address: Fax: (636) 271-6613 * * Box 202 Pgr: (314) 995-5062 1057 Old Route 66 Heger & Associates, Inc. Cell: (314) 570-6601 Waynesville MO 65583 Motel: 573-336-3223 Manager 113 West St. Louis Street • Pacific, Missouri 63069 Restaurant: 573-336-5660 FAX: 573-336-7075 Brigitte Harsh "Serving East Franklin & West St. Louis Counties" Reservations Only: 1-800-953-2506 573-336-3223 The John Steinbeck Awards Luncheon was attended by a stores, apartments and condominiums. The family sellout crowd September 16'\ at the San Bernardino Hilton purchased the Wigwam Motel in July of 2003 with the in San Bernardino, California. intent of restoring it to its original condition and drawing Shellee Graham ofSt. Louis, Missouri was the recipient tourist business. The results, after only 3 years, are nothing of the 2005 John Steinbeck Award. Ms. Graham was short of astounding. unable to attend the presentation because of business commitments. The John Steinbeck Award is presented to an individual who has contributed significantly to the preservation of Route 66. Winners have included roll-your-sleeves-up preservationists, authors, artists and communicators. Each winner, in their own unique way, has played a major role in the pageant of Mother Road preservation. Her photographic exhibitions, lectures, books and documentaries have contributed greatly to the country's recognition ofthe Mother Road for over 20 years. She has published two books about the Route, "Return to Route 66" and "Tales of the Coral Court". Ms. Graham's photographic archive covering the route's evolution, includes virtually every medium, and is considered to be unsurpassed in volume and quality. Her traveling photo exhibition continues to be displayed at venues throughout the nation, introducing the Route to tens ofthousands. In 2002, she sought and acquired a grant to produce a Shellee Graham, one-hour documentary on the legendary Coral Court winner of the 2005 John Steinbeck Award Motel. The project took two years to complete and was subsequently broadcast on PBS and at various public venues. A trailer for the film can be seen at her website www.coralcourt.com. In 2004, she and her Route 66 preservation work were profiled in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. She was selected as one of 8 "Crusaders" who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the city. This year's presentation of the Cyrus Avery Award was made to the Patel family for their exceptional restoration of the long-dilapidated Wigwam Motel on Route 66 in Rialto, California. Manoj Patel accepted the award for the family. The Cyrus Avery Award is presented to significant preservation projects. Winners are selected by John Steinbeck Award winners from nominations made by members, and have included individuals who spearheaded projects and groups who worked together to bring a project Manoj Patel, to fruition. accepting the 2005 Cyrus Avery Award for The restoration of the Wigwam was extensive and is his family s work on the Wigwam Motel even more incredible considering so much ofthat stretch of the route is being sold for large profits and converted to 16
DREAMA'S ROUTE 66 CAFE
The only thing consistent about Route 66 is change. In the last issue of Show Me Route 66 (Volume 16 Number 3), an article was printed titled "Taking You Back In Time: Peggy Sue's". This was about the reopening of the old Carterville, Missouri, Dairy Creme as a new drive-in restaurant called Peggy Sue's. However, the issue had already gone to print when Peggy Sue's was sold and became Dreama's Route 66 Cafe. Dreama's is owned by Dreama Heminger and is open for breakfast and lunch closing at 2:00 PM on Sunday through Friday. The restaurant is closed on Saturdays. Dreama's is located at 328 East Main, Carterville, Missouri. CARTERVILLE BUILDIIIG FOR SALE This is at the right-angle turn on Route 66 at Main and Pine. Give this new Route 66 business a try on your next trip The building is at 401 Main, Carterville, Missouri. The through Carterville. square footage is1496. At this time, there is an electrical contractor renting it. It has a restroom and a front office RETURII TO ROUTE 66"PHOTO area with another office area with a through window with a lot of storage in the back. There is an attic area that has EXHIBIT stairs. The building is wood frame and stone and was dded on to some time ago. The gas tanks have been The first 2006 booking for Shellee removed. It has central heat and air and a gravel parking Graham's photo exhibit "Return to Route 66" will be at the lot all around it. The wiring was redone about 5 or 6 Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, IIN. 4thStreet, St. years ago. Offers will be considered. Contact: Louis Louis, MO. The dates are February 12 - April 12, 2006. (Corky) or Wanda George, 417-673-3638, Webb City, Shellee is very excited about her exhibit coming to the Missouri. Museum underneath the Arch and invites everyone to come visit it. Additional locations and dates will be listed in future magazme Issues. RAHAM'1FitM WiNI THE "AURORA" Early in November, Shellee Graham was notified that her documentary film, "Built For Speed:The Coral Court Motel," about the St. Louis's legendary Route 66 icon, had won the "Aurora," a national award. It was one of 5 submissions appearing under the nominating entity ofHEC - TV. The "Aurora" is an independent film and video competition for commercials, cable programming, documentaries, industrial, instructional and corporate videos based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. To learn more about the Aurora Award, go to www.auroraawards.com and click on "current news" at the bottom of the page. Congratulations, Shellee ! VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4
ST. LOUIS' GATEWAY ARCH CELEBRATES ITS ANNIVERSARY By Joe Sonderman
But by the turn of the zo" Century, the city had turned its If Route 66 was to become the way west, it had to go back on the river. An 83-acre area was mostly a wasteland through St. Louis. From Indian trails to wagon routes and of crumbling warehouses, honkytonks and flop houses. today's modem expressways, someone has always been Unsightly elevated railroad tracks ran along the river. For headed west from St. Louis. That migration continues to decades, planners had discussed cleaning up the area. In this day, as the suburbs sprawl into Franklin, Lincoln and 1887, lawmaker James Blaine proposed a statue honoring Warren Counties. The city's symbol is a monument to Thomas Jefferson on the riverfront. Famous city planner people who settled somewhere else. The tenacity and Harland Bartholomew drew up a plan for riverfront imagination it took to get it built is comparable to that development in 1928. It included a dramatic 15 block long shown by the pioneers, trappers and frontiersman it concourse, complete with mooring towers for dirigibles. honors. But nothing really happened until St. Louis lawyer The Gateway Arch is the nation's tallest monument. At Luther Ely Smith became a member of the commission 630-feet, it stands 75 feet taller than the Washington building a monument to George Rogers Clark at Monument and soars more than twice as tall as the Statue Vincennes, Indiana. While returning from a ovember of Liberty. It contains 9,000,000,000 pounds of structural 1933 trip to Vincennes, he observed the grimy St. Louis steel, 886 tons of stainless steel on the exterior, and riverfront and became determined to replace the decrepit 72,000,000 pounds of concrete. The Arch was constructed scene with a memorial to the city's role in westward in 142 12-feet tall sections, with an outer skin of 14 inch expansion. He brought the plan to St. Louis Mayor stainless steel. It was designed to withstand wind speeds up Bernard Dickmann. In December, 1933, Dickmann to 150 miles-per-hour and would still stand while swaying brought together a group of civic leaders to look into the nine inches each way. ormally, the Arch is pretty stable. idea. Smith became head of the Jefferson ational Wind speeds of 50 miles per hour would cause it to sway Expansion Memorial Association and fought tirelessly to about one inch. obtain federal funds. Finnish-born designer Eero Saarinen designed the Arch On June 19, 1934, President Franklin Roosevelt signed a as an inverted catenary curve. A catenary curve is the shape measure establishing the U.S. Territorial Expansion a chain would make if dangled from equal supports. The Memorial Commission. City voters passed a $7.5 million Arch is slightly more round than a true catenary, because Saarinen made the "chain" wider at the base with progressively smaller sections towards the top. This makes the monument appear to soar towards the sky. Its legs are equilateral triangles, starting out 54 feet wide at the base and narrowing to 17 feet at the top. It took ingenuity to find a way to get people to the top. A tram system in each leg has eight capsules that resemble big clothes dryers and can seat five persons each. Electric motors adjust the capsules to keep them level, and each capsule rotates about 155 degrees during the four-minute trip to the top. (It only takes three minutes to come down) About 6,400 people can make the trip each day. There are also 1,076 steps to the top on each leg, but those are used for maintenance or emergencies only. On a clear day, the view from the top extends some 30 miles. The windows at the top are a tiny 7" x 27," because the pressure required for jacking the legs apart to fit the final section would have shattered larger windows. Thefirst section of the arch is put ill place. Photo: National Park Service, The Mississippi River gave birth to the city ofSt. Louis. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 18
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approved by Benito Mussolini as a tribute to fascism back in 1942. But proponents assured that the arch was an architectural form dating back centuries. Saarinen would go on to design such famous ~tructures as the soaring TWA terminal at JFK Airport View showing the odd angles and cramped conditions faced by workers. In New York and a terminal at Dulles International Photo: National Park Service, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Airport in Washington D.C. Sadly; he didn't live to see his dream completed. Saarinen died in 1961. bond issue for the memorial in September 1935. The Post- For a long time, many wondered ifhis monument would Dispatch and the project opponents charged that the ballot ever be built. President Harry S. Truman came to St. Louis boxes were tampered with, but the ballots were burned to dedicate the memorial site on June 10, 1950, but federal after the courts upheld the legality of the election. So no money for the project had not been approved. Just 15 days one knows if the Arch was built on stuffed ballot boxes! after Truman's visit, the North Korean army poured into On October 10, 1939, Mayor Dickmann wielded a silver South Korea. The Arch was once again placed on the wrecking bar and pried a brick from a building facing the budgetary back burner.The project received another Old Cathedral at #7 Market Street to mark the start of setback when Luther Ely Smith died in April, 1951. It demolition work. Some 37 blocks were cleared of all would be May 1954 before President Eisenhower signed buildings, except for the Cathedral. No one could have the measure authorizing $5,000,000 in federal funds to get imagined it would be another 20 years before significant the bulldozers rolling. The fight for additional funds to construction would begin. finish the visitor's center and landscape the site would drag World War Two put the project on the back burner and on even after the structure was completed. The haggling the cleared site became a massive parking lot. For a time, over removal of the elevated railroad tracks on the t~e site was considered as a landing strip for experimental riverfront dragged out until March 1958. aircraft! Haggling over just who would pay to remove the Finally, at 10:30 a.m. on June 23, 1959, Mayor Tucker elevated railroad tracks also delayed the project. On May turned the first shovelful of earth for the railroad relocation 30, 1947, the commission opened a design competition. project. Construction on the Arch was underway. The first Some 172 entries were submitted in hopes of taking home excavation for the foundations took place on February 11, the $50,000 first prize. 1961. On January 22, 1962, McDonald Construction On February 19, 1948, the public got its first look at the Company of St. Louis submitted the low bid for winning design by Finnish architect Eero Saarinen. His construction of the Arch and visitor center shell - original plans called for a 590-foot arch of stainless steel. $12,139,918. That was 50% higher than expected. The plans were later modified to add another 40 feet. At Eventually, the firm settled for $11,423,168. The first first the judges congratulated the wrong architect. The concrete for the foundations was poured on June 27, 1962. notice went to his father, Eliel Saarinen, who also had At the time,. it appeared as if there wouldn't be enough entered the competition. money to provide a way for visitors to get to the top. But Reaction was mixed, to put it mildly. While the New the B~-State Development Agency generously offered to York Times raved about the design, some of the local float ItS.own bond issue for the unique transportation citizenry was less generous, comparing it to a giant wicket system If the revenue was used to retire the bonds. The a hitching post or "a stupendous hairpin." The criticism north tram opened in July 1967 and the south tram opened that got the most attention came from Gilmore Clarke in 1968. Chairman of the National Commission on the Fine Arts: The first stainless steel section was put in place at the He charged Saarinen with lifting the design from an arch SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 /9 A DREAM TURN~40
South Leg on high, and the structure began curving in toward horizontal. February 12, The creeper cranes raised a 255-foot strut and workers 1963. Each placed the brace between the legs. Pittsburgh-Des Moines section was lifted Steel Company decided to take advantage of some free into place, then publicity by emblazoning the strut with the letters "PDM" welded atop the some 12 feet tall. The National Park Services ordered that previous section the letters come down and also made the firm remove and filled with "PDM" signs on the creeper crane platforms. The margin concrete. On for error for the two legs to meet in the middle was just August 1, 1963, 1/64thof an inch. All surveying was done at night in order the construction to eliminate any distortion caused by the sun's rays. It was rose above a an amazing feat done with instruments that would be height reachable considered crude in the computer age. by a standard Thousands of people gathered on the riverfront on crane, so a October 28, 1965 to watch the final section start its ascent "creeper crane" at 9:27 a.m. The sun's rays caused the south leg to expand was installed, by five inches, so the St. Louis Fire Department brought in first on the South two pumpers to cool things off. Firefighters used 700 feet Leg. The cranes of hose to reach 550 feet high, and the south leg resembled were a major a gleaming waterfall as the keystone section rose. The .. e n g i n e e r i n g final piece was placed in position at 11:05 a.m. as whistles breakthrough. blew and the crowd cheered. Eero Saarainen's widow was They were placed on top of • View of Creeper Cranes June 65, Photo: Joe Sonderman Collection m 0 v e a b I e platforms resembling a railroad up the side of the Arch. The derricks were raised after each section was placed. Experts predicted that up to 13 workers would die during construction of the Arch. But there was not a single death, despite the cramped conditions at odd angles hundreds of feet in the air. There were a few problems. Construction was halted for over two months when engineers found problems with the reinforcing rods in October 1963. Work was halted again in 1964, when engineers questioned whether the steel sections would buckle when the legs were jacked apart to fit in the final section. A couple of the sections were rejected and removed when wrinkles appeared in the skin. Officials decided to pour reinforcing concrete to a higher level of 312 feet. The major controversy during construction came to a head on July 14, 1964. The St. Louis Congress of Racial Equality, or CORE, had accused the National Park Service and the Arch contractor of discriminatory hiring practices. Activists Percy Green and Richard Daly snuck onto the site while workers ate lunch and scaled a ladder some 125 feet up the North Leg. They came down after four hours and were promptly arrested. The following week, the National Park Service began hiring more black contractors and workers. By June 17, 1965, construction had reached 530 feet Creeper Cranes with support truss still attached Nov 1965 Photo: Joe Sonderman Collection SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 20
the Arch opened on August 10, 1977. The reflecting pools were filled on November 9, 1980, but they emptied right away. NPS officials were mystified and it took a month to find the problem. Someone had forgotten to seal four drains shut! Federal officials predicted that the monument would make a tempting target for daredevil pilots, and they were right. "View of the river front after clearance showing elevated railroad tracks," Photo: Joe Sonderman Collection One June 22, 1966, a on hand and Vice President Hubert Humphrey watched it twin-engine plane all from an airplane. with its registration numbers taped over flew between the There was still much to be done. The stabilizing strut legs. The pilot was never caught. Another pilot pulled the was removed on November 16, 1965 and the creeper stunt on December 12, 1969 and still another followed just cranes came down in March 1966. A fight for funds to five days later. It happened twice in 1971 and a pilot did it finish the memorial continued. On March 7, 1967, city at night at an altitude of just 50 feet on November 2, 1977. voters approved a $2 million bond issue to finish the It has been done at least three more times, including once memorial and to convince Congress to approve another $6 by a helicopter. The FAA caught up with the chopper pilot. million. There have been other spectacular and tragic stunts at Vice President Hubert Humphrey came to St. Louis for the Arch. On the morning of November 22, 1980, Kenneth the dedication ceremony on May 25, 1968. It was to have Swyers of Overland, Missouri parachuted towards the top been a gala day, but Mother Nature didn't cooperate. A driving rain forced the ceremonies indoors. Water ran down the walkways and covered the floors in the center, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm. A civil rights protestor briefly interrupted the proceedings, loudly accusing Mayor Alfonso Cervantes of racism. In an era when the population and businesses were fleeing to the suburbs, Saarinen's monument to the dream spurred a billion dollar building boom in downtown St. Louis. The Mansion House Complex, Gateway Tower, Stouffer's and the Equitable Life Building all rose in short order. The total cost of building the Arch itself was $13 million, with 75% federal funds and 25% "Going to the top 1960's," Photo: Joe Sonderman Collection from the city ofSt. Louis. of the monument. As he landed, a gust of wind caught his It would be August of 1971 before landscaping began chute, and he skidded down the side of the North Leg to on the rocky and weed covered grounds. The first trees, his death. white ashes, would not be planted until June 1972. The On September 14, 1992, John Vincent, a construction long awaited Museum of Westward Expansion beneath worker and diver from New Orleans used suction cups to 21 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 A DREAM TURN~40
parachuted safely to the ~ with pink ground. He was arrested as floodlights to soon as he landed and told mark Breast reporters he did it "for the Cancer hell of it." Vincent was Awareness charged with two Month on misdemeanors, even October 25, though the U.S. Attorney 2004. admitted, "it was clearly Although we a great stunt." natives tend to By May of 1974, five take it for granted, million people had the Arch attracts visited the Arch. Nine-year-old POst card,' Jo ' about 3,000,000 Vonda Clark of Shipman, Illinois was honored as e SOlldenllall Collect.' visitors each year the milestone visitor. She was showered with prizes, 1011. from around the including a case of wine and tickets to the Playboy Club! While the Arch has been a magnet for the famous, no globe. A cursory glance at the St. Louis White Pages current U.S. president has taken the ride to the top, due to reveals at least 80 local businesses with some form of the security concerns. Presidents, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan word "Arch" in their name. The image of the Arch has and Bush have all visited, but they didn't make the trip to the adorned everything from seed bags to beer labels and rock top. Dwight D. Eisenhower is the only former president to albums. A city ordinance ensures that the Arch will always make the trip. He took the tram to the top on November 13, be the tallest structure in downtown St. Louis, and an 1967. Eisenhower had signed the measure approving internationally known symbol ofthe city. construction of the Arch back in 1954. Prince Charles made the trip to the top in 1977. "Joe Sonderman maintains an on-line archive ofpost card There have been all sorts of bizarre images from Route 66 at www.66postcards.com. He is requests involving the the author of several "Day In History" books including Arch. The JEFF "St. Louis 365", "St. Louis World's Fair 365", Public "Chicago 365" and "Las Vegas 365". You can reach Affairs him bye-mail [email protected] " Office cites a children's author who wanted to take the hero of his books, "Josh the Wonder Dog," to the top; an offer to clean and polish the entire
stainless steel surface of the Arch with a product called Primo Polish; and the suggestion that the Bulgarian-born artist Christo "wrap" the Arch with cloth. The Arch was lit 22
By Kip Welborn
In Volume 16, Number 1 - 2005 issue of Show-Me Route 66, Kip Welborn gave us the latest on the.efforts to preserve the Stanley Cour-Tel Motel sign. He is now providing us with the update on the Stanley's adjacent neighbor, the Linair Motel sign. Kip is also giving us an interesting account of a visit he and Rich Henry had with Anna Backues, daughter of the ori inalowners a the Stanley Cour- TelMotel. On April 14, the "crew" that returned the Stanley Cour- fading made complete with its demolition to make room Tel signs to the "Mother Road" were back on the road for another runway at Lambert Field. again, this time taking the signs of the Stanley Cour-Tel's When the motel was demolished its signs, like those of neighbor on Route 66, the Linair Motel, to their new home the Stanley, were sold to Mike Steidley. As with the at Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton. Stanley, Carolyn Hasenfratz found the signs at Midwest ,II __ Mudj acking on her way to work. When Mike Steidley was contacted about the Stanley Cour- Tel signs he indicated he was willing to sell the Linair signs to us for a monetary song; he simply wanted the signs to go where future generations along Route 66 could enjoy them. Loading the signs and transporting them turned out to be a bit more of a chore than with the Stanley signs. The motel sign is 22 feet long, which required a considerably longer trailer than with the Stanley signs. Leave it to our resident hauler, Lisa Von Gontard, to come up with a trailer that was Rich Henery Photo y Kip Welborn just long enough to do the job. After the signs Like the Stanley, the Linair was born during the were finally loaded it was smooth sailing all 1950's when the bypass alignment of 66 took the way to Staunton, where they were travelers from the Chain of Rocks Bridge, I unloaded at their new home on Route 66. down Lindbergh and on to Watson Road. The Friends of the Mother Road, Inc. is original owner of the Linair, Paul Lambert, was the currently working on a permanent display for the signs, individual who installed the signs. During his tenure at the and assisting Rich Henry in gathering materials for Lin Air (1957 -1978) he also owned several nearby motels, an exhibit about the signs. While this will be a long including the Stanley, the Henry the VIII and the more t e r m pro c e s s , the important work is done notorious San Antonio Motel (famous for its billboards the signs are safe and where they belong: on touting its "Free Adult Movies"). The Motel was sold to a Route 66. Mr. Smith who, in turn, sold it to Sam and Marie Marchesi, If anyone knows of any signs or other icons that who maintained the Motel until its sale and eventual are in distress feel free to call Kip Welborn at demolition. According to their son, Frank, the Linair was 314-853-7385 or email me at rudkip@ one of the first motels in St. Louis to have "forced air" sbegloba1.net. which was aided by the installation of ceiling fans in the bathroom. The business at the Linair was good well going into the 90's. Travelers flying in and out of Lambert, visitors to McDonnell Douglas and "foot traffic" stopping off Route 66 kept the Marchesi's busy and the business profitable. They were also kept busy with their other motel, the Ivy, where they claimed as one oftheir guests Billy Carter. Alas, with the onslaught from the Red Roof Inns of the world and the decrease in "foot traffic" through the lobby door, the Linair faded from the roadside landscape .... the 23 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 A VISIT WITI1 AnnA DAO\Ul\ ThE:daughtE:r of thE: original ownE:rs of thE: Stanley By Kip Welborn . Rich Henry and I were treated to a visit this past July, individual? Was it a family with several kids? What was with the daughter of the builders and original owners of the their circumstances? The Williams' were willing to adjust Stanley Cour- Tel Motel,Anna Backues. Ms. Backues was their rates based on the who's and why's of their patrons. extremely excited to see the signs and was more than From the moment patrons walked through the door they happy to talk with us . -- .. - - .. _..__..__. were treated to more thanjust about the Cour- Tel ("no I . a nice room. For starters, the special reason for calling Williams' had a beautiful it a Cour-Tel; it was just green space in front of the catchy"), its history, and motel; even being right on her parents, Stanley and Lindbergh, it was a nice place Olivia Williams. to spend a quiet evening, and Ms. Backues stated that was a pretty place to spend a her mom and dad got into sunny day. the motel business More importantly, they because they had friends were treated to one of Route in the business on the 66's.. great ..undiscovered.. Alabama coast and it __ __ seemed worthwhile to give it a go. They apparently looked at other places like Grand Anna Backues and Rich HenelY Photo by Kip Welborn Isle, LA before they decided on St. Louis as the place to t rea sur e s : build their motel. The Williams' bought the property the m s e Iv e s . , where the Stanley would be located, on N. Lindbergh just Par t 0 f the south of atural Bridge Road, in 1948. According to Ms. reason for their Backus, it was built there to take advantage of traffic from steady clientele Lambert Field (the terminal at that time was just north of was that Mr. the Stanley on Lindbergh), as well as McDonnell Douglas, W i I I i a m s ' where Mr. Williams had made some friends. personality was According to Ms. Backues, Mr. Williams designed and infectious; he built the Stanley, and kept the place up. He did some n eve r met • innovative things in this endeavor, such as using soda anyone he did Stanley and Oliva Williams bottles to put holes in the cement to put up railings on the not like; he'd strike up a conversation with anyone and patio. There were 25 rooms, numbered 1-26. There was make them feel right at home. no umber 13; apparently the Williams' did not feel that a 0 matter who they were, their patrons were always room o. l3 would be "inviting" to the customers. greeted with a smile, a "how are you", a "Would you like a Over the years, the Stanley developed a strong coke". The Williams' entertained guests at the Stanley and patronage with certain businesses. The Stanley became a even took some guests to the infamous AI's Steakhouse haven for people from the State Auditor's Office, Sales Gust orth of Laclede's Landing in St. Louis) and to St. Representatives, and travelers coming to and from Louis Cardinal football games, and Mr. Williams would Lambert and McDonnell Douglas. These businesses made even meet some of the patrons for fishing trips in the up much of their business; according to Ms. Backues, there Ozarks. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and many of was not a lot of "foot traffic" coming through their doors. his trophies donned the wall of the Stanley'S lobby. Those that did were treated by the Williams' to the same Mr. Williams's barbecues were the stuff of renown. great service enjoyed by their regular customers. Many of the barbecues were held on the green space at the According to Ms. Backues, the Stanley did not have what Stanley.He did most of the cooking on a grill that he built would be called "set rates". Ms Backues was instructed by himself on the premises. He was apparently quite the cook her parents to look at who was checking in: was it an SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 24 ..... - - - . . - enough for its "out-worldly" patrons. Mr. Williams developed a keen and extensive interest in the space program, which continued the rest of his life. The Williams' ran the Stanley until around 1976, when Ms. Williams informed her husband that it was time to retire. They lived in Bridgeton until 1977, then relocated to Brownsville, TX, where they lived out their very full lives. Mr. Williams died in 1998 at the ripe old age of94. Mrs. Williams died in 2002. Ms. Backues lived in St. Louis until she moved to Brownsville in 1979 to assist her mom and dad. She spent many of her St. Louis years except for a two day stint working at McDonnell Douglas, Post Card Stanley Cour- Tel working for Wagner Electric in St. Louis and took care of the Stanley while her mom and dad were and his barbecues certainly drew quite the crowds, from r guests of the Stanley to City and County dignitaries. Of course, one of the Stanley's major claims to fame was that the Mercury Astronauts stayed there while training for the first manned space mission. This was, in large part, because of the connections Mr. Williams developed as a result of friendships made with folks at McDonnell Douglas. While the astronauts stayed at the Stanley, the project engineer, Joe Dobson, presented Ms. Backues' son with a book signed by the Astronauts. According to Ms.Backues, contrary to the belief of many there were no bars on the windows or extraordinary security procedures taken.The Stanley L_ .. __ .• __ •. __ .. __ • was just the Stanley and this was apparently good Stanley Cour-Tel 1954 away, where she had the same wonderful experience her r • - - • parents had running the Cour- Tel. After leaving St. Louis, she kept up with the goings on at the Stanley right up to its demolition to make room for a runway for Lambert Field. While visiting with Rich and me she pointed out a great irony: "The Stanley was apparently built on land filled by Lambert Field; now the Stanley has been demolished to make way for the expansion of Lambert Field. The Stanley property, in effect, came from the airport and, in the end, went back to the airport." After the demolition, she attempted to ascertain the location of the Stanley and could only do so when she found a group of trees that she remembered being on the property of a school friend that was located adjacent to the Stanley. Her sister told her about the retrieval of the signs and she kept up with the efforts to move them to their new home on Route 66 at Henry's Rabbit Ranch. Ms. Backues brought her memories, her pictures and other mementos to the Rabbit Ranch and was ajoy to talk to about this wonderful little haven on Route 66. Photos of the Williams' and the Stanley Cour-Tel curtsey Stanley Cour- Tel Sign 1956 of Anna Backus, provided by Kip Welborn. SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4
£1\ I~ TI,"~
This is the third in our series of Route 66 stories written by John M. McGuire, reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Skip Curtis has provided us with additional information about Bruce Debo. "Rights of Salvage" by Bruce Debo first appeared in the Fall 1995 issue of Show Me Route 66 and is reprintedforyour pleasure.
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AL()~f3 ()LI) I2()UT~ ee By John M. McGuire
Sunday, May 28, 1989 workers arrived, creating "Hoovervilles," shelters hastily thrown up, doors used as walls with canvas roofs. BRUCE DEBO lives in Devil's Elbow along old Route Unlike many of his less fortunate colleagues, Debo was 66,justnorthofFortLeonardWood. able to live in a farmhouse at Miller Spring, "and I never Surrounded by the Big Piney -----~-~------got the Fort Leonard Wood croup," he said. For and Roubidoux rivers, he owns those who have endured a winter at Leonard a woodworking shop. It is a Wood, avoiding a persistent, hacking cough and frame building, like the upper respiratory problems was difficult indeed. barracks at the Army post that he helped build nearly 50 years "Reprinted with permission of the St. Louis Post- ago. _- ••• Dispatch, copyright 1989. " Debo worked at the base, setting concrete foundations, remodeling, building firing ranges, even delivering coal, until 1961. Construction at the fort began in December 1940. --_ •••• "This was a very primitive society back then," he said. "They had to move three towns." By June 1941, troops were being trained at Leonard Wood, and by the end of World War II, 320,000 soldiers had passed through the fort. The 20-year-old Debo came to Fort Leonard Wood in the winter of 1940 from Mexico, Mo. He was among the estimated 32,000 men who camped out on the rugged terrain of the Mark Twain National Forest to build the mobilization barracks. In the winter of 1940-41, the base was an Bruce Debo absolute swamp, the roads quagmires. Hoards of Pictures provided by the Debo family and courtesy of Skip Curtis SHOW ME ROUTE 66 I VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 26 l3r-uce ()ebu 1(j2U-2UU2 By Skip Curtis
October 2005 were carved wooden spoons. In addition to walk-in business, Bruce and his son traveled the state selling their It wasn't unusual for Route 66 travelers near woodworking at weekend crafts shows. Devils Elbow to slow down a bit when passing a shop as Oh, yes. The coffins. He made them in a variety of they noticed a simple pine coffin out front with a sign sizes to demonstrate the traditional carpentry skills needed to proclaiming "Coffins Made to Order on Short Notice". make a pine box, saying that he was not aware of anyone The shop belonged to Bruce Debo, wood worker and using one for a loved one. storyteller extraordinaire. He had learned from a local in the 1940s, recalling, Bruce had come to Pulaski County from "When I came to this county there was a gentleman up here Columbia, Missouri, in 1940 to work as a contractor to named Uncle Billy Shelton who made all the local coffins. help build Fort Leonard He was a carpenter and a Wood, following a family wood maker and a talker. I'd tradition in carpentry. He go up to talk to Uncle Billy fell in love with the area, and he'd tell me and show me once reflecting, "I how to make all these brought my fishing rods coffins." and my guns and never Bruce Debo not only went back." mastered Uncle Billy's Bruce and his knack of coffin making, but wife Thelma then formed also his penchant for talking. a picture frame shop on A local historian, Bruce's the Roubidoux River in storytelling became Waynesville, later legendary. With his passing, moving to Devils Elbow. we lost a friend, and the In addition to basic Dale Hooker's store became the Debo's Robidoux Woodworkers. Mother Road lost an icon. carpentry, they made Currently stands vacant. Photo by Skip Curtis crafts, wood toys and puzzles for their children, Bill and Debbie. Their most popular creations
Mastercraft ,. iIii1!fi!TlRES
HARRY'S TIRE SERVICE, INC. 208 West Springfield Sullivan, MO 63080
Phone: 573-468-4128 Ron Gawer
Ozark Harley-Davidson! Buell Lake of the Ozarks 2300 EVERGREEN PKWY. Harley-Davidson! Buell LEBANON, MO 65536 64B2 Hwv 54 TEL: (417) 532-2900 FAX: (417) 532-3014 OSAGE BEACH, MO 65065 ozarkharley-d avid son. com TEL: (573) 302-7600 FAX: (573) 302-4700 www.lakeoftheozarksharley-davidson.com This articlefirst appeared in the Fall 1995 issue of Show We took 'em and went down and put 'em in Hooker's MeRoute66 store, and never ever looked. That was Saturday night. Went back Sunday and counted, and we had 56 putters! Custom, In the early 1950s in the Devils Elbow area, we wooden-shafted putters, that were on their way to Dallas, was havin' all kinds of problems, people steal in' things, Texas. Took forever to give 'em to the kids and to people that and breakin' in. Several of us went over to the sheriffs did play golf! office [in Waynesville] to talk to him about it. And he This didn't happen to us, it was before our time, but in does like old first sergeants do, he just appointed us the '20s and '30s, when things were tough, guys would hang deputy sheriffs. "Here, sign this. You're now deputy around Arlington Hill and Devils Elbow Hill. When an 01' sheriffs! You take care of that end of the county." Well, truck would put it down in granny low [gear] and creep along hell, we did! We tore up warrants and everything. If we at two to three miles-per-hour up the hill, they'd jump up on didn't think: somebody needed arrestin', we tore up the that thing and throw out whatever was in it! Hell, the guy warrant! You can't do that, but we did it! But we ran this couldn't stop! Ifhe ever stops, he couldn't get started goin' up thing and it just quieted down, just like that. Just as soon again. He had to keep goin'. Now when he got to the top of the as you put the pressure on, down it went. hill and turns 'round to go back, there wouldn't be anybody Anyway, Dale Hooker and I were deputy left down there! sheriffs. There was this wreck layin' there, on this side of In the 1950s, a tractor-trailer truck apparently ran off Hooker Cut on Route 66. Boxes of stufflayin' all over the the fill on the east side of the Hooker cut, and ended up way damn road and everything. Sterling Wells, he had a down the big drop-off. The tractor caught on fire and some of wrecker service, was working the wreck. We came by it came back into the trailer. It was full of big jumbo and said, "Yaneedanyhelp?" shrimp .. .40,000 pounds of it! Only thing damaged was that He said, "Naw, we're handlin' it all right." And he says, "By the way, do y'all play golf?" ••••••••••
Hooker Cut first row, had some smoke damage or something. You knock Neither of us did at that time. We both said, it off, and there was all those packages! I believe they were "Yes". He gave us two boxes. We knew they were golf five pounds maybe ten pounds,I forget, of shrimp. Jumbo clubs, but ya know, we didn't know what make or shrimp! I mean row on row on row of it! Well, of course it'd anything else. I was drivin' and we put 'em in the back stunk all heaven ifleft. seat. And we thought about that for a minute, and we I happened to be down at Dale's [Dale Hooker's store said, "Hell, man! You gonna get us in trouble!" below Hooker Cut], and somebody come in and said a truck "Trouble, hell!," he said. "These are rights of salvage!" run offup there. Well, we were both still deputy sheriffs, so I said, "We know that, but our wives play golf, we ran up there to see about it. Hell, we were some ofthe first too, and they're gonna want a new set of clubs, too, by there! And we weren't there for crowd control! We were there God. Here we are with new clubs, we'll have to go buy to get shrimp! Nouse lyin' about it! them anew set!" I don't know who started it first, but I know one thing. He threw two more boxes in back and said, "Get Whoever did, started a stampede! It looked like a row of outta here, you greedy 01' sons-of- s!" ants! Filing around in order and carrying all they could out of SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 161 NUMBER 4
this damn truck! The driver apparently was not injured and had gone for assistance. We weren't really concerned about him. We were exercising our rights of salvage! I guess the fire was out. We weren't paying a hell of a lot attention to that either! All that big, free shrimp! We were goin' after it. Get out all you could carry out of there. Makin' any amount of trips that you wanted to. A lot of those hillbillies had never tasted shrimp! A lot of 'em didn't have any way of keeping them! Didn't even have a freezer in the refrigerator. Sure didn't have a separate freezer. But we all loaded up. And they had so damn much of it, all around, that they even used it bait trot lines with! But you oughta seen that circle! Everybody was there! Everybody locally. Some we didn't even know. There was more than enough to go around. And finally Jim Egan, with his salvage truck, salvaged the rest of it. Finally got tired of carrying those damn things out of there! The more we carried off, the less insurance company had to pay Jim to clean up. We again took advantage ofthe rights of salvage. We had a lot of funny experiences down here, I'll tell ya!
Registration at Rail Heaven- Jane Dippel, Co-chair. 1l,"',66 Photo Glenda Pike m",e ph"',,s I",m "1"kes ~e'les'iCle"
Association Welcome Sign at Rail Heaven. Photo: Glenda Pike Drivers Meeting, Saturday AM. Photo: Kent Sanderson Bob Gehl with Association
~~~~~!!!!!!!~~~~C~71Information Table at Lebanon Festival. Photo: Kip Welborn
Story on Page 12. SHOW ME ROUTE 66 I VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 (00) 'irGilj).. • • By Paul and Debbie•• Rhew _ ••• ~ @)j)
From the rolling hills of Missouri, through the prairie grass and scrub brush of Oklahoma and Texas, to the canyons and plateaus of New Mexico, we were amazed and delighted with our first trip west on Route 66. And maybe the terrain makes a drastic change, but not the people. Everyone we met along Route 66 treated us more like friends or neighbors than tourist. We knew when we started on April 30'\ 2005, we would not have time (a week) to get to California and back. So we set a goal of Albuquerque, NM. Being familiar with Missouri 66, we left on Saturday at 3:40 AM and hit 1-44 for Vinita, OK. At Vinita, we found Route 66 and headed Paul Rhew, Texola, OK west. With books, maps and advise from our "roadie" friends, we decided to cruise until something snagged our we got some wonderful snapshots. Amarillo has a lot of attention. very old buildings that need to be seen. And I'm very sure At Claremore, OK, we visited the Will Rogers Museum Cadillac Ranch is the strangest thing I have ever seen. and the J. M. Davis Gun Museum. These two places are a We reached Vega, TX about 3:30 PM and checked into must see=alive with history and in the case of Will the Bonanza Motel. It had only re-opened the month Rogers, humor. Having exhausted the morning, we by- before. We had our hearts set on supper at the Mid-Point passed 66 through Tulsa and got back on 66 at Sapulpa. Cafe, but it was closed. So we parked in front and out We walked for a while in Chandler, OK to stretch our legs came the camera. After a half a roll of film, a waitress and take pictures. Then we visited the Round Barn in came to the door and said they had pie and coffee if we Arcadia, OK. We detoured through Piedmont, Yukon and El Reno to miss driving in Oklahoma City. We spent the night at the Trade Winds in Clinton, OK; but we did not get the Elvis room. Just being on Route 66 was the high of the day. We were disappointed to find out the 66 Museum is not open in the morning on Sunday. This changed our plans a bit, but who cared? We were on Route 66, even if it was very chilly. All day Sunday at almost every place we stopped for looking, picture taking or just contemplating, we saw the same couple from Minnesota doing their own Route 66 thing.
Magnolia Station, Shamrock, TX
wanted to come in. We didn't want pie or coffee, but we did want in. And we were not shy in the gift shop. I'lljust say here, Paul came home with a 66 license plate from Geese in Elk City, OK every state we drove in on our trip. Now all he needs is We felt honored when the geese at Elk City decided we Illinois, Arizona and California. Miss Fran said they open had to stop for them to cross the four lane. What a neat at 8:00 AM on Mondays, so we headed in for the night. picture that made. Shamrock, TX was a great place and The weather had turned very cold and there were winter SHOW ME ROUTE 66 I VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 30
~~~ • storm warnings. decided every resident of Albuquerque has 4 cars and can We awoke Monday May 2nd to 4 inches of snow. Wasn't drive all 4 at the same time. Having a strong desire to get that a surprise? And who takes winter clothes on a May out of Albuquerque, we headed north to Santa Fe, just vacation?? The clerk at the motel thought we were weird cruising and looking at New Mexico. Old downtown for dressing in summer clothes in the snowy weather. A Santa Fe was utterly fascinating, with the old adobe good breakfast at the Mid-Point would warm us, we buildings and the narrow winding road. We took the pre- 1937 alignment back to Santa Rosa. We were now headed back east. We spent the night in Tucumcari at another Super 8. We were up early Wednesday morning and finally got to eat a late breakfast at the Mid-Point Cafe. Miss Fran said she is ready to travel. Does anyone want to buy a cafe? She also said "Hi, Jane". Oh yeah, we bought more "stuff' in the gift shop. Not wanting to miss anything, we just cruised, trying to see the things we may have missed on the way west. We landed in Clinton, OK in the late afternoon and stayed at the Super 8 this time. Thursday morning, we got to the Route 66 Museum at opening time. We really enjoyed the tour and the movie at the end. It was very touching and gave us a better idea of what is now gone. We stopped at the 66 Museum in Elk Cadillac Ranch, TX city. It was ok, but not as good as the one in Clinton. In Oklahoma City, we got on Hwy. 40 and headed for thought. Not open again. We found out on the way back Tahlequah, OK. For 30 years, I have wanted to go to the Miss Fran had trouble with the snow. So we took more Cherokee Heritage pictures (of the snow) and called Kent and Mary Sue r------....., Museum (part of my Sanderson. They could hardly believe our snow heritage). We found a new story. Undaunted, we drove off in the slushy snow. Best Western and called it a About 30 miles later, the snow was gone. day around mid-afternoon. We got to r------:~---~=~. CO~ We were getting very road Tucumcari, 4;l..tCo ~ ... ~ weary. NM mid ~y ....~ ~ ~CBICAOO th •• •• 1l3911lJ:S Friday, May 6 , we spent morning. I ~ ~I1OUTE~'~ a couple of hours at the had to go ~J 6S Cherokee Museum (worth shopping at LOS ANGELES ... ~ .. CHICAGO Tepee Curios. 1139MILES.. -. 1139MILES the trip) and then hit the trail for Kansas so we could We toured old do that 13.2 miles. When downtown. It we got to Joplin about 2:30 is very cool PM, we decided to just head for home. We got back to with very old Dixon at 7: 15 PM and were glad to be home. Total miles of our trip were 2,182.5. We had a great adventure; but a sad feeling comes over you when you A Freezing Debbie Rhew on arriving in Adrian, feel the ghosts of the past tugging at your heart. These TX and Paul Rhew the next morning in the unexpected May snow. ghosts are alone, forgotten, falling down buildings that in their splendor were so much "more" than buildings of buildings and all the murals are beautiful. In Santa Rosa, today, broken strips of roadway leading to nowhere and a we visited the Route 66 Car Museum and took pictures of feeling of perseverance from the people along the road, to the Blue Hole. It was still cold and there was a fine keep the road alive. And just maybe from the comer of drizzle. We got to Moriarty, NM about 4:00 PM and your eye, you can see the Joad family on their way west, checked into the Super 8. Then we went to A1co to buy me too. some long pants. I was about to freeze in my shorts! Our plans for next year? "On the RoadAgain". Tuesday morning was still very chilly and damp; but, by the time we got to Albuquerque, the sun was shining. We 31 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 I VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 FRANKOMA POTTERY Distinctive Earthenware a Legacy of Ol~lahollla's First Pottery By Ron McCoy
Native American and Western-inspired FrankomaPottery is most recognizable in the colors of Prairie Green and Desert Gold. Other glazes include: Sky Blue, Autumn Yellow, Black, Brown Satin,Flame, Redbud, Peach Glow, Robin Egg Blue, White Sand, and Woodland Moss. Frank experimented with formulas for his glazes using rutile, a mineral containing titanium dioxide, which allows the
Affordable dinnerware and serving pieces, mugs, novelties, memorial figures, Route 66 items, commemoratives, souvenirs-- Frankoma Pottery has served the needs of everyday life since it's beginnings in Norman, Oklahoma in 1933. This practical earthenware, known for its terra cotta look and colorful glazing, has gradually taken its place in the realm of color of the clay to serious collectibles. partially show John Nathaniel Frank, a graduate of the Chicago Art through the glaze. Institute and a ceramics professor at the University of The early wares, Oklahoma, established the then-called Frank Potteries in a especially those m de small studio in his home in Norman. His studio was with Ada clay and equipped with only one small kiln, a butter chum for mixing marked with a "pacing leopard" (1936-38), are highly the clay, a fruit jar for grinding glazes and a few other tools. sought by collectors. The limited editions and all wares with Using light cream-colored clay discovered in the Arbuckle a Southwestern theme are becoming increasingly popular. Mountains near Ada in southern Oklahoma, he began Also collectible are the political mugs, bicentennial plates, selling his pottery on a part-time basis. ceramic Christmas cards, Teenagers of the Bible plates, and After some initial success with the pottery, he resigned his the Wildlife series. Frankoma has enjoyed increased post at the university in 1936 and renamed the business publicity from exposure on various television shows, by Frankoma Potteries, a combination of his last name and the Martha Stewart's personal collection, in antique and last three letters of Oklahoma. At the time, it was the only collectible malls throughout the United States and on online commercial pottery being produced in Oklahoma. Along auctions.The pottery is still affordable and is both visually with his wife Grace Lee, he worked full time in his Norman pleasing and functional. studio experimenting with glazes and creating vases, Frank died in 1973 and the Frank family is no longer decorative pieces and sculptures. associated with the business. After two fires and a In 1938 they moved the entire operation to Sapulpa, bankruptcy, the plant was purchased by a Maryland investor Oklahoma but continued to haul clay from Ada, which in the early 1990's who ran the operation for fifteen years. required a three-day trip. The plant, then named Frankoma Frankoma Pottery closed and shut down its operation on Pottery, was constructed in the hills in the northwest area of December 31,2004. Although as a collectible,Frankoma Sapulpa and is still in the same location today. Pottery is always in demand, the plant struggled in recent The cream-colored raw "Ada" clay remained the basis of years to increase sales of its new products and was unable to the pottery until Frank discovered that the clay in Sugar remain profitable. Loaf Hill near Supulpa worked well for his pieces. In the M.B. "Det" Merryman and his wife, Crystal, bought mid-fifties the company switched to the red-brick colored Frankoma in June, 2005. The sale included all designs, Sapulpa firing clay which gave the pottery a unique look of trademarks, inventory, the manufacturing facility located older terra cotta. Due to the color changes of the clay the on more than seven acres, and the offsite property that final coloring and vivid glazes of his pieces also changed. supplies the raw terra cotta clay. By mid-August, 2005, the Most Frankoma glazes have names relating to nature. plant was again producing pottery. SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 31 Besides reviving the well- Sapulpa. There are more than 1,000 known clas ic Frankoma association members in 44 states. The Pottery patterns that were nonprofit group is an educational and established in 1933, the social organization dedicated to the plant now produces a line of appreciation, preservation and promotion Merryman's whimsical, ofFrankoma Pottery as a collectible. oversized ceramic dogs Frankoma Pottery is located at 9549 called The Merrymac Frankoma Road (Route 66), Sapulpa, OK Collection. This collection 74066. Their phone is 918-224-5511 or has regularly been featured toll free 800-331-3650. For more on the television show "The information visit web sites: Price Is Right", and sold in http://www.frankoma.com gift, furniture, and specialty http://www.frankoma.org stores around the country. http://www.petigreepets.com They also will soon introduce a new line of Ron McCoy is an active member of the Oklahoma hand-crafted and hand- Route 66Association. He maintains a web site at painted whimsical pet http://www. collectingbuzz. com that contains in/ormation, news and fun for the collecting canisters and cookie jars. community. One priority in Afree monthlyAntiques & Collecting" newsletter development is a new is available from the web site. The newsletter collection of Frankoma keeps subscribers informed and up-to-date on dinnerware based on a general news/tidbits regarding the antiques/collecting hobby, reviews, articles of pattern that John Frank interest to collectors, "what's hot", special guest designed over 50 years ago. columns, tips on buying/selling/trading online, It will appear on a plate that help with available collecting resources, and other is decidedly different with a timely information. deeper well that could be used as a pasta dish or a soup bowl. The new dinnerware will feature a hand-dripped paint design that will resemble raindrops and will be called Rain. Frankoma Pottery has issued a 2005 Christmas plate and three new Nativity pieces.As in years past, the mold for the plate will be destroyed on Dec. 23 to ensure a limited production.This is a41-yeartradition at Frankoma. The Frankoma Gift Store reopened recently and daily plant tours have resumed The Merrymans have purchased a home in Sapulpa and plan to live there at least halftime. The other halfwill be in Las Vegas where they have a permanent showroom for their ceramics. They will add the Frankoma Pottery line to that collection and show Frankoma at various trade shows across the country to further publicize the pottery and introduce it to a new generation. Crystal Merryman is the chairman of Frankoma and Det Merryman the president. The Frankoma Family Collectors Association meets each September in 33 ~ ~ ~ «MiSsCUR~ t§§j ATTENTION ~ CHECK THE MAILING LABEL ON THE FRONT OF YOUR ENVELOPE FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP EXPIRATION DATE. 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Skip Curtis: Rest Haven Motor Court Hiawatha Bluffs Hooker Cut
Joe Sonderman: Scenic Missouri 66 postcard Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque Chain of Rocks Bridge Starlite Lanes Jasper County Court House Jensen Point
Carolyn Hasenfratz: Robidoux Spring 15 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 A IS REBORN By Kevin Hansel
In the City of San Bernardino, California, a once Wigwam's turnaround. dying Route 66 icon and its reputation have been He helped with the brought back to life -- the seventh and last built of the color scheme novel, wigwam-style motels. It is also one of two on throughout the units. Route 66 -- the other being in Holbrook, Arizona. The exteriors, for The original building permit for the property was example, are back to issued on September 19, 1949. Eleven wigwams were their original colors. built for a total cost of$18,500. As business flourished, Once bright white with a second permit was issued on November 3, 1953, for an pink and aqua blue additional eight units along with a pool and BBQ pit. trim????, they are now But, by June of 1989, business had dropped off and the beige with a burgundy end seemed near as owner Chen-Lung Kuo applied to trim. have the tepees demolished. They have also . Then, on July 23, 2003, the Wigwam Motel was revived the hand carved purchased for just under a million. The new owner, Indian Chief who Jadish Patel, also known as Jack, had been in the motel stands in front of the business for 20+ years and he saw the wigwam as office beckoning guests unique. He knew with proper management and the to spent the night. He now proudly displays a new coat of necessary changes, he could turn things around. paint. Jack took a month to evaluate all the changes that had Manoj has even become quite the PR man. He has to be made. He was well aware of the property's managed to get the Wigwam in several newspapers, infamous past, which included rooms being rented by including a lengthy 2 Y2 minute interview with the local the week or even by the hour. At one point, a manager cable news. Asked how he feels about his dad buying the with a German Shepherd by his side had the following Wigwam Mote, he responded, "I thought it was a cool and sign posted: "$5 Key Deposit, No Prostitutes, No historic place". He knew it would require a lot of work but Visitors after 6 pm". It was also clear, renovating the was enthusiastic about revitalizing a historical landmark. rooms was going to be quite the task. Through the After spending over $250,000, they are not yet done. The years, the previous owners had made repairs only when swimming pool is now a welcoming oasis for guests during desperately needed and then in the cheapest possible the triple digits months. way. They knew its future was uncertain. Travelers have noticed the difference and are now staying Jack's first step was taken with the tall outside gates. once again as occupancy is 100% on the weekends. Among They were black and looked uninviting. So he had them the family'S future plans are a gift shop and continental lowered and then painted an eye appealing green. breakfast. Jack also envisions theme rooms on the three Second, the marquee was stripped of its infamous, "Do acre land which he says will require the City's approval. It InA Tepee". The slogan now reads, "Welcome Route His thoughts include a jungle room and a New York City 66 Travelers. Have You Slept InA Tepee Lately?". For room, among others. those traveling eastbound, it reads, "Have You Slept In As for what Manoj envisions--"A bright future for the A Tepee Lately?". The neon wigwam above the Wigwam Motel". And we know all the Route 66 travelers marquee glistens brightly once again. will agree. The grounds were landscaped complete with colorful (Staff note: The motel was built within the city limits of San Bernardino and cheery flowers. Bars which were on every tepee during the later half of 1949, but later acquired a Rialto, California postal address. For more information: www.wigwammotel.com window giving travelers an uneasy feeling, were removed. All rooms now have keyless door entry along Kevin Hansel is a California native and now resides in Rialto, with new paint, new carpet, new beds, new refrigerators California. He became fascinated with Route 66 in 1997 and has and newsAIC units. Today the only things original that traveled the entire route twice. He is also the current President of the remain are the bathrooms. California Historic Route 66 Association. Manoj (Jack's son) has been very instrumental in the