Motel in the 1960'S Called The

Historic Route 66 stretches across the U.S. from Chicago to Los Angeles. Along the way, in Lebanon, Missouri is a growing popular landmark stop for any history enthusiast, tourist, or local Ozark resident. Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets started in the outlet business in 1972 as an outlet for locally made Walnut Bowls. Ida and Rea Reid, founders, began their entrepreneurship operating a motel in the 1960's called the

Capri Motel which was located right along Route 66, known today as Interstate 44. < They sold the Capri Motel in 1966 and along with their sons, Rod and Randy, started a new business in 1972 called the Shepherd Hills Gift Shop which was leased as a part of the Shepherd Hills Motel and happened to be located in virtually the same spot as the Capri Motel.

Later, as they began expanding, they bought a portion of the motel as well as the gift shop and began construction of their current building in 1999. In the meantime, Shepherd Hills added additional locations including those in Osage Beach, MO, Branson, MO, and Eddyville, KY , and brought in other quality products to the lineup including Chicago Cutlery, Denby Pottery, and of course Case XX pocketknives--making the latter also available through catalog mail order and eventually on the web at www.CaseXX.com. Lebanon is one of the best places to see the Mother Road, which was officially named right here in Missouri. You can drive a 5-mile section of the original road, and commemorative Route 66 signs will help guide your drive. We're proud to be part of Route 66, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Route 66 Museum and Research Center, inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library.

The museum features authentic recreations of a 1950s diner and gas station; it also has antique cars, photos, memorabilia, original maps, books, magazines, videos, and more. Get a quick overview of the highway's heritage, or explore more in-depth all 3,500-square-feet.

The museum is located at 915 S. Jefferson Avenue, and admission is free. For more info on the museum or all that Lebanon has to offer call1-866-LEBANON.

VISIT: LEBAN••~N• lebanonmo.org UR contents ~

features

2 OFFICERS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES

3 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Robert Gehl

4 FROM THE PRESIDENT'S ROADMAP Tommy Pike

6 NEWS FROM THE ROAD

8 VIC SUHLlNG I GAS FOR LESS Jim Thole

12 2013 MOTOR TOU R Kip Welborn

18 THE DIAMONDS Joe Sonderman

26 TRAIL OF TEARS Joe Sonderman

34 CARTHAGE, MO Cheryl Eichar Jett

40 NEW MEMBERS Robert Gehl

41 BUSINESS MEMBER DIRECTORY • Robert Gehl

48 THEN AND NOW Joe Sonderman

ON THE COVER THE RESTORED VIC SUHlING/GAS FOR LESSSIGN. PHOTO BY JIM THOLE

ADVERTISING RATES PER ISSUE Inside Cover Full Page Color - $175, Back Cover Full Page Color - $185,112 Page B&W - $70,112 Page Color - $85,114 Page B&W - $50, 1/4 Page Color - $60,118 Business Card B&W - $40. Other rates are available upon reguest, call (314) 965-5751.

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Spring Issue, April 2014 Summer Issue, July 2014 Fall Issue, October 2014 Winter Issue, January 2015 Submission deadline 2.19.14 Submission deadline 5.19.14 Submission deadline 8.19.14 Submission deadline 11.19.14

FUTURE MEETING DATES April 12 - The Vacuum Cleaner Museum in St. James / July 12 - Bob's Gasoline Alley in Cuba / Oct. 11 - Sam's Steakhouse in St. Louis.

FOLLOW THE ASSOCIATION ON FACEBOOK Please become a fan to stay up to date on meetings, activities, news from the road and magazine previews. You are welcome to post your favorite Route 66 pictures. www.facebook.com/missouri66

Show Me Route 66 Magazine is the official publication of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. Show Me Rouse 66 Magazine is published quarterly and is distributed free of charge to all paid members in good standing

of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. Additional copies may be purchased for the cost in advance of $6 USD each including postage. Request for additional copies may be made direct (0 The Route 66 Association of Missouri, P.O. Box 8117, St. Louis, Missouri 63156. Manuscriprs and photographs submirred for publication are welcome and should be sent electronically to Joe Sonderman, Magazine Coordinator, Route 66 Assoclarion of Missouri, at [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 rnareri- als and to nor publish an article of questionable content or that goes against the purpose of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. The Route 66 Association of Missouri is a non-profit corporation established to preserve, promote and develop Old Route 66 in Missouri.

missouri66.org 1 JmJ officers/directors/committees

OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER Tommy Pike James Crooks Tanya Pike Robert Schulz 1602 East Dale St. 2540 Christopher Oaks Ct. P.O. Box 9623 708 South Market St. Springfield, MO 65803 St. Louis, MO 63129 Springfield, MO 65801 Waterloo, IL 62298 (417) 865-1318 (314) 293-2540 (417) 872-7280 (618) 939-7021 fu [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

BOARDOF Jerry Benner Jerry L. Law Mark Stauter James J. Thole 1115 Chatelet Dr. 434 N. 5th Street 309 Hutchinson Dr. 1264Jade Wind Cir. DIRECTORS Ferguson, MO 63135 Wood River, IL 62095 Rolla, MO 65401 Manchester, MO 63011 (314) 521-4255 (314) 440-0040 (573) 341-2932 (636) 227-2258 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

David J. Eslick Debbie Rhew Ted Terbeek Diane Warhover 3311 South Elmira P.O. Box 761 5601 S. Foxboro Trail 447 Clemens Ave. Springfield, MO 65807 Dixon, MO 65459 Springfield, MO 65804 Kirkwood, MO 63122 (417) 889-9332 (573) 433-9812 (417) 823-9166 (314) 965-5751 djesl [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Robert Gehl Joe Schulte 1667 Timber Ridge Est. Dr. 940 Saint Antoine St. Wildwood, MO 63011 Florissant, MO 63031 (636) 458-4585 (314) 921-1329 (636) 458-4080 fax [email protected] [email protected]

COMMITTEES HISTORIAN I MEMBERSHIP MOTOR TOUR PUBLICATIONS ORAL HISTORY SERVICES Kip Welborn, Diane Warhover, Jerry Benner, Chairperson Robert Gehl, Director Co-Chairperson Chairperson 1115 Chatelet Dr. 1667 Timber Ridge Est. Dr. 3947 Russell Blvd. 447 Clemens Ave. • Ferguson, MO 63135 Wildwood, MO 63011 St. Louis, MO 63110 Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 521-4255 (636) 458-4585 (314) 853-7385 (314) 965-5751 [email protected] (636) 458-4080 fax [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Debbie Rhew, NEON HERITAGE Co-Chairperson SHOW ME ROUTE 66 PRESERVATION MISSOURI HISTORIC P. O. Box 761 MAGAZINE James J. Thole, Chairperson ROUTE 66 BYWAY Dixon, MO 65459 Joe Sonderman, Editor 1264 Jade Wind Cir. CONTACT (573) 433-9812 1710 Coachway Lane Manchester, MO 63011 Tommy Pike [email protected] Hazelwood, MO 63042 (636) 227-2258 1602 East Dale St. (314) 609-6370 [email protected] Springfield, MO 65803 INTERNET SERVICES [email protected] (417) 865-1318 Carolyn Hasenfratz, PRESERVATION [email protected] Director Jane Dippel, Chairperson 1544 High School Dr. 7920 Captain Conn Dr. Brentwood, MO 63144 St. Louis, MO 63123 (314) 963-0930 (314) 843-7132 carolyn_hasenfratz@l [email protected] sbcglobal.net

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

2 Show Me Route 66 membership matters ~

BY ROBERT GEHL, DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES (636) 458-4585 OR RGEHL66(@EARTHLlNK.NET

THE HOLIDAY SEASON HAS BLOWN BY - SEEMINGLY QUICKER WITH EACH PASSING YEAR. AND IT COMES TO MIND, WHILE WORKING THROUGH MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS AND DATABASE UPDATES, HOW QUICKLY EACH YEAR CYCLES AROUND AGAIN WHILE THE WORK TO BE DONE FOR THE ROAD IS EVER INCREASING. THE CHALLENGES ARE OUT THERE - MUCH HEAVY LIFTING TO DO - BUTTHE REWARD TO HELP PRESERVE THE ROUTE 66 WAY OF LIFE IS ONE THAT CAN OUTLAST US ALL. IT'S UP TO US TO RESPOND NOW - AN DIN FUSE TH E SPI RIT OF TH E ROAD TO THOSE WHO WI LL FOLLOW.

th each passing year, I wonder more and more about the family friends nearby - that you could bring to an Association future of our road. I celebrate with you the renaissance meeting, a Route 66 festival or car show, the annual motor tour, or W:of interest we've witnessed over the past 20-plus years, even on a trip down America's Main Street? You will probably hear the new icons that have blossomed along with the old ones that have protests - and they'll try to stay buried in their smart phones, tablets, soldiered proudly on, the signs and buildings preserved and restored. and gaming systems, but they might just get exposed to a world I fondly look at the travelers that trek from around the world to find that's not totally homogenized. out what Route 66 is all about The wonderfully messaged • in their own way. But I remain feature film, Cars, inspired a crop anxious. As the years catch up of youngsters a few years ago to with many of us, who will em- fall in love with unique characters brace and nurture the Mother against the backdrop of Route Road as she careens through her 66. Pixar and the creative forces lOath, 125th, or 150th year an- that molded this homage to the niversaries? Will the generations road made that elusive connection of today and tomorrow look with the youth of today. Let's take upon Route 66 as something advantage of what they started - special or will it fade to black but it takes a linear community to as our society loses sight of our fully embrace them and hold their past? interest as they mature. More kids I'd like to suggest that we splashing in the pool during our take stock of not only our own September cruise overnight stops involvement and commitment will raise our hopes and vision for to the road but what we can do the future. Bring them to one of to foster a pathway of explora- our neon sign relighting parties. tion to the kids, the grandkids, the teens and young adults in our Youngsters passing by our Association booth and tables need to be own personal orb. I remember when our own children were in grade stopped and perhaps given a totem with those two magical "sixes" on and high school, they would often be the only ones in geography it that they can stick in their pocket, if even for a fleeting moment. class that could answer the name of the state correctly when pre- From a membership standpoint, we'll need to think creatively to get sented with some attributes, such as the Petrified Forest. ow this our younger folks linked in - let me know your ideas. usually paid off best when quizzed about one of the eight Route 66 Many of us feel at home on Route 66. Let's help the future states, but their sense of the world outside of their neighborhood was legions ofleaders and preservationists see the distant neon light, often promulgated along the Will Rogers Highway. Now Yvonne and know that they're too coming home. and I often endured the rolling of the eyes and the bored looks along the way, and they may not admit it freely today, but a love for the I hope to see you on the road! adventure of travel and "the journey" is now part of their personality. Bob Gehl "TRVL66" Route 66 proved to be more than just a road - it became a window in which to view freedom, values, cultures, and our place in history. Until our next trip together down Route 66... Do you have kids at home - or grandkids, relatives, or young Remember, membership matters!

missouri66.org 3 00 resident's roadma

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S ROADMAP: "TH E ROAD AH EAD" ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA BY TOMMY PIKE

he Route 66 Association of Missouri and the State of Missouri were well represented at the strategic roundtable Tmeeting "The Road Ahead" held at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California, November 20-21,2013, organized by The World Monuments Fund with support from American Express. Glenda and I and James Thole received invitations and officially represented the Association. Others from Missouri who attend by invitation or by application interest included the following: Katie Steele Danner, Director, Missouri Division of Tourism, Jefferson City; Don Fink, Superintendent, Route 66 State Park, Eureka; Bill Hart, Executive Director Missouri Alliance for Historic Preser- vation,St Louis; Deborah Harvey, Owner, Boots Court Motel, Carthage; David Richards, Route 66 Archives Research, Missouri State University, Springfield; John Regenbogen, Executive Director, Scenic Missouri, St. Louis; Ralph Rognstad, Director Planning & Development Department, Springfield; Steve Ross, Graphic Coordi- • nator, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Springfield; Beth Wiles, Executive Director, Pulaski County Tourism Bureau, St. Robert. We were very proud of the Missouri varied interest and attendance. There were approximately 105 total participants including our host from the World Monuments Fund. We were among many old friends and honored to have made new friends. The two days started early and ended late and were filled with many very intense presentations on tourism, preservation, involvement and economic impacts as pertaining to Route 66. We were encouraged to think about the successes, opportunities and needs in our own state/communities, including the potential for partnership and how cross-state collaboration and promotion could serve multiple goals of preservation, economic vitality, and community development for a sustainable future for all of Historic Route 66. The event was organized as a series of panel discussions with brief presentations by panelists followed by moderated discussion. Jim Thole, representing the Route 66 Association of Missouri Neon Heritage Preservation Committee, spoke on "Community Investment: Success Stories from the Road". Jim talked about the traveler and travel leader on tourism and the far reaching intrigue successful neon projects the Committee has been involved with and interest of Route 66. All the presentations were very informative and about the cooperation between the Missouri Association and the content of each could be applied to each Association, state and the Illinois Association working together to accomplish two and community. projects. He stressed the need for more communication between On Thursday morning, the day started at 6:30 am with a short Associations and states in keeping Route 66 alive and preserving private tour of Cars Land and breakfast at Flo's V-8 Cafe. Despite icons of the road. the early time, cool weather and light rain, everyone enjoyed this A very interesting presentation was made by Zdenek Jurasek, excursion very much before the days full schedule begin. President,Czech Route 66 Association, Prague, Czech Republic, On Friday, November 22, a by invitation only core group meet- in the portion "The Road More Traveled: Enhancing the Tourism ing was held. Glenda Pike, Jim Thole and I were among the 50 folks Potential of Route 66". He spoke from the perspective of a foreign in attendance. This group's goal was to assess the information and

4 Show Me Route 66 president's roadmap ~

material provided in the previous 2 days. This information is still being processed and will not be available for several more weeks. When it is public, I will share the details with everyone. Below is a Press Releaseprovided by The World Monuments Fund which explains and summarizes the strategic roundtable to date. Our thanks are given to the World Monuments Fund and American Express for their continued efforts and financial support. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. My contact information is in the front of the magazine.

WORLD MONUMENTS FUND CONVENES STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE TO DISCUSS HERITAGE TOURISM AND PRESERVATION ALONG HISTORIC ROUTE 66 Following the dramatic analysis and statistics revealed through the Route 66 Economic Impact Study of2012, World Monuments Fund (WMF) convened a strategic roundtable to explore the sus- tainability of the highway as a cultural and recreational venue and an economic engine for the eight states the route passes through. The event, titled "The Road Ahead," was held on November 20 and some $127 million annually to the GDP. Tourism is often the most 21 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California, close to Cars important or only economic engine for many of the towns along the Land, a Disney venture inspired by Route 66. The event was orga- route, and Route 66-themed motels, restaurants, and shops anchor nized by WMF with the support of American Express, and arranged the downtowns of many small communities. The preservation of as a series of panel discussions drawing more than 100 people repre- the highway and the revitalization of communities along it are thus senting government, business, tourism, and preservation. inextricably linked. Developing new opportunities for communities Amir Eylon, Vice President of Partnership and Development along the route through partnerships and preservation activities is • Servicesfor Brand USA, a public-private organization established key to generating jobs and increasing economic growth. to promote international travel to the United States, stated: "Asthe The strategic roundtable highlighted stories of revitalization destination marketing origination for the United States, Brand USA along the road and the broad international and national interest in has the opportunity to promote both our country's most recogniz- traveling Route 66. Capitalizing on these successes and opportuni- able icons and the hidden gems, like Route 66. As visitors explore ties means effectively utilizing historic preservation as a tool for Route 66, they go beyond the gateways and connect along a unique sustainable development, providing positive economic, social, and set of authentic experiences that they can only get here. environmental benefits to the 5.5 million people who live along Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, runs from Chicago the Mother Road. The iconic landscape and idiosyncratic architec- to Santa Monica and is America's most celebrated automobile high- ture of Route 66 - as well as those dedicated to its stewardship way and a famous symbol of twentieth-century American culture - provide a unique backdrop for experiencing the most funda- and history. The construction of the interstate highways in the mental of American ideals: freedom, individuality, and opportu- middle of the twentieth century bypassed many communities along nity. As a once thriving corridor of commerce and creativity, the Route 66, and subsequently numerous towns and cities along the Mother Road's past serves as a strong foundation for a revitalized route have faced economic hardship. The plight of these communi- future, marrying old and new to continue to tell the many stories ties was the basis for the 2006 Disney/Pixar film Cars. of America's main street.

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY WORLD MONUMENTS FUND "The Road Ahead" followed on the publication of an economic World Monuments Fund is the leading independent organization impact study completed in 2012 that shed light on the importance devoted to saving the world's treasured places. For nearly 50 years, of heritage tourism and historic preservation along Route 66 as a working in 100 countries, its skilled experts have applied proven contributor to local, state, and national economies. The study, un- and effective techniques to the preservation of important architec- dertaken by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,in collabo- tural and cultural heritage sites around the globe. Through partner- ration with the US National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preser- ships with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF vation Program and WMF, with the support of American Express, seeks to inspire an enduring commitment to stewardship for future outlines the benefits of heritage preservation for the communities. generations. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has Among the many noteworthy findings of the study are that tourists officesand affiliatesworldwide. spend $38 million per year in communities along Route 66; preservation through revitalization programs and museums add some www.wmjorg $94 million in annual investments; some 2,400 jobs are created each www.twitter.comlworldmonuments year; and that economic activities directly related to the route add www.facebook.comlworldmonuments

missouri66.org 5 JmJ news from the road

WORK BEGINS ON DEVILS ELBOW BRIDGE KUDOS FOR TEAM NEON

The Neon Herirage Preservarion Committee of the Route 66 Associarion of Missouri gor some well deserved ink from rhe Riverfront Times, an alrernative weekly in Sr. Louis. The annual "Best of Sr. Louis" named their work "Best Kept Secret" in rhe People and Places Section. According to the RFT: "The Neon Heritage Preservation Committee of the Route 66 Associarion of Missouri consists of four windbreaker-wearing guys who look as sporry and ready to drive off into the sunser as Marrin Milner did in that old 1960s TV show Route 66. There's Jim Thole, banker and photographer; Esley Hamilton, renowned Sr. Louis Counry Parks preservationist and historian; David Hutson, expert glass-bender and restorarionist at Neon Time in Sr. Charles; and • Bob Gehl, publicisr and iiber-enthusiast. This unbearable "Team Work is underway to preserve a Route 66 icon for generations to Neon" has obrained cost-share grants to relighr the nighr from come. A groundbreaking ceremony on October 24,2013 marked the U.S. ational Park Service's Roure 66 Corridor Preservarion the start of work to renovate the historic Devils Elbow Bridge over Program each year they have applied, beginning in 2008 wirh rhe the Big Piney River. Route 66 travelers had been concerned that rhe Donut Drive-In on Chippewa Street in south St. Louis. Two other bridge had dereriorared to rhe point where ir mighr collapse one old neons in the merro area now shine again thanks to their efforts: day. The bridge was builr in 1923 on MO Route 14, which became rhe Luna Cafe in Mirchell, Illinois, and rhe Crestwood Bowl in Route 66 in 1926. Ir carried Roure 66 until 1942, when rhe new Crestwood. Whar's rhe next gleam in the quartet's eyes?This fall, four-lane highway was biasred through Hooker Cur. they've again parrnered wirh rhe Illinois Route 66 Association on Former Pulaski the restorarion of the "Vie" Suhling Gas For Less beacon ar the new =~..•C.ounry Commissioner Route 66 Welcome Center in Lirchfield. Who can predict what Bill Farnharm led the they'll fix after that - Spencer's Grill in Kirkwood or Auto Sear search for funding for Covers on Gravois Avenue? Look for a sign." !i!i!O~.the bridge, which he said brings thousands PRO BASEBALL MAY COME TO JOPLIN of visitors each year to Pulaski Counry. Route One of the oldest ballparks in rhe narion is just Y2 mile off Route 66 Association of Mis- 66 and may soon be home to a minor league team. The El Paso El souri President Tommy Diablos, of the American Associarion of Independent Professional Pike was on hand for the Baseball are looking for a new home, and they have their eye on Joe ceremony and detailed the historic importance of the span. Gary Becker Sradium in Joplin. The ream is asking the ciry to improve the Bockman of Great River Associates, the engineering firm in charge sradium to the tune of about $6 million. The ciry of Joplin is look- of the projecr, said that the Missouri Departmenr of Transport arion ing for a ream to play there, since the Missouri Southern Universiry is allowing paving marerial to be used that will recreare rhe look of team is moving to a new ballpark. the original pavement. Joe Becker Sradium opened in 1913. The grands rand burned in The Federal Highway Administration, Missouri Department of 1936 and 1971, but the field hasn't changed much.There is anorher Transportation, arional Park Service, Departrnenr of Housing and Route 66 connection to the ballpark. Mickey Manrle, who of course Urban Development,Unired Srares Department of Agriculture and grew up in the Roure 66 town of Commerce, Oklahoma, played at rhe Pulaski Counry Commission are parriciparing funding organiza- Joe Becker Sradium in 1950. Ar rhe rime, it was rhe home of rhe rions and rhe project is expected to be complered by lare summer. Joplin Miners, a Class C affiliare of the New York Yankees. Manrle

6 Show Me Route 66 news from the road ~

appeared in 137 games block north, leased a 20-foot wide frontage on St. Louis Street, and for the Miners, batting linked the narrow space to the theatre a block away. Elvis Presley .383 with 26 home runs. watched a movie here prior to his concert in 1956. The 1,100 seat Former St. Louis Car- theater closed in 1980, but the SLPT restored the theater and re- dinals and Kansas City opened it in 2006. Royals manager Whitey Herzog also played for OLD CATHEDRAL BEING RESTORED the Miners. The owners of the By every civic and spiritual measure, the Basilica of Saint Louis, Diablos, the Suarez King - known fondly as the "Old Cathedral" - is a timeless treasure. Group, are seeking new Located on the former 3rd Street Expressway alignment of Route lights, new restrooms and more seating to bring the number to 66 in downtown St. Louis, it was completed in 1838 and is the last 4,200. The team has pledged to spend $4 million on a plaza in front remnant of the "original" waterfront of Lewis & Clark. Of course, of the stadium, restaurants and loft apartments. The group projects it is also the oldest building in the City of St. Louis. Declared a the Diablos, who would get a new name if they move, would have basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1961, this historic and spiritual an economic impact of $30 million by 2018. landmark is getting some much needed work. Over 175 years, GILLIOZ THEATRE SOLD USI weather and time have ON5TRLlCTION taken their toll on the ex- The future of the "Glori- terior stonework, columns ous Gillioz" Theatre and windows.According in Springfield, looks to the St. Louis Archdio- I glorious, or at least more cese, "The mechanical, stable. Robert Low, electrical and HVAC owner of the Prime systems in the church, trucking firm, bought rectory and museum the theater in November have not been updated • and has leased it back to since 1959, and repairs the previous owners. to architectural millwork, The Gillioz was deep plaster, and statuary are in debt, the bank was long overdue. A full resto- threatening foreclosure ration of both the exterior and the historic the- facade and interior his- ater was slated to be toric design features are auctioned off on the needed to ensure that our courthouse steps in treasure retains its glory November. The theater had survived a previous foreclosure attempt for generations to come." but ended up in the red due to cost over runs during renovation, According to the a denial of tax credits by the Missouri Department of Economic Basilica website, the $12 Development and the economic downturn. Million restoration of the After purchasing the theater, Low signed a deal to lease it to the Old Cathedral and Museum is expected to be completed in time previous owners, the nonprofit, Springfield Landmark Preservation for the 250th Anniversary of the founding of St. Louis. "Under Trust. Operations will not be changed and the trust will still manage the leadership of Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, funds raised by the staff. The deal will save the trust money on its monthly mort- Restoring a St. Louis Treasure, the Campaign for the Old Cathedral will gage payments. re-establish the structural integrity of the Basilica so as to steward In a news release, SLPT Board Treasurer Bill Dunton said "Mr. the historic gifts of those who gave us this magnificent sign of faith Low has stepped up on our behalf with no expectations other than and community treasure" Donations to the restoration fund can be a discounted monthly lease payment from the SLPT. He was made made at www.oldcathedralstl.org. aware of the need, he saw the benefit the Theatre is to our commu- The St. Louis riverfront is currently undergoing a major facelift nity, and he decided to help." as part of the City-Arch-River 2015 initiative, commissioned to Board member Bill Rothschild said the theater will still need better weave the Gateway Arch and Jefferson National Expansion community support. "While we've increased our events and rev- Memorial into the fabric of downtown St. Louis. Crews are con- enues over the past few years, the cost of bringing in performers structing a "lid" over the notorious Depressed Section of Interstate and maintaining a historic building like the Gilllioz continue to 70 that effectively isolates the city from its river heritage. MoDOT escalate." has already begun removal of the old overpasses. It ties in with the In 1926, M.E. Gillioz couldn't find a space on the proposed new Stan Musial Bridge, just north of downtown, which will carry Federal Highway 66 for his new theatre. So he bought property one Interstate 70 across the Mississippi River.

missouri66.org 7 lMtl vie suhling / gas for less

•

AFTER 40 YEARS OF NEGLECT, THIS LONG-STANDING SENTINELATTHE SITE OF VIC'S FORMER GAS STATION HAS RETURNED AS A BIG, BRIGHT BEACON FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS LlFE- A CALLING CARD FOR THE LITCHFIELD MUSEUM & ROUTE 66 WELCOME CENTER.

BY JIM THOLE

avid Jackson, the editor of the Litchfield News Herald for It was essential that the new center be located on Route 66, in many years, was a collector of postcards and artifacts re- order to promote that element of the city's heritage, which is sig- D lated to the history of Litchfield. After his passing in 2010, nificant. Hence, the former Vie Suhling gas station property (across his daughter Anne considered how she might make this inheritance from the Ariston Cafe) was purchased as the site for the center. One of Litchfield memorabilia available to others interested in Litchfield year after the initial meeting, on May 1, 2012, construction began history. on the new 4600 sq. ft. facility. It was completed within six months On April 11, 2011 Anne and her stepmother, Martha Jackson, and opened to visitors on June 1,2013. met with certain other city officials with the idea of developing a The purchase of the "Vie Suhling property" was a very fortuitous Litchfield Museum - a place to save and highlight its rieh history development because it included on site a vintage Route 66 neon and heritage. A press release on the following day elicited signifi- sign that added a treasured historic feature to the new Route 66 Wel- cant support for such a project from citizens and civic groups come Center. Restoration of the "Vie Suhling / Gas for Less" neon within the community - and soon thereafter, building upon a big sign would not only add an element of authenticity to the center, but part of that heritage, they added a "Route 66 Welcome Center" to also put an exclamation point on the Route 66 heritage it is promot- the concept as well. ingwithin. Soon the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center As- Funding the cost of the sign restoration was another matter how- sociation ("the Museum Association") was born and it proceeded as ever, as all fund raising efforts of the Museum Association had been the vehicle to organize and develop this project, with Martha as its totally committed to the cost of the new building. President. When the Museum Association officers became aware that

8 Show Me Route 66 vie suhling / gas for less ~

restoration of the neon sign would be eligible for a cost-sharing grant The grant application to the NPS was filed in the Spring of2013, under the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation and approved by them in May. After clearance from the Illinois State Program, they approached the Missouri Route 66 Association's Neon Historic Preservation Office in August, all attention was then focused Heritage Preservation Committee (NHPC) for assistance with the on restoring the neon sign, which took about 60 days to complete; it grant application. Thus, the "Vie Suhling / Gas for Less" sign became was reinstalled on October 24,2013. the NHPC's project for 2013 the sixth one in as many years. As in all five prior years, the four team members of the NHPC THE RELIGHTING CELEBRATION were: David Hutson, the neon restoration consultant (owner of With the city still proudly celebrating the recent opening of its Neon Time, a neon sign specialist in St. Charles, Missouri); Esley magnificent new Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center only five Hamilton, historical consultant (Preservation Historian for St. Louis months before, the relighting of the "Vie Suhling / Gas for Less" County); Bob Gehl, team advisor (Director of Membership Services neon sign in front of it was like the proverbial "icing on the cake." for the Missouri 66 Association); and myself as the team coordinator. For a couple weeks before this event, city and county newspapers, as A crucial 5th member of the 2013 team was Nick Adam, who well as the marquees on banks and other public venues, advertised was the liaison and "go-getter" for local project needs in Litchfield. the imminent relighting as a community event for all its citizens to Nick is of course the owner of the Ariston Cafe, and also the Vice come and enjoy. And many of them did - about 150 came on the President for the Museum Association. evening of October 26 to observe the relighting ceremony. Just two years earlier, the Missouri and Illinois Route 66 As- The event included music and refreshments, a commemorative sociations broke new ground with an unprecedented, collaborative T-shirt, classic cars, several apeakers, and a special program - all to effort to submit the first jointly sponsored grant application to the enhance a very memorable occasion. Beyond all of this, however, National Park Service for restoration of the Luna Cafe neon sign in what really made this relighting event particularly distinctive were Mitchell, IL. Now that same spirit of cooperation would be renewed the special guests that honored the gathering with their presence, in Litchfield, as this too would be a jointly sponsored bi-state project namely: to carryon the close working tradition between these two Route 66 associations.

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• Vie Suhling's two daughters, Bonnie & Bernice - with Bernice of our national anthem. Then after some brief introductory remarks, coming all the way from Vancouver, Washington just to observe the honor of "flipping the switch" went to the trio of Bonnie & Ber- and participate in this special tribute to her father. Both were nice and Gene Wagner, who had done that hundreds of times 50-55 very touched by the Route 66 community's respect for this sign years ago when working for his father at the station. as a neon icon of the Road, and its willingness to work for its In beautiful but chilly Fall weather, then, the beckoning glow of restoration."My father would have been very proud to have the newly restored sign returned at 6:18 p.m. as the sign's red & blue been here in person to witness this," said Bonnie. neon colors and clear chaser bulbs blazed back to life to a crowd of • All five of Harry Wagner's children - yes, the entire Wagner cheering attendees. "This brings back a lot of memories," said Gene, family was present: son Eugene, and Harry's four daughters "and the sign looks just like it did back then." (judy, Mary, Della & Pat) and Pat's husband Larry Shaw. Several speakers then followed:Cathie Stevanovich, President (Harry was Vic's station operator for 12 years - see of the Route 66 Association of Illinois; Tommy Pike, President of accompanying article, "The Vie Suhling Story.") the Route 66 Association of Missouri; and Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty. The ceremony began with the American Legion Color Guard rais- Cathie commented that "all of this came about because one ing our nation's flag in front of the museum, while well-known local person had an idea, and communicated it, and pursued it - and it personality Paul Hampton simultaneously sang a stirring rendition finally grew to reality. So here we are celebrating it." Tommy Pike

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emphasized what can be achieved when separate groups combine to work toward a common goal: "this is what happens when you have two groups like the Route 66 Associations of Missouri & Illinois working together," he said, "you can get a lot accomplished." Mayor Steve Dougherty praised the efforts of those responsible for resurrecting this piece of the city's heritage."This is just amazing," She also expressed her gratitude for the grant assistance from the he said,"the quality of the efforts by the Museum Association and National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, and the Route 66 committee has just been phenomenal; you people need to its director, Kaisa Barthuli, who could not attend the relighting to applaud yourselves for all the efforts you've made." event because of the recent u.S. Government shutdown during Other notable attendees in the crowd included: John Weiss, October. Chairman of the Preservation Committee for the Illinois 66 Associa- "This beautifully restored sign will draw attention to our new tion; Bill Kelly, Executive Director for the Illinois Route 66 Heritage museum," she said, "and it's going to bring back a lot of memories to Project; Carol Dyson, Preservation Architect for the Illinois Histori- those travelling on Route 66." cal Preservation Agency; Rich Henry, owner of Henry's Route 66 Now both the Museum/Welcome Center on the interior and the Ra66it Ranch in Staunton; and several board members from both newly restored sign on the exterior proudly reflect the heritage and the Missouri & Illinois Route 66 Associations. spirit of Litchfield and the Mother Road. The program concluded with an ovation for the final speaker - Like many other, similar vintage neon signs on the Mother Road, Museum Association President Martha Jackson. Martha emphasized the "Vie Suhling / Gas for Less" sign has become a symbol of com- her sincere appreciation to everybody who helped stage this event, munity pride or as Martha described it in a recent letter to me: and especially to all of the many people who were responsible for "The sign is now the spotlight on Route 66 in Litchfield - it's the bringing about the sign's restoration. talk of the town!"

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ROADIES FROM WYOMING IN THE WESTTO NORTH CAROLINA IN THE EAST GOT THE GREAT PLEASURE OF "ROCKIN TO THE DEVIL" (AND) "ROLLIN' TO THE SAINTS" ON 24TH ANNUAL ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI MOTOR TOUR. BETWEEN 60 AND 75 ROADIES PARTICIPATED IN THIS YEAR'S TOUR, WHICH WAS HELD ON SEPTEMBER 6,7 AND 8TH ..THIS YEAR'S TOUR STARTED IN CARTHAGE, MO AND ENDED IN SAINT CLAIR, MO. OUR MIDPOINT STOP WAS JUST OUTSIDE DEVIL'S ELBOW, MO. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME A MOTOR TOUR HAD AN OVERNIGHT STAY IN THE DEVIL'S ELBOW AREA, AND THE FIRSTTIME A MOTOR TOUR HAS ENDED A TOUR IN ST.CLAIR.

he GREAT people who made up this years Motor Tour take over their breakfast nook for registration. The staff was very Committee were: Debbie Rhew (the very patient co- helpful and very nice, and the rooms were clean and comfort- T chair), Paul Rhew, Carolyn Hasenfratz, Robert Schulz, able. The swimming pool area gave the kids a nice treat. It was a Tonya Pike, Kent Sanderson Tommy and Glenda Pike, Diane great place from which to start the tour, Warhover, Fred Zander, Jerry Parker, Quinn, Natalie Kay, and That Friday evening, tour participants were treated to a tour myself. It is because of the efforts of these people that the 2013 of the Jasper Counry Courthouse courtesy ofWendi Douglas, Motor Tour was the great success that it was. the Executive Director of the Carthage Convention and Visitors The festivities commenced Friday night, September 6th, at Bureau (www.visit-carthage.corn) Part of the Courthouse tour the Econo Lodge in Carthage, MO. The Econo Lodge is located involved viewing a mural depicting the Ciry of Carthage during at 1441 W Central Ave. The motor tour committee got a lot the Civil War. There is an audio accompaniment to guide you of help from the staff at the Econo Lodge, who allowed us to through the many scenes on the mural. The mural was courtesy

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of the Soroptomist Clubs, which June Welborn, my mom, was a that makes traveling Route 66-even if you have to "off road" a bit- proud member of in Bloomfield,MO for many a year. -worthwhile. For more information call 417-452-2277. Tour goers also got a chance to ride the 1916 manually operated The tour veered to the right off SR 96 OntOa magnificent slab of elevator, view the very nicely done Route 66 Exhibit, and make their Pordand Concrete that took you past the little town of Spencer, at way from the top to the bottom of the Courthouse, which is still the foot of the Johnson Creek Steel Truss Bridge. Francis and Mary fully functional. The Jasper County Courthouse is a dying breed in Ryan, decided to take one of the many left for dead wide spots along this era of "Justice Centers"-new sterile buildings that have turned Route 66, put their money and sweat equity into its revival, and many of the old Courthouses, the great symbols of community and made it a place where anybody cruising Route 66 will stop at this county, into storage bins or deserted reminders of what was. Quite literal roadside attraction and say "yeah, this is what it was like when frankly, just standing outside this structure and viewing one of the this was Route 66". most beautiful courthouses in the country was a treat in and of itself. From Spencer, the tour crossed back over SR 96 and headed Tour goers were also able to take advantage of all the other great to Paris Springs and an audience with Missouri Route 66's official things that Carthage had to offer, from the 66 Drive In, to the Boots character (and I say that with the utmost respect), Gary Turner. Motel, to the many eating establishments to be found in town. Forget the neat little place he has set up and the memorabilia you can Quinn Natalie and find there. Forget I got a lunchtime that Paris Springs sandwich at the is now a place you Carthage Deli don't just pass and Ice on the through on your Courthouse Square way to Spring- (carrhagedeli .com). field. This guy has Great sandwich and a passion for the a great place to eat road, yes, bur more one! importandy he has On Saturday a passion and a morning, after tour kindness for every goers were treated person that pulls to a fine continental into his station. It is breakfast spread always a treat to get courtesy of the folks the chance to stop at the Econo Lodge, and say "hello". For we pulled out and more information, headed east. This go to garysgayp- motor tour was, arita.com. like the past couple And speaking of motor tours, an of characters, you "on your own" tour. only have to drive a Tour participants few miles down the A GROUP OF ROADIES ON THE 2013 MOTOR TOUR STOPPED BY GARY SPENCER'S STATION AT GAY PARITA. received a guide at road to find another registration that gave folks things to look for on the way. As there great character, Jerry White, owner of Whitehall Mercantile in Hall- were few scheduled stops between Carthage and St.Clair, tour goers town.This place was everything from a Masonic Temple to a Grocery were able to take the tour at their own pace, picking and choosing to a Community Meeting House to-what is now-an antique shop. where they wanted to stop and what they wanted to do. Jerry's stories, sense of humor, and love of marbles only add to the The tour passed through Carthage, and around Lake Kellogg. It experience. For more information go to whitehallmercantile.com. then passed the little towns along State Route 96 heading toward Quinn, atalie and I hooked up with Carolyn Hasenfratz at Gary Spencer: Avilla, Plew, Rescue, Phelps, Heatonville. In Phelps, Quinn, Turner's place and caravanned into Springfield, where we arrived just Natalie and I stopped to pay homage to the recendy demolished Bills as the History Museum on the Square opened for business. The Mu- Station. The old "Bill's Station" sign, with the Double Cola brand on seum is a work in progress-they have purchased the adjacent Fox each side of the name, was one of Missouri Route 66's great photo Theatre, into which they will expand. However, what they have right ops; and the rubble=just sitting there=made us wonder why its now and into February is an excellent exhibit about Route 66. The demolition was necessary. exhibit is chock full of commemorations to some of the old hotels Tonya Pike found a great place to visit just off the State Route 96 and motels in Springfield, Campbell Route 66 Express, and maps section of Route 66 east of Rescue, and that is the Hanger Kafe. The and postcards that tell the story of Route 66 in Springfield. It was in Kingsley family decided to expand on their crop dusting operation this town on November 11, 1926 that Route 66 was born, and this to offer an excellent meal, an opportunity to take a plane ride, and a exhibit is a fitting commemoration to Springfield's place on Route great place for small plane enthusiasts to fly in and grab a meal. It is 66. There is also information and exhibits on Springfield's past at the only a couple of miles off SR 96, and is one of those eclectic places Museum, including the towns Civil War Heritage. For more infor-

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mation on the museum go to historyrnuseumonthesquare.org. blue highway you are cruising down, never will you find anything as We took Carolyn to Old North Springfield, a mercantile district lovely as a tree. where you will find a footbridge that crosses the railroad tracks, built When Carolyn, Quinn, Natalie and I got to Marshfield, we around 1902 (considering that Carolyn has designed every excellent found a little surprise, one of those surprises that makes the drive all Motor Tour T-Shirt, dash plaque and decal for every motor tour the more worthwhile. And that was Freda's Uptown Cafe, just off since 2001, it seemed like the least we could dol). North Springfield Route 66 at 210 W Jackson (SR 38). It is in what appears to have is an area that, like many neighborhoods that have seen their heyday been a government building-a post office or a USDA building, come and go, is trying to bring itself back. There are places like the something of that nature. However, when you get inside, you find a old Missouri Hotel that you hope will once again find its heyday very inviting restaurant (one side very reminiscent of a 1960's road- again, but there are restaurants, businesses, and a farmers market that side greasy spoon), serving equally inviting food, including variations tell you that no one there has given up the fight. And in an hom- on the hash brown worth taking in. Freda ran the cash register, and age to Route 66, there is a nice Route 66 shield, in mosaic, on the advised she would like to see more Route 66er's visit her little slice grounds of a shop just West of the Bridge. of heaven. Those in our little caravan would highly recommend that Participants headed out of Springfield, and on to Strafford, home you pay her that visit. For more information call 417-859-7251. of Ioe's Route 66 Diner at 201 Chestnut St., as well as two great Carolyn, Quinn, Natalie and I cruised through the Courthouse main streets. From Strafford it was on to Marshfield. Between Straf- square, past the Webster County Courthouse, the reproduced ford and Marshfield you start passing through the beautiful tree-lined Hubble Telescope (in honor of Marshfield's favorite son, Edwin stretches of Route 66 that make traveling Route 66 in Missouri dif- Hubble), and then out of town on the "City Route 66" alignment ferent from traveling Route 66 in any other State. There is something that passes through downtown Marshfield. We cruised past Conway, to be said about the desolate feeling crossing the llano out in New Phillipsburg, Redmon's Candy Shop (you can still see the imprint of Mexico, but in my mind even the llano pales by comparison to the Natalie's face on the car window) and on into Lebanon. In Lebanon, deluge of red, yellow, orange and green you find passing through we discovered that one of our favorite stops, the old Bell Restaurant, the Missouri Ozarks in the fall. It reminds one that, no matter what had been torn down and was nothing more than a slab of concrete. 2013 motor tour 1]Jl

Walking into the Bell Restaurant was like walking into 1972. It had River Bridge, passed Hazlegreen's cemetery for the dead (if Johnny the orange naugahyde boorhs and seats; it had rhe bad faux-oak Cash were to stand in front of its gates it would have been an album paneling and woodwork (except in the back dining room, where cover), and through Gascozark, a town that the Interstate left for there was forest wallpaper on the wall); it had Ms. Pauls hash browns Dead. From Gascozark, the tour continued East to Buckhorn, where for breakfast; it had patrons in those orange booths that came out of it crossed the interstate, passed the old Witmor Farms, and cruised a Studs Terkel book; it once had President Obama eating pie, and through Waynesville. Waynesville is the home of the Pulaski County once had a grandmorher wondering if her grandson was going to Historical Society Museum and the Old Stagecoach Stop, both great show up on rhe Greyhound Bus. The Bell Restaurant, and all those places to look for on your Route 66 Travels. There have also been sig- rhat passed rhrough its doors, was a snapshot of everything that is nificant improvements made to Waynesville's downtown area, which America; unfortunately, like a lot of Route 66's iconic attractions, it now boasts restaurants, shops, and a theater. is a snapshot that is no longer available. From Waynesville, passing the "Frog" on the side of rhe hill, rhe Anorher discovery we made was that the bridge we usually took tour passed rhrough St. Robert, and on to our midpoint respite at across 1-44 on Route 66 at Sleeper was closed. This did not stop the Best Western Montis Inn. us from cruising past the WORLD We got lucky with our lodging on FAMOUS Munger Moss, which this tour: the Montis Inn, like the Eco- Bob and Ramona Lehman continue no Lodge in Carthage, was excellent to maintain as a place rhat allows in every way. The rooms were nice, the rhe weary traveler to definitively say lady at the desk was extremely help- rhat "I now know what it was like ful, and folks had a nice pool area to to stay at a motel on Route 66 when lounge in prior to dinnertime. Route 66 WAS Route 66." Passing The Tour's Saturday night dinner the green space reminded me of the was held at the Waynesville City Park. many nights we spent stoking the clay The excellent dinner was prepared by pots, talking 66 with Ramona, Bob, the good folks at Sweetwater BBQ. and travelers around the world. Recall Sweetwater BBQ is located on CR Z Finnish motorcyclists trying to teach (just East of the Montis Inn), and if us Finnish. All I recall is that nakerni- you are hungry, it is a great place to in (pron. nacarne) means 'good bye". stop. We also had as our guest speaker For more information go to www. at the dinner the Mayor ofWaynes- mungermoss.com. ville, Luge Hardman.She is com- And we proceeded on to rhe "end pletely devoted to her town and every of the road", which was Mr. C's Route inspired word she utters draws you Post. Mr.C-Scott Cameron-has a into that devotion. This was particular- place chock full of Route 66 memo- ly true when she spoke of the horrors rabilia, and he has his famous Route her town suffered during the summer 66 soda in a wide variety of flavors. I floods. A hat was passed (in the form also picked up a neat new Route 66 of a box) which raised over $100.00 pin there-Missouri 66 wirh the State for the town. It was a great night, in a Flag emblazoned on it (he has all 8 great little town that, if the Mayor has states). Anyone looking for a unique anything to do wirh it, will continue memento from the Route should pick to grow and prosper. Also at the din- one up. ner, Robert and Tonya ran the silent auction, giving folks the chance But rhere is more to Scott Cameron that Route 66 soda and to pick up some nice Route 66 mementos. And Eddie and Betsey memorabilia. He was the manager for one of the great bluesmen, Chitwood of Warrensburg, MO received the award for the oldest car Muddy Waters, and is the executor of his estate. He is also President on the tour, a pretty white 67 Mustang. of the Cameron Organization, a modern day Robin Hood help- From dinner the tour goers headed back to the Montis Inn, where ing long suffering bluesmen/women and other artists collect the folks chewed the fat about the day, be it on the little deck above the royalties that they rightly deserve. Scott has a section of the Route office, in the parking lot, in rheir rooms or by rhe pool. Robert, after Post devoted to rhis part of his life, a display of several gold albums all the hard work he had put in over the past 48 hours, came back by Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy, as well as one of Muddy Waters' and jumped in the pool, clothes and all. It had been a fun day; a guitar. When you stop at Mr. C's, make sure you take a few minutes long day but a fun one! Sunday morning arrived, and after the Rev. to enjoy this; after all, it is not often you get to meet a blues icon in a Norman Heironimus' nondenominational church service and a great Route 66 soda shop! continental breakfast provided by the good folks at the Montis Inn, After stopping at Mr. C's, Quinn, Natalie and I made our way the tour was off to St. Clair, MO. We took our time cruising through back to Lebanon, got across 1-44, and cruised through the beautiful Devil's Elbow, easily one of the most scenic and interesting drives countryside that Route 66 traverses between Lebanon and Buck- along Route 66 in Missouri. Folks cruised across the Bridge one at a horn. The tour crossed the rust covered majesty of the Gasconade time, making for a great photo opp.

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From there tour goers headed East, past Johns Modern Cab- postcards from the area available for purchase that would be a great ins, which is still there, at least for now, and through Rolla and St. addition to anyone's Route 66 collection. For more information James. Just past St. James (home of the amazing Vacuum Cleaner visit their website: www.stdairmo.com/museum/index.htm. Museum, vacuummuseum.com) the Welborn clan stopped to take After visiting the museum, tour goers were able to visit the offices in the greatest natural sweet treat you will find anywhere on Route of the River Hills Traveler magazine. Emery Styron and Jo Schaper 66, that being the Concord Grapes sold at George Piazza's Grape run a fine guide to all there is to see and do in the Missouri Ozarks Stand. George Piazza's grape stand is one of the few Grape stands out of a true relic from Route 66 days, located at 780 N. Commer- remaining along the stretch around Rosati, MO, and is the last of cial: Art's Motel and Cabins, fka the Johnson's Mo-Tel and Cabins. a dying breed. These grape stands are the "fruits" of grape growers The Traveler offices also house a bookstore, and Emery and Jo pro- who emigrated from Northern Italy in the 1890's. These pioneers vided refreshments and a warm place to stop on what had been up to created a cottage industry, part of which was opening up Grape that time a cold and dreary day. The River Hills Traveler published stands and selling grapes along Route 66. A descendant of another an article in their Fall edition about Route 66 passing through the of the original grape growing families - Steve Zulpo - has created area. Visit their website at: www.riverhillstraveler.com/. a great website where you can learn a lot about the area: www.rosati- Emery Styron, the editor for the magazine brought several issues mo. com.The son of the last vintner at Rosati, Mike Ripplemeyer, is all the way to Carthage, and included a game where portion of a working to keep this tradition alive at the 4-M Vinyards, just East of playing card was included with the magazine. If you came to the the Piazza grape stand. Magazine's offices, and matched the bottom of the card with the top And nestled among these grape stands is the Rosati Winery of the card they had, you would win a prize and could win $50.A bit Museum. Here stands the oldest winery on Route 66, and the first of ingenuity that would make any mom and pop businessperson on post-prohibition bonded winery in the State of Missouri. While the Route 66 proud! winery is no longer in business, Drew Mendez has turned the place Our visit at the River Hills Traveler gave the sun a chance to come into a celebration of the lives led by the grape growers in the area. At out and warm the day, and that happened just in time for us all to the museum, you can see an excellent video about the history of the head to the end of the tour lunch in Orchard Park, just off Commer- growers that features the families that brought the craft to the area. cial Ave (Route 66). Lunch gave us all a chance to enjoy a nice meal You can also see memorabilia from the Rosati area, as well as get a created by Jim's Country Catering (www.jimscountrycatering.com). feel of what the building was like as a winery. The museum is also a chance to enjoy a few moments klatching with each other about all a place where you can sample the wines produced throughout the the good times we had spent together over the past couple of days, State. For more information on the Rosati Winery Museum, visit and a chance to say goodbye to each other, head back to our cars and • its website rosatiwinerymuseum.coml trudge back to our real lives. It was a great way to end a great motor From Rosati, the tour forged on, through Fanning, MO, home of tour. And from Orchard Park, this tour goer, with his family, Quinn the Fanning Outpost (fanning660utpost.com). Simply put, if a place and Natalie Kay, headed back to St. Louis. that features the World's Largest Rocking Chair, wine tastings, and a And this tour goer has enjoyed being able to co-chair of these An- taxidermy service does not define a Route 66 type of business, what nual Motor Tours for the past 9 years. From Litchfield in the North does? From Fanning, the tour headed through Cuba, past the many to Miami in the South, the last 9 motor tours have stopped at a lot of wonderful murals that have made Cuba the Mural City, as well as the great places and seen a lot of great things. We have had passports and Wagon Wheel Motel (wagonwheel66cuba.com) and the Missouri poker runs, we have crossed the Chain of Rocks Bridge, stayed at the "Hick" Bar-B-Q (www.missourihick.com).From there, it was on to Munger Moss, toured the Coleman theatre, paid homage to Mother Bourbon, en route passing Skippy's Route 66 Restaurant and Water- Jones, and broken bread together by the banks of the Niangua River. ing Hole (www.skippysroute66.com). And getting to enjoy the company of all of you and all of those who In Bourbon, despite a bit of a chill and a light drizzle, Natalie participated in these past Motor Tours created the sweetest of icings Kay found her reason for taking the Tour: A milkshake at the Circle on a wonderful cake. I thank the Association for the opportunity, N Cafe, a place where Josh and Justin Ware continues to carry on I thank Jane Dippel and Debbie Rhew for putting up with me as the Ware family tradition, and continue to operate one of the great cochairs, , and I thank every person who served on the Motor Tour greasy spoons you will find on Route 66 between Chicago and LA. A Committee and helped me make the Motor Tour special. true mom and pop experience if there ever was one! For More Infor- However, there is always a good time to pass the torch on, and mation call 573-732-4470. From Bourbon, the tour continued on for new ideas to take shape. I will continue assisting with the tour through Sullivan, past the 01'Toy Museum and Jesse James Museum for a spell, but look forward to the day when Quinn, Natalie and I in Stanton, and on into St. Clair. can enjoy the Motor Tour as a family while Natalie is young enough In St. Clair, the tour ended with a resounding BANG! Before to do so without having issues associating with her parents (I hear lunch, after coming across a tractor parade (only on Route 66!), tour that is what the teenage years bring). So here's to ALL of you who goers were able to tour the St. Clair Historical Society Museum. The participated in this year's Motor Tour for making this tour as special Museum is like a lot of great museums you will find in small towns, as it was, and here's to seeing all of you on another great ride across a museum where you will find a little bit of everything that touched Missouri, for the 25th Annual Route 66 Association of Missouri and touches St. Clair. From the beginning of time to the Days of Motor Tour! International Shoe, from Route 66 to the Civil War, from a grocery store, to a Victorian parlor, to a schoolroom, to a post office, there See you down the road ... hopefully sooner than later! is so much to see and learn here. They also have an excellent set of Thanks again! Kip Welborn

16 Show Me Route 66 24200 Route 66 - Lebanon,MO U"like" us on I OPEN EVERYDAY! I 417 -588-4466 - mrcsroutepost.com facebook

645 II OOUlil--u:!11lID ~ · New For 2013 - Twin Route 66 Signposts Each over 10 feet tall with mile~es and directional arrows from Mr. C's to many iconic Route 66 destmations, and cities around the World. GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!

La'-Qe§t[2()ute f)f) f3ift Selecti()n in the ()za.-k§ : f7'-f)UP§Welcf)me - Vlenb' f)f Va.-kine - Vicnic A.-ea Proud members of the Route 66 Association of Missouri

JmJ the diamonds

Junction of U. S. Highways 50 - 66 and Mo. 100 Villa Ridge, Mo. THE OLD RELIABLE EATING PLACE

• KNOWN FROM COAST TO COAST

THE ORIGINAL INCARNATION OFTHE DIAMONDS BURNED ON FEBRUARY 27,1948.

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missouri66.org 21 JmJ the diamonds

pencer Groff was around the area. Groff's farm was prosperous, but his thoughts were broke. His dreams on the future of his children, Ursula and Spencer. Sof becoming a There was no school in this part of Franklin County to provide lawyer shattered, he education beyond the elementary level. So Andrew Groff met with returned to the fading his neighbors Fergus "Ferd" Disharoon and].A. "Parson" Miles, who family farm in Franklin also had children of their own.The men decided that the junction County, Missouri, and on the hill near the smithy of Old John the Blacksmith would make faced the possibility a fine location for a private school. of a lifetime of labor Tuition fees paid the salary of the first teacher, Miss Bertie Sweet, to pay his debts. But who named the school Altamont because of its high elevation. Spencer Groff would Classes began in 1894, with Boggie's son Spencer as one of the stu- create a diamond at the dents. Spencer loved baseball and the students laid out a makeshift dusty junction of Ozark baseball field near the school, the first "diamond" on the hill. Facing Trails Route, St. Louis competition from the new Labadie Academy, the Altamont School Rock Road and the Old closed after four years. Springfield Road. Those Spencer Groff went off to college. But in 1907, he decided to roads atop Altamont return to the farm. He put his business skills to work as the Presi- Hill would one day dent of the Villa Ridge Milling Compa ny, and his interests shifted become the crossroads from the farm to buying and selling commodities on the St. Louis of US 50-66 with Merchants Exchange. Spencer traded during the day and resumed Missouri 100, a prime pursuit of his law degree, taking classes at night. location for the "World's Largest Roadside Restaurant." Then fortune turned against Spencer Groff. His investments went In 1894, Andrew Morgan "Boggie" Groff could stand on his bad and Spencer found himself deep in debt. He was forced to give property and see for miles around. His land overlooked the valleys of up his dream again and mortgage the farm. He returned home with three rivers - the Missouri, Meramec, and Bourbouse. The Missouri little hope of ever paying off his tremendous debt. But the auto- Pacific, the Rock Island, and the Frisco Railroads formed a triangle mobile age was underway and those noisy contraptions bouncing •

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through the crossroads gave Spencer an idea. Observing busy Labor Day traffic in 1919, he pur out some damson plums from the family orchard and quickly sold out. Spencer rook his profits and invested in a stock of soda and an old wash tub. He filled the tub with ice for the soda, propped up a battered umbrella to provide shade during that hot Missouri summer, and was in business. Profits plunged with the temperatures in the winter, and Spencer decided to construct something a little more permanent in the spring. When the thaw came, Spencer pounded four posts in the ground, nailed boards to the side and topped his makeshift stand with the top from a dilapidated grain silo on the farm. He added a gas pump and filled the shelves with items motorists might need. At first, frankfurters and sandwiches were the only food sold. But it wasn't long before food from the farm filled the menu, including fruits, vegetables and freshly churned buttermilk at a nickel a glass. Groff called his establishment Altamont Park, after his old school. By this time, the intersection had become Missouri Highway 14 and Missouri 100. A state highway official stopped by one day and remarked that the ramshackle place reminded him of little more than "Adam's Banana Stand." It was really an insult, but the Banana Stand name stuck. As the business grew, Spencer's debt began to shrink. He decided to try law one more time when business slowed during the winter. Leaving a hired hand in charge of the Banana Stand, he entered the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.When Spencer • returned home for the holidays, he found his business was in disar- ray. He decided, once and for all, to give up the dream and make his living on Altamont Hill. But Spencer knew he had to think bigger. One day he took a pick and marked off a diamond-shaped site 12 by 30 feet in size where the new Banana Stand would rise. He constructed a white clapboard stand that he painted with pictures of bright yellow bananas. His sister Ursula joined the enterprise and offered her homemade pies. Burglars broke in one night but Spencer couldn't afford a watch- man.He decided instead to remain open around-the-clock. It was a crucial business decision as Missouri Highway 14 became US Route 66 in 1926 and late night truckers became loyal customers. About that time, Groff began designing yet another building, also to be shaped like a diamond. The roof was being put in place when a storm wiped out the structure. It was enough to make some people give up, but Spencer Groff decided he would build an even larger building. The new wood-frame structure opened for business on July 3, 1927. Groff called it the Diamonds, after the shape of the property and the building. In the late 1920s, a teenager named Louis B. Eckelcamp took a job as a dishwasher at the "Old Reliable Eating Place," as Groff's establishment had come to be known.Louie rose to manager and in 1938 he bought the business with partner Nobel Kay. The Dia- monds was now a favorite with locals and the tourists. The rich and the poor, rural and city residents, all came for the food or a dip in one of the two swimming pools filled with icy water. Several Grey- hound buses stopped there each day, filled with hungry travelers. There was also a tourist camp, which became the Mission Bell Motel in1939. Disaster struck on February 27, 1948. No one knows how it started, but a Harne Bickered to life and fire quickly engulfed the

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Diamonds. The Highway Patrol closed Route 66 as the flames and Kate Heitert Wilkins took a bus from St. Louis to San Bernardi- exploding gas pumps lit up the night. No one was hurt and a make- no, California, as a teenager and the Diamonds was the first stop. "I shift stand was in business the next day, offering hamburgers, hot can still picture the sprawling building perched atop a hill, clearly dogs, popcorn and soda. A restaurant was quickly set up in a garage visible from the highway. The cherry pie, a generous slice, tasted bet- across Route 66 that had escaped the flames.. ter than any I'd had. Dining at the Diamonds felt sophisticated and Louie Eckelcamp bought out Nobel Kay and built an even big- glamorous." ger, better and all-brick building, a streamlined structure designed Margeret McKnight recalls that going to the Diamonds was an by George F. Hayden. It opened in 1949 and Ecklecamp painted event, with the entire family packed in the car and wearing their "The Diamonds" in huge letters on the roof so even pilots knew the Sunday best. "The fried chicken is what I remember best," and landmark. These were the glory days when the Diamonds was billed she also remembers "Watching the beautiful, glamorous men and as the "World's Largest Roadside Restaurant." Dennis Nuen grew up women ...and those hard working waitresses smiling in their heavily in St. Louis and said,"When I was a child, you were officially out of starched uniforms and heavy duty shoes." St. Louis when the sign said 'You Just Passed the Diamonds.' It was Hard times befell the Diamonds after the new four-lane 66 that like breaking through into outer space." became Interstate 44 opened just to the south in April, 1960. Louie

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Eckelcamp told the Post-Dispatch that the new highway was just 900 would be affected. In addition, the structure needed repair work and yards away but "It may as well be nine miles." He decided to con- business was dropping due to the fast food restaurants and conve- struct a new Diamonds at the interchange of the old two-lane, MO nience stores nearby. The Diamonds closed in September 1995 and 100, with the Interstate. the building has been demolished. The Tri-Counry Restaurant held Louie chose a location on the old road across from the Shaw Ar- on until September 2006, when it was shuttered. Jay Nies of St. Louis boretum and near the Gardenway Motel, which he opened in 1945. said, "In its last days, I liked stopping there for dinner and to read the This section of Route 66 was beautified with trees and shrubbery and local papers. It was quiet, the food was comfortable, the people were was known as the Henry Shaw Gardenway, in honor of the founder friendly and the ghosts of 66 were everywhere." of the Missouri Botanical Garden. The new Diamonds rose on the There are some people who think real ghosts are still there! former site of the Mabel Miles Modern Motel and the old detached Rumors of strange occurrences at the old building had been floating Miles Motel units were moved behind the Gardenway. The original around since the 1970s. The tales included all sorts of apparitions; sign was moved and placed atop the new restaurant, which opened in including a man murdering a woman with a knife and a friendly spirit 1967. The old building was abandoned and the Mission Bell Motel the employees nicknamed George, who likes to caress women. In was razed. 2006, the Arnold, Missouri-based Paranormal Task Force conducted The construction of Interstate 44 had also affected Roscoe and an investigation and reported strange noises, odors and even a human Aria Reed, who owned the Tri Counry Truck Stop in Sullivan. They apparition. Video and other recording equipment reportedly cap- took over the old Diamonds Building on Route 66, now County tured some of the spooky evidence. In the summer of 20 12, the Syfy Route AT, and made it the new location of the Tri County Truck channel came to the Diamonds/Tri County and then featured the Stop. The Reeds erected neon letters spelling out the name running old truck stop in an episode of Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files. Their nearly the entire length of the roolline. The Tri-County would build conclusion: "Though the evidence is still questionable, the truck stop its own tradition, staying open around-the-clock and offering a gift is haunted. Case: Closed." shop filled with unusual knick-knacks, cedar novelties and rocks and For now, the old Diamonds/Tri County still stands atop Altamont minerals. The Tri-County Truck Stop would actually outlive the new Hill. It is quiet now, the windows boarded up and the forlorn build- Diamonds. ing vandalized. But the Diamonds lives on in the memories of those By the 1990s, plans had been announced for a new interchange at countless travelers who made it "The Eating Place, the Meeting the Gray Summit Exit, and it appeared at the time that the Diamonds Place," a shining diamond on the hill.

missouri66.org 25 Jltl trail of tears TRAIL OF TEARS BYJOE SONDERMAN

"LONG TIME WE TRAVEL ON WAY TO NEW LAND. PEOPLE FEEL BAD WHEN THEY LEAVE OLD NATION. WOMENS CRY AND MAKE SAD WAILS. CHILDREN CRY AND MANY MEN CRY... BUT THEY SAY NOTHING AND JUST PUT HEADS DOWN AND KEEP ON GO TOWARDS WEST. MANY DAYS PASSAND PEOPLE DIE VERY MUCH." - Cherokee Trail of Tears Survivor.

arry Baggett said the spirits Lwere keeping him up at night. Baggett had bought property along old Route 66 near jerome to construct a campground. He had just put up a retaining wall on his property when he claimed something started knocking on his door at night. Larry would open the door to find no one was there. One day, Baggett said, an old Cherokee man showed up and explained that the wall was built right across the infamous Cherokee "Trail of Tears" and that the spirits were knocking because they couldn't make it over the wall. The man suggested that Larry build stairs over the wall so the spirits could get to the other side. Larry said the knocking stopped after the stairs went up, but he didn't stop building. Larry created a folk art monument to those who suffered during one of the most shame- ful episodes in U.S. history, the forced migration of thousands of people from their homes. They called themselves "Ani Yuniwa," meaning "Principal People." Cherokee assimilation into white culture began with the Moravian Missionaries in Springplace, Georgia, in the early 1800s. Seqouyah's system for writing in the Cherokee language, adopted in 1825, gave the Cherokee a higher literacy rate than their white neighbors in Georgia. The tribe developed a system of government with a federal, legislative and

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judicial branch based on a written constitution. Becoming as non- homa soon after the Treary of New Echota was ratified. But Chief threatening to whites as possible was later seen as necessary to keep John Ross and the majoriry stayed put. The terms of the treary gave their land. As a result, the Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw them until 1838 to wrap up their affairs and move out. and Seminole were labeled as the "Five Civilized Tribes." "I saw the helpless Cherokees arrested and dragged from their But in 1829, gold was discovered on Cherokee land claimed by homes, and driven at the bayonet point into stockades. And in the Georgia. The state passed laws stripping many rights from the Chero- chill of a drizzling rain on an October morning I saw them loaded kee and held a lottery to divide up their land.A year later, Congress like cattle or sheep into six hundred and forry-five wagons and passed the Indian Removal Act authorizing the removal of the Native started toward the west." Americans from their homes in the east. The Cherokee took their Private John G. Burnett,Captain Abraham McClellan's Com- battle to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that the Cherokee pany, 2nd Regiment, 2nd Brigade, Mounted Infantry. were entitled to their lands. But President Andrew Jackson simply On May 26, 1838, 7,000 troops under General Winfield Scott ignored the ruling, an impeachable offense. began a roundup of the reluctant Cherokee, marching men, women A small group of Cherokee known as "The Treary Parry" believed and children from their homes at gunpoint. The displaced faced removal was inevitable and that they would have to sign a treary cruelry from the troops and intimidation and theft by the locals. with the United States for their people to survive. John Ridge, Major They were placed in the stockades at 31 specially built forts near Ridge, Elias Boudinot and his brother Stand Waite, none of whom Cherokee settlements. were duly elected officials, signed the Treary of New Echota in 1835. The first three detachments of about 2,700 Cherokee were then The treary ceded the lands of the east for five million dollars, and the marched aboard flatboats at Ross's Landing, Tennessee, to make the tribe agreed to move west of the Mississippi. first part of the journey by water. The first parry made it through The overwhelming majoriry of Cherokee, led by Chief John Ross, relatively unscathed. But the next rwo found the rivers were low refused to recognize the treary. Ross presented thousands of signa- due to drought and the boats were constantly unloaded to pass over tures in protest to the U.S. Senate, but the treary passed by one vote. shoals or other obstacles. With death, disease and desertion rampant, The Treary Parry left for the Indian Territory in present-day Okla- General Scott suspended the removal until cooler weather.

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28 Show Me Route 66 trail of tears J tID

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The remaining Indians were transferred to what we would now Huzzah from November 25 until December 4, 1837, as 60 members call internment camps, eleven in Tennessee and one in Alabama. of the party were violently ill. Five died. The group reached the Mer- Desperate to reduce the deaths among his people, Chief Ross sought amec south of present-day St. James on December 5 and then faced and eventually gained permission for the Cherokee Council to downpours and broken down wagons along the Springfield Road. oversee the removal of the remainder, about 13,000 people. Most of them left by wagon, horseback, or on foot during October and CANNON'SJOURNAL TELLS THE STORY: November, 1838, and faced an 800-mile-Iong trek in the bitter cold. Many died waiting to cross the frozen Mississippi River. DEe. 7, 1837:Marched at 8 o'c A.M. Reese's team ran away, We know a great deal about the first party to pass the spot where broke his waggon and Starr's carry all, left him and family to Larry Baggett later built his retaining wall. Led by B.B. Cannon, this get his waggon mended, at 17 miles and to overtake if possible. band of 365 Cherokees passed through Farmington and through Halted at Mr. Bates's son 5 0'c P. M. encamped and issued corn Caledonia in Washington County. They were forced to halt at the and fodder, corn-meal and bacon. 20 miles today.

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DEe. 8, 1837: Buried Nancy Bigbear's Grand child. March 5, 1839: traveled 12 miles to Waynesville on Marched at 9 0'cA. M. halted at Piney, a small river Roberdeou Creek, a branch of the Gasconade - clear 112past 3 0'c. P. M. rained all day, encamped and and pleasant day stayed with Col. Swinks - a genteel issued corn only, no fodder to be had. Several drunk. man and pretty wife and quiet familiar. 11 miles today. The exact death toll will never be known, but it has DEe. 9,1837: Marched at 9 o'cA. M. Mayfield's been estimated at between 1,600 and 4,000, nearly waggon broke down at about a mile. left him to get 1/5th of the Cherokee population. Most of those victims it mended and overtake. Halted at Waynesville, Mo, were infants, children and the elderly.By the spring of 4 0'c P.M. encamped and issued corn and fodder, 1839, the survivors had entered present-day Oklahoma. beef and corn meal. Weather extremely cold. The Cherokee were not the only tribe forced from their 12 112miles today. Fifteen people were dead, homes. Large numbers of Choctaw, Seminole, Chickasha including three children and eight infants, by the and Muscogee (Creek) also made the journey. time this group arrived in Oklahoma a few days The Trail of Tears in Missouri goes through the after Christmas. counties of Barry, Bollinger, Buder, Cape Girardeau, Christian, Crawford, Dent, Green, Iron, Laclede, DR. WILLIAM ISAAC IRVINS Madison, Ozark, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, MORROW KEPT A DIARY WHEN HE Saint Francois, Scott, Stone, Texas, Wayne, Webster, Wright, and Washington.Most of the Cherokee used ACCOMPANIED ANOTHER GROUP the orthern Route from Jackson through Farming- THAT TRAVELED ALONG THE ton, Potosi, St. James, Rolla, Waynesville, Springfield, FUTURE PATH OF ROUTE 66: Cassville, and into today's Pea Ridge National Park in Arkansas. Sites along the Northern Route today include MARCH 4,1839: Clear and cold (Bates in Pulaski the Trail of Tears State Park at Jackson, the Snelson- Co. Waynesville the county seat) Jas Harrison 2 Brinker House, Steelville; Maramec Spring, St. James; miles below Bates a mean man - will not let any Roubidoux Spring at Waynesville; and the Star City person connected with the emigration stay with Ranch,Barry County. The old Springfield Road later him 4th March, traveled to Harrisons on Big Piney, became a stagecoach route and was known as the "Wire very cold - distance 10 miles. Road" after the telegraph lines went in.The Wire Road became State Route 14 and then US Route 66.

missouri66.org 31 7C's Winery 502 E 560th Rd Walnut Grove MO 65770 Tasting Room & Gift Shop Open 1Oam-6pmTue-Sun Henry's Ra66it Ranch 1107 Historic Old Aoute 66 Staunton, Il, 62088 618-635-5655 "Phoenix and little Red continue the legacy" 417-788-2263 www.7cswinery.com www.HenrysRoute66.com www.facebook.com/7cswinery •

~ Visit the Route 66 Information Center in Springfield, SPRINGFIELD Missouri, the birthplace of Route 66. Find information, MISSOURI memorabilia, maps, and more. Participate in our Route 66 Scavenger Hunt and pick up a free prize! Route 66 Information Center _ 815 East St. Louis Street For help navigating Route 66, download our free (On Old Route 66 in Downtown Springfield) mobile app at www. VisitSpringfield.mobi Hours: Mon. - Fri., sam - 5pm . 800-678-8767 www.SprlngfieldMO.org"

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BENGE ROUTE Starting from Fort Payne, on September 28. 1838. Cherokee leader John Benge escorts 1.079 Cherokee toward present- day Stilwell,Oklahoma.

Larry Baggett was born on May 8, 1925, but late in life he said 2003 and the land was sold in 2005. he was only about 30 years old. Larry said 30 years earlier, after he Rich Dinkela visited the property this past summer and said it had suffered a couple of heart attacks and had other health issues, a was a shame to see how much the place has deteriorated, because it doctor told him he had only a short time to live. Larry told travelers was in fairly good shape just a few years ago. "In 2009 the fountains that's when he really began living. He studied Native American cul- were still working. Last year I found that somebody decapitated ture, numerology and astrology and developed some unique opinions Larry's statue and stole the head. Vandals also busted all the glass out on religion, life and death, which he often shared with visitors. of the pool house and the home. Recently somebody has been taking In the 1970s, Larry went to work on his home and his monu- steps to do some 'improvements' by knocking down one of the walls ment. The large home was built around three living trees, complete that Larry built. They installed a culvert for better drainage I guess. with an observatory on top surrounded by glass. An octagonal build- But they have also repaired the doors. I noticed that the original ing housed a spa decorated with Native American symbols. Route 66 mailbox of Larry'sthat used to be in the shed is now up again at the explorer Rich Dinkela calls it "One of the most intriguing structures street." on Missouri's Route 66." The property can still be viewed from the entrance. To reach the Larry built a stone archway at the entrance and hung a crescent- Trail of Tears from westbound 1-44, take Exit 172, Rre D/Jerome. shaped sign from it reading "Trail of Tears." To the left of the arch, Turn right at the top of the exit ramp and make another right onto he created a concrete statue self portrait, offering a friendly wave. On old Route 66/Route D. Larry Bagett's old place will be just ahead the other side, running water once poured from a bucket held by an- on the left, just before the ruins of Stonydell. From eastbound 1-44, other figure beside a "Kickapoo Wishing You Well." A pump brought make a left from the ramp, cross the Interstate, and then make a water from the same spring that once fed the spectacular pool at the right onto 66. Better visit pretty soon, because like John's Modern Stonydell Resort. Water running from the mouth of another figure Cabins up the road, Larry's legacy may not be there much longer. powered a water wheel. The property is covered with stone walls and It's a place to ponder all those who came before - and to perhaps to more statues, including a white buffalo. Larry Baggett passed away in listen for the spirits.

~ MISSOURI \> FOLLOW THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI ON FACEBOOK I} U 5 \ like us on ~~66_}0 Facebook -v- www.facebook.com/missouri66

missouri66.org 33 JmJ carthage, mo BREAKFA T ATTHE CROSSROADS OF AMERICA: CARTHAGE, MISSOURI

''!Bu:akfa1.t at thE {!'WH c.!?oad1. of d/mnicu " BY CHERYL EICHAR JETT Boots Drive-In, Inc. -- Junction U. S. 66 and 71, Carthage, Missouri ON THE AIR 8:00 a.rn , to 8:30 e.m. Daily ABOUT 1950, LEE CROCKER C ••.•••••. OA BEGAN BROADCASTINGA MORNING RADIO SHOW ON KDMO RADIO FROM THE BOOTS DRIVE-IN IN CARTHAGE, MISSOURI. LEE CALLED HIS SHOW "BREAKFAST ATTHE CROSSROADS OF AMERICA," • INTERVIEWING TRAVELERS ATTHE

.11: •••••• ,,«w 01"... INTERSECTION OF TWO MAJOR U.S. LEE CROCKER BROADCAST "BREAKFAST ATTHE CROSSROADS OF AMERICA" FROM THE BOOTS DRIVE·IN FOR TENYEARS. LEE, THE SON OFA PREACHER, WORKEDASAMECHANIC BEFORE COMING TO KDMO RADIO IN CARTHAGE. HE FINISHED HIS CAREERSELLING PRE·ARRANGED FUNERALS AND DIED IN 2000 ATTHE AGE OF HIGHWAYS -71 AND 66. 78.(PHOTOBYJEAN GOFF; COURTESYOF CHRIS BROWN.) from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and it entered Carthage from the north on North Main Street. James Douglas Clarkson of Carthage was the manager and dedicated spokesperson for the trail, named for Thomas Jefferson and said to be inspired by the Lincoln Highway. In 1877, Clarkson had established an agricultural implement and carriage business in Car- thage, widely regarded as one of the most profitable businesses in southwest Missouri. He was known for his boundless energy and passion for whatever project interested him, and was a well-known civic leader and tireless advocate for auto travel and highways. Although his business was horse-drawn vehicles, Clarkson saw the future in the automobile. He promoted the "365 Day Road Club of Carthage" and was said to be a "funding genius" when it came to local road work. When he retired, he traveled the length of the Jefferson Highway with a mobile office, promoting awareness and amesDouglas Clarkson was an early 1900s farm implement use of the auto trail, and served as the president of the Jefferson dealer with a dream of and a passion for promoting auto high- Highway Association for several years. His passion for the automo- ways. In the late 1930s, entrepreneur Arthur Boots scrutinized bile highway spread to promoting the Pikes Peak Coast to Coast larthage maps, looking for the best location for a successful busi- Highway (also known as the Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean). ness venture. Lee Crocker went on the air on KDMO Carthage In 1920, Missouri voters approved a $60 million road bond radio station in 1947 after working several years as a mechanic. issue, which led to seven-plus miles of concrete highway being laid Clarkson, Boots, and Crocker's paths crossed, although in different from nearby Webb City to the Kansas border - an early section of decades, at the intersection of Roure 66 and the Jefferson Highway the future Route 66. The Missouri State Highway Department was in Carthage - the Crossroads of America. established in 1921, with the big task ahead of them of untangling, improving, and connecting each county's own network of TWO MAJOR HIGHWAYS CONVERGE roads. In 1922, seven roads were established by the State Highway The Jefferson Highway was a north-south highway in a network Commission as essential for Missouri travel. One of them, State of named auto trails built in the 191Os. Auto trails might be Route (SR) 14, stretched through southern Missouri and was promoted by individuals to pass by certain businesses or could be designated through Carthage on Central Avenue. At that time, the promoted by organizations and were marked by colored bands on Jefferson Highway became SR l. Then, in 1926, SR 14 became utility poles. The Jefferson Highway, the "Pine to Palm," stretched U.S. Route 66 and SR 1 became U.S. Route 7l.

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36 Show Me Route 66 THE CROSSROADS DEVELOPS Meanwhile, back at the Boots Court, new owners Pleas Neeley In the late 1930s, having moved from the Kansas City area with and his wife were constructing an additional building or annex, his family in tow, Arthur Boots was ready to embark on a suc- perpendicular to the original lodging, at the back of the property. cessful business venture or two in Carthage. His son Robert later It came close to matching the original building, with a stucco recalled his dad poring over maps, intent on selecting just the exterior finish and a flat roof. However, the building was more right spot. Boots settled on a piece of property at the intersection traditionally styled and the rooms within were larger. The built-in of Central and Garrison Avenues - the crossroads of Routes 66 vanity dressers they added to the rooms are still there. Clark Gable and 71. Planning for a motor court but fully aware of the deep is said to have favored Room #10 with the underground garage to depression the country was mired in, Boots began cautiously. He hide his car. In 1948, the Neelys sold the Boots Court to Reuben first constructed an 18' x 11' building to serve as a gas station and and Rachel Asplin. office with two gas pumps out front and called it the Red Horse Enter Lee Crocker to the crossroads scene a couple years later. Service Station. Soon, he added four rooms behind the office to Lee had worked as a mechanic with Trans World Airlines for begin his motor court. A weary traveler could stay for $2.50 a several years. In Carthage, he became the manager and on-air night - the kind of price that would insure no riffraff would be announcer for KDMO radio station beginning in 1947. Lee's staying there. It wasn't long before Boots added four more rooms personality was undoubtedly better suited to the radio business, to his motor court building. After numerous other service stations as he always had a joke to tell, a smile to share, and a way of sprouted up in the surrounding blocks,Boots had the gas pumps making people feel at ease. The Boots Drive-In with its varied removed.Business was good, despite the finally-ending depression, clientele and ever-changing array of travelers stopping by was the but Arthur Boots was about to lose his motor court. perfect spot for a live broadcast. And Lee Crocker's "Breakfast at In their 1941 divorce settlement, Mr. Arthur Boots lost the the Crossroads of America" live radio show was born. Travelers motor court to Mrs. Ilda Caldwell Boots. The intrepid Arthur entering the Boots Drive-In would find a hot and hearty break- Boots moved on, bur not very far. The immediate blocks around fast, plenty of souvenirs to purchase, and Lee Crocker waiting to the intersection of the two major highways were hot spots for hos- interview them live on his radio show. The 1950s were booming, pitality businesses. Across the street from the Boots Motor Court and the Boots Drive-In flourished. Crocker's live radio broadcast the Boots Drive-In went up in 1946. This new venture by Boots lasted for ten years. and his son Robert immediately attracted both local clientele Arthur Boots added several more businesses during the fabu- and the passing traveler. Within a few years Robert and his uncle lous fifties. In 1955, he opened the Frosty Mug Drive-In at 315 bought the drive-in from Arthur and hired Ilda, Robert's mother, East Central Avenue, which Bill Shore purchased within the next who worked there for many years. couple years, renaming it Bill's Frosty Mug. A Snak-Atak store is

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now located on the Frosty Mug site. About 1959, Boots opened vegetables, and desserts were often made up using wilted fruits and the Burger N' Shake at 411 West Central Avenue, also on Route vegetables cleaned off the displays and sold out the back door of 66. Later he changed it to a breakfast format, renaming it the Cof- the Safeway Grocery Company. Present-day visitors to Carthage fee House and offering the "finest breakfast on your trip" from 55 can see a Chicago Coin's Band-Box featuring a miniature 'Big cents up to 95 cents. Band' that once graced Red's Cafe on display at C. D.'s Pancake By the '50s, numerous other entrepreneurs had established Hut on Garrison Avenue. hospitality businesses in the vicinity of the Highways 66 and The C&W Cafe, named for operators Mr. and Mrs. Ray Carter 71 crossroads. The Hollywood Cafe was a popular eatery. It had and Mr. and Mrs. Bus White was first located at 342 Grant Street first opened in a building on the south side of the square, but on the square's north side. In 1962, the Carters, sole owners by in the 1930s it moved to 204 South Garrison Avenue. There, a that time, moved it to the Steadley Building on the east side of sleek modern brick facade was constructed over an old house, the the square. The C&W was another sit-down eatery in Carthage former Walter Caffee home. William and Edythe Preston oper- that was said to have a 'meatloaf special,' consisting of customers' ated the cafe in the 1930s and Earl and Ruth Wilbur in the 1940s. left-over steak, chicken, and other meats. Gerald and Betty Forest About 1950 the restaurant, then operated by William Lee, became bought the business in 1977 and renamed it the Gaslight Restau- Lee's Steakhouse. The structure later was used as a professional of- rant. Ray Carter went on to serve as member of the City Council, fice building and was razed within the last few years. The location a member of the Board of Public Works, and as mayor of Carthage is now an empty lot. from 1978-1982. Red Danner opened Red's Cafe in 1941 at Central and Gar- There were over 30 gas stations operating in Carthage, some rison Avenues. It was said that Red had no qualms about using of them open 24 hours a day and many of them situated on the customers' left-over meat from their plates to make a 'house blocks immediately surrounding the 66-71 junction. Colaw's special' meatloaf. Local lore is that when Clark Gable was in town, station was practically an institution at 328 West Central Avenue; he preferred Red's Cafe. It's not known whether he ate the 'house from 1940 until 1977 Kendall Colaw kept the doors open and the special.' Neil Gibson recalled that the meatloaf special was served pumps running. That location is said to have held a service station on blue plates with three vegetables, a roll, and a Coke. Salads, beginning in 1928.

38 Show Me Route 66 carthage, mo ~

THE INTERSTATE ARRIVES original flat roofs reinstated, and the neon sign has been restored The Federal Aid Highway Act was passed in 1956, and the 1960s and is back on. saw the completion of Interstate 44 which drastically bypassed Across Garrison Avenue, the Boots Drive-In building has Carthage, running approximately parallel with old Route 66 and survived. With a few changes it still stands, now the home of the present day MO 96 a few miles south. Great Plains Credit Union, with the Streamline Moderne lines Along with the rest of the state's farmers, rural residents, and of the building still visible and pleasing. Instead of the Boots small towns centered right on old Route 66, Carthage residents Drive-In for breakfast, locals and guests from the Boots Motor and businesses felt Court now gather at C. the impact of of D.'s Pancake Hut, right severely decreased next door to the Boots numbers of travelers Motor Court, or at the and lost business in Carthage Deli, located their community. Lee on the square in the his- Crocker left KDMO toric Bank of Carthage Radio in 1962 to building. work in prearranged The Jefferson funeral sales for a Highway Association few years before he has been reconsti- retired. Arthur Boots' tuted, Director Michele Coffee House and the Hansford at the Powers Boots Drive-In both Museum in Carthage is closed in 1971. At spearheading research, the Boots Court, now and road fans who can't being called the Boots get enough with Route Motel, owner Reuben 66 are spilling over onto Asplin died in 1974 other historic highways • but his wife Rachel for new road thrills. continued to manage In August of2013, the place. During the Carthage was in the 1970s, she had gabled spotlight as part of the roofs built over the 2013 International flat roofs on the two Mother Road Festival. buildings, with pink Based in Joplin, the neon installed on the festival's organizers front gable. brought Carthage, Missouri, and Galena, REVIVAL Kansas, into the event In 2011, sisters for additional ac- Debye Harvey and tivities. At Carthage, an Priscilla Bledsaw overflow crowd packed bought the Boots the Carthage Route 66 Motor Court and Drive-In Theater for began their jour- a showing of the ney of research and ever-popular "Cars." restoration to give it a The event was complete second life. The Boots had almost met with the wrecking ball just with Route 66 icon, author, and voice of the Sheriff, Michael a couple years earlier, when Vincent Scott bought the property as Wallis, on hand to sign autographs and chat with fans. an investment with an eye to selling to a drug store chain. Hap- Carthage, site of one of the most-photographed buildings in pily, that plan did not come to fruition and the bank repossessed the state of Missouri (the Jasper County Courthouse), site of an the property. Debye and Priscilla were waiting for the opportunity early major Civil War battle (Battle of Carthage, also known as to make their retirement dream come true. "We fantasized about the Battle of Dry Fork), and well-known during the late 1800s- how much fun it would be to meet the travelers from all over the early 1900s as an economic and trade center of the region, is back. country and the world who came to find 'the real America' on The truth is it never went away. But Route 66 and the Jefferson Routes 66 and 71," they said. Thanks to a grant from the National Highway are bringing new generations of travelers back to their Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program plus private intersection at Central and Garrison Avenues - the "Crossroads donations, the 1970s added-on gable roofs were removed and the of America."

missouri66.org 39 Jlti new members FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/missouri66

PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING THE FOLLOWING 31 NEW MEMBERS TO THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI. THESE NEW MEMBERSHIPS WERE RECEIVED DURING THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 11,2013 THROUGH DECEMBER 14, 2013.

Your support of the Association is highly valued and we look forward to your involvement in Association committees and projects as well as the enjoyment of Association activities.Our membership base continues to grow with over 925 proud members, and we thank each and everyone of you for your partnership with us. Welcome aboard and we hope to seeyou along historic Route 66in Missouri!

•Hal R. & Mary E. Banes - Sunset Hills, MO • Paul Marsh -University City, MO •Ray Barbeau - St. Louis, MO • Robert G. Meckfessel- Clarkson Valley, MO • Chris Becker - Grover, MO • Lake Media - Camdenton, MO • Duane Campbell-Union, MO • Frank 1. Mehrtens - High Ridge, MO • Central Electric & Storage - Sullivan, MO • Bob Mericle - Springfield, MO • Ronda Clark & Ed Storm - Humeston, IA • Mother Road Antiques & Uniques - Springfield, MO • Steve & Macie Cowden -Liberty, MO • Bernice Suhling Muller - Rancho Mirage, CA • Jim Cox - St. Clair, MO • Ernie Patires - Sunrise Beach,MO • Carol J. Dyson - Springfield, IL • George Pendleton - Overland Park, KS MISSOURI • Willard & Jean Hawkins - Springfield, MO • Don Pfitzinger - Fenton, MO • • Hi-Way Cafe - Vinita, OK • Eugene & Deanne Pincsak - Rensselaer, IN Us • Troy & Janet Hobson - Oakville, MO • Larry M. Riegel- Bourbon, MO •Laura Jacoby - San Francisco, CA • Neal Schubert - Jefferson City, MO • George & Rebecca Keys - Union, MO • Bob Schwartz - Osage Beach, MO • Anita Klasing - Indianapolis, IN • The Colonel's Pancake House - Joplin,MO ss • Milton & Kathy Loessberg - St. Louis, MO

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

TEAR HERE

ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI MEMBERSHIP LEVELS (check one} Individual Member - $251 Year MEMBERSH IP APPLICATION o Joint / Family Member - $30 1Year Na m e(s): _ o o Business / Organization / Municipality Member - $50 1Year Business { Organization { International Member - $751 Year Municipa Iity: _ o

Ad dress: _ In addition to my membership, I would like to help support the Association's preservation efforts by contributing to: City {State {Zip: _ o GENERAL PRESERVATION FUND: 0 $10 0 $25 0 $50 or L _ H0 m e Ph 0 n e: _ o NEON HERITAGE PRESERVATION FUND: 0 $10 0 $25 0 $50 or $ _

Business Phone: _ FOR ASSN USE ONLY

Ce II Ph 0 ne: _

Email: _

The Route 66 Associotion of Missouri is 0 501(c)(3) nonpro~t organization. Route 66 Association of Missouri Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. P.O. Box 8117, St. Louis, MO 63156 PLEASE VISIT AND SUPPORT OUR VALUED BUSINESS MEMBERS business members directory Lml List maintained by Robert Gehl, Director, Membership Services. Updated at of December 31, 2013.

MISSOURI MOTHER ROAD COFFEE HUDDLE HOUSE #541 Great coffee on the historic Carthage square Any Meal, Anytime! Open 24/7 AVILLA,MO (417) 359-8182 (573) 885-0043

AVILLA POST OFFICE BUILDING POWERS MUSEUM JIM MONTGOMERY'S BODY & PAINT Mail your Rt. 66 postcards here! www.powersmuseum.com - 10% off in Shop Full Service Body Shop & Painting - (Former Bank of Avilla 1915-1944) Flatbed Wrecker Service - (573) 885-4204 STONE'S THROW DINNER THEATRE Best Dinner Theatre on Route 66 - (417) 358-9665 MACE SUPERMARKET BOIS D'ARC, MO "Come Shop With Us" WHITE ROSE WINERY, RESTAURANT, HOOD'S PROPANE CO., INC. BED & BREAKFAST MCGINNIS WOOD PRODUCTS, INC. Serving Southwest Missouri - (417) 732-6632 "Fine Wine, Elegant Dining, Unforgettable Specializing in Wine Barrels Bed & Breakfast" - www.whiterosebed-breakfast.com HOOD'S SERVICE CENTER, INC. MERAMEC VALLEY CAMPGROUND 24 Hour Service Since 1963 - Truck Stop & RV PARK COLUMBIA, MO Where Family, Fun & Friends come together! (573) 885-2541 BOURBON,MO STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MISSOURI www.system.missouri.edu/shs MIDWEST PETROLEUM TRAVEL PLAZA BREMER HARDWARE & LUMBER Stop & See Our Route 66 "Classic Road Show" Helping Build Bourbon - On Main Street Since 1915! 50' Long Mural Inside! CRESTWOOD, MO CIRCLE INN MALT SHOP MISSOURI HICK BAR B Q Family Owned - On Route 66 since '56 CITY OF CRESTWOOD Enjoy Rustic Dining and Great Food! CRESTWOOD BOWL CITY OF BOURBON MIZELL FUNERAL HOME "Still Rollin' After 50 Years on Route 66!" See Our Historic "BOURBON" Water Tower "Honored To Serve Since 1905" from Route 66! (314) 966-4377 MULLALLY DISTRIBUTING CO., INC. CRESTWOOD-SUNSET HILLS AREA COUNTRY COUSIN ANTIQUE MALL "Budweiser - King of Beers" Antiques & Collectables - (573) 732-4200 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PEOPLE'S BANK DENTSQUAD PLANET SUB Your One-Stop Financial Center Bread Made From Scratch Daily - (573) 732-3263 "To Preserve and Protect Your Factory Finish" (314) 849-5577 ROBERTS-JUDSON LUMBER Established in 1914 BRENTWOOD, MO POLE POSITION RACEWAY INDOOR KARTING ROCK FAIR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE • CARL'S DRIVE IN Fastest Indoor Go-Karts in St. Louis! 3 Blocks South of Route 66 on Highway 19 "16Seats in Heaven" (314) 925-7545 ROUTE 66 FUDGE SHOP CITY OF BRENTWOOD WALNUT PARK AUTO BODY & SPECIALIZED CHOCOLATES City of Warmth - www.brentwoodmo.org & RESTORATION Where The Sweets Hit The Streets on Route 66 "Family Owned & Operated Since 1943" (314) 965-2953 ROUTE 66 RESTORATIONS CAMDENTON, MO Classic Car Restoration - (573) 885-0032 LAKE MEDIA CUBA,MP SHELLY'S ROUTE 66 CAFE "Where Friends Gather & Strangers Are Welcome" CARTERVILLE, MO BOB'S GASOLINE ALLEY (573) 885-6000 Gasoline & Route 66 Memorabilia SPI RALS ART GALLERY & STU DIO CITY OF CARTERVILLE CITYOF CUBA (573) Since 1876 - www.cartervillemo.com Local Artwork, Crafts and Gifts - 205-6777 Route 66 Mural City THE JESUS CHRIST FOUNDATION SUPERTAM ON 66 CRAWFORD COUNTY FAIR INC. Superman Museum & Ice Cream Parlor Promoting Jesus - King of the Road ...0 family tradition. - www.crawfordcountyfair.info (417) 392-7405 THE ROSE CRAWFORD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Karaoke - 2 Pool Tables - Darts CARTHAGE, MO 3 Stories of History - Wed & Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sun Noon-4 P.M. VIVA CUBA MURAL PROJECT 66 DRIVE-IN THEATRE cubamomurals.com / Murals Beautifying Cuba CUBA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Open Fri/Sat/Sun April thru Sept - (417) 359-5959 Since 1984 VISITOR CENTER BEST BUDGET INN www.cubamochamber.com WAGON WHEEL MOTEL / CONNIE'S On the lake...at Hwy 96 & Old Route 66 SHOPPE AT WAGON WHEEL CUBA BAKERY DELI (417) 358-6911 & www.wagonwheeI66cuba.com - (573) 885-3411 Just off Route 66 at 615 NW Main - (573) 205-8453 BIG RED BARN RV PARK cubabakeryanddeli.com WALLACE HOUSE No Planes, Trains, or Freeway Noise Allowed! Catering & Banquet Facilities Available 1(888) 244-2276 CUBA FREE PRESS "Defending Your Liberties Since 1960" BOOTS COURT MOTEL DEVILS ELBOW, MO Back on the Road Again - Drop By and See Us! CUBA SUPER 8 Service With A Smile! BECHT PROPERTIES, INC CARTHAGE CONVENTION Call (573) 885-2087 for Reservations Commercial Real Estate - Ft. Wood Area & VISITORS BUREAU (573) 336-4400. www.visit-carthage.com - 1 (866) 357-8687 EAST OFFICE BAR & GRILL Known for our Fried Chicken & Portabello Mushrooms! ELBOW INN BAR & BBQ HISTORIC PHELPS HOUSE - CARTHAGE "Most Historic Bar & Restaurant On Route 66" HISTORIC PRESERVATION, INC. HAYES SHOE STORE PINEY BEACH CABINS Open for Tours Wednesdays April thru Old Fashioned Service - Today's Styles Rt. 66 Cottage Court - www.pineybeachcabins.com November & Event Rentals (573) 885-7312 SHELDEN'S MARKET Store/Post Office on Big Piney River missouri66.org 41 JmJ business members directory FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/missouri66

US MISSOURI ROUTE 66 CANOE RENTAL ~ISMU;LS,~[:: ::J JOPLIN MUSEUM COMPLEX "Keep Cool with Route 66 Canoe Rental" A Missouri Ultimate 100 Destination Open All Year - (573) 336-2730 WATER'S EDGE MOTEL & BOAT RENTAL A Short Side Trip - Road Warriors Discounts JOPLIN PETRO TRUCK STOP (573) 372-2201 The Perfect Spot to Refuel, Refresh and Relax JOPLIN SPECIAL ROAD DISTRICT BOILING SPRING CAMPGROUND/ jsrd(a)cableone.net CANOE RENTAL Route 66 Family Fun - www.bsc(loattrips.com LAURAJEAN DERRICK,ARCHITECT JOPLIN TRANSMISSION &AUTOCENTER (573) 759-7294 Preservation 1 Renovation 1 Consultation "Get Your Auto Fixed on Route 66" (417) 626-7300 (417) 863-1530 KITCHEN PASS RESTAURANT AND BAR DOOLITTLE?MO :::::: :: WHITEHALL MERCANTI LE Celebrating 25 Years! Food-Spirits- I 'I Collectibles, Antiques, Primitives, Usables Live Entertainment - (417) 624-9095 COOKIN' FROM SCRATCH / PHILLIPS 66 Home of the "Route 66 King of the Road MURPHYSBURG RESIDENTIAL Burger Challenge" [HAZELGJiEEN, M9:: " mm~m ] HISTORIC DISTRICT A Place of Prestigious & Elegant Addresses GASCOZARK TRADING POST I ELLISVILLE, MO & FLEA MARKET NEWS/TALK FM 102.9 / A.M. 1310 KZRG Visit Us At www.gascozark(leamarket.com Listen to Route 66 Radio Show - SCHAEFER AUTOBODY CENTERS Saturdays 8 P.M.-Midnight Auto Collision Repair, Refrnishing, and Detailing GRUMPY'S OUTBACK Grocery - Deli - General Store. RESIDENCEINN BY MARRIOTT JOPLIN See Grumpy in our Outhouse! All Suites with all the Comforts EUREKA MO www.marriott.comljlnri - (417) 782-0908 CHEROKEE CHIEFTRADING POST HAZELWOOD MO THE COLONEL'S PANCAKE HOUSE Antiques,Collectibles, & Mannequins A Joplin Favorite Since 1960! - Stop in for Breakfast CITYOFHAZELWOOD, MO or Lunch Tues-Sun 6 A.M. to 2 P.M. KOA ST. LOUISWEST / HISTORIC ROUTE 66 "Much More Than You Imagine" On Rt 66 - President's Award Winner 200812009 www.Hazelwoodmo.org TRANSPORTDISTRIBUTION CO. CTDC) Truckin' on 66 - www.gotdc.com LONG'S AUTOCENTER Across from Six Flags - Preowned Sales & Service (f:lERtAANN, MO :::::1 WILDER'S STEAKHOUSE www.longsautocenter.com "Famous for Good Things to Eat & Drink Since 1928" RHINEVALLEY LIMO/SHUTTLE SERVICE (417) 623-7320 ROUTE 66 STATE PARK & VISITOR CENTER Visit Wine Country & Let Us Do The Driving! On Historic Highway - Route 66 Museum 1 Gift Shop EKi:RKWOOD, MO :] • SUPER SMOKERS BBQ 'HILLSBORO MO Zagat Rated "BBQ Best Bet" - World Champions BEST WESTERN KIRKWOODINN STU'S CLASSIC CAR CARE Best Rest West of the Arch - 2 Blocks from Doc's THE ORIGINAL FRIED PIE SHOP Specializing in Repair & Restoration It's Not Just Lunch - It's an Experience of 50's-60's-70's Classic Cars DOC'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON (636)587-7PIE Since 1955 - www.docsharleydavidson.com

KIRKWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY FANNING,MO DANIEL R. JONES, ATTORNEYATLAW, P.c. ZISSER TIRE AND AUTO-KIRKWOOD FANNING 66 OUTPOST GENERAL STORE Road Lawyer, Registered Agent - Call (816) 252-0205 Full Service Auto Repair and Tire Sales Since 1999 Home of the Route 66 Rocker - World's Largest JOPLIN MO ] FENTON,MO CANDY HOUSE CHOCOLATE FACTORY BELMONT VINEYARDS MOTOEXOTICA CLASSIC CARSLLC Watch our Candy Makers - Dwtn at 510 S. Kentucky Great Wines for Fun Times!- (573) 885-7156

COOPER'S 66 ONONDAGA CAVE STATE PARK FLORISSANT, MO Featuring in-house Smoked Meats & Craft Beers at www.mostateparks.com - www.onondagafriends.org 124 S. Main - (417) 781-US66 FLORISSANT OLD TOWN PARTNERS, INC SKIPPY'S ROUTE 661NN www.(lorissantoldtown.com - (314) 837-0033 COU NTRY CABOOSE "Good Food for Good People" Railroad Museum - www.countrycaboose.com FLORISSANT VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY www.(lorissantoldtown.com/tailledenoyer.shtm/ CRABBY'S I LEBANONt MO r __ = . ] (314) 524-1100 "Always Fresh, Never Frozen" - (417) 206-FISH ACE MUFFLER SHOP HUTCHENS MORTUARY GRANNY SHAFFER'S FAMILYRESTAURANT A Real Muffler Shop, Not a Clamp and Rip Off! - & CREMATION CENTER "Tastes Homemade Cause It Is!" 2728 N. Rangeline (417) 588-2320

WHITE AUTO BODY, INC. GRANNY SHAFFER'S ON THE PLAZA CHARLIE'SFARMS & GARDENS Serving Our Customers Since 1986 - (314) 839-1114 "Tastes Homemade Cause It Is!" 7th & II/inois ...where goodness grows for taste. May thru October.

HIDEOUTHARLEY-DAVIDSON CITYOF LEBANON I GAY PARITA, MO " I www.hideouthd.com - (417) 623-1054 Friendly People. Friendly Place. - www.lebanonmo.org GAY PARITASINCLAIR IMAGES IN TILE CUSTOM LAWN CARE Travelin' Main Street USA - The Dream of My Life - Custom Tile Murals - See Our Joplin & Galena Lawn Care - Pruning - Trimming - (417) 588-3448 An Adventure Through Time & History Route 66 Murals! - (417) 206-0252 DOWD'S CATFISH & BARBEQUE JOPLIN CONVENTION Serving "Award Winning Catfrsh and BBQ" ANDVISITORSBUREAU on Route 66 - (417) 532-1777 visitjoplinmo.com FAYE'S DINER "Really Homemade Food & Desserts" 42 Show Me Route 66 M-F 6 a.m. - 2 p.m., (Sat Noon) PLEASE VISIT AND SUPPORT OUR VALUED BUSINESS MEMBERS business members director tID

FOREST MANOR MOTEL MARSHFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF ROCK HILL, MO Historic Roodside Motel & RV Park - (417) 532-6114 COMMERCE & TOURIST INFO CTR www.marshpeldmochamberofcommerce.com CITY OF ROCK HILL FRANKIE D'S WYOTA RESTAURANT (417) 859-3925 www.rockhillmo.com AT BEST WESTERN Homemade Cookin'just like Grandma used RV EXPRESS 66, LLC to make on Route 66! - (417) 991-3838 ROGERSVILLE, MO

HEARTLAND ANTIQUE MALL MILLER MO LAST CHANCE GARAGE "Something for Everyone!" 1-44 at Exit 127 - 8 a.m.-8 p.m. HANGAR KAFE AT KINGSLEY FIELD 'Flyin' 'Farmin' and 'Feedin' - Hangar Kafe ROLLA,MO HISTORIC ROUTE 66 MOTEL is What Your 'Needin' CITY OF ROLLA American Owned - Next to Dowd's "The Middle of Everywhere" - www.rollacity.org Catpsh & Barbeque - (417) 532-3128 MOUNT VERNON, MO FALL CREEK ROCK SHOP LEBANON 1-44 SPEEDWAY Rock Shop on Route 66 - Racing every Saturday Night during VINTAGE CAR BROKER & ROUTE 66 TOURS (417) Minerals, Fossils, Jewelry, Lapidary May-September on Route 66! "I Find 'em - You Bind 'em" - Call 316-1906 MUFFLER MART LINDSAY CHEVROLET / LINDSAY FORD Located at 100 East 6th Street - (573) 364-5434 "Where The Trucks Are" on Route 66! - (417) 532-3114 OSAGE BEACH, MO PHELPS COUNTY BANK MADISON STREET GRILL JAKE CULPEEPER'S CATTLE CO. "The Steak Place at Lake of the Ozarks" Employee Owned - www.phelpscountybank.com Serving Great Steaks, Seafood, & Spirits!! (573) 364-5202 (417) 532-0120 PACIFIC,MO ROLLA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MUNGER MOSS MOTEL & VISITOR CENTER Your Home Away From Home BEACON CAR WASH "Engineered for the Road"- www.visitrolla.com www.mungermoss.com Come by & see our Beacon Motel Neon Sign! ROUTE 66 MOTORS NANCY BALLHAGEN'S PUZZLES CITY OF PACIFIC Classic Cars and Used Cars - (573) 265-5200 www.missouripuzzle.com Est. 1859 - www.pacipcmissouri.com THE MULE TOBACCO BARN ROUTE 66 MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTER CREATIONS UNLIMITED Let the Giant Sterling Hillbilly Wove You In! Let Us Display Your Route 66 Collection! Custom Framing & Restoration at Pacipc Antique Mall - PacipcFramer.com - (314) 393-7996 THE MULE TRADING POST ROUTE 66 SODAS, LLC - Ro~te 66 Items, Antiques, Collectibles, ROUTE 66 ROOT BEER DAVE SINCLAIR Knrves & Swords, Southwest Pottery - (573) 364-4711 The Ones For The Road - www.route66sodas.com CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP-RAM TOTEM POLE TRADING POST INC ROUTE 66 THRIFT & GIFT "If it's not right, we'll make it right" (636) 271-4055 Antiques, Souvenirs, C-Store "Since '1933'; SAND SPRING RESORT & RESTAURANT DOWN SOUTH CAFE On Missouri's Beautiful Niangua River at ROSATI,MO Bennett Spring - 1 (800)543-3474 Serving Breakfast & Cajun Cuisine on Route 66! (636) 257-7866 ROSATI WINERY MUSEUM SHEPHERD HILLS FACTORY OUTLETS "Making History on Route 66 Since 1934" On Rt. 66 Since 1960 - www.shephills.com MAHLER'S TRUCK AND AUTO REPAIR Same Location for 34 Years on Route 66! STARLITE LANES (636) 271-2020 ST.CHARLES, MO Where The Fun Begins! Bowl on Historic Route 66! OSAGE DENTAL GROUP FAST LANE CLASSIC CARS VALUE TIRE CENTER "We Sell Investments That Accelerate" "Better Deals on Tires & Wheels" PACIFIC ANTIQUE MALL www.creepinonchrome.com Antiques & Collectables - NEON TIME 1Block S. of Route 66 at 125 N. First St. Custom Neon & Vintage Sign Restoration WHIRLWIND RANCH ALPACAS (636) 940-7070 Yarns, Clothing & More! www.whirlwindranch.com PACIFIC AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.pacipcchamber.com WILLARD QUARRIES, INC. ST.CLAIR, MO "You Call We Haul" - (417) 532-2728 ROUTE 66 RAILFAN VISITOR CENTER- MAINLINE VIEWING AREA HENDERSON'S ANTIQUES Route 66 Model Railroad Club - (636) 742-1678 Architectural Artifacts for Home and Garden MANCHESTER, MO ROUTE 66 REALTORS Call (314) 795-2612 (636) CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB OF ST. LOUIS www.route66realtors.com - 271-6660 LEWIS CAFE Dedicated to the Classic Thunderbird 1955-1957 TH E MERAMEC VALLEY "Home Cooked Meals For Over 65 Years" CURRENT NEWS MAGAZINE OLD BUS STOP COFFEE SHOP MAPLEWOOD, MO "Pacipc's Hometown Community News Magazine" AND ART GALLERY PARAMOUNT JEWELERS PHELPS,MO Your Gathering Place to Stop and Relax on Route 66! "See our Landmark Neon Sign Since 1946" RIVER HILLS TRAVELER www.paramountjewelers.com KC OBSOLETE PARTS Ford Ports & Accessories - RT66 Gift Shop Ozarks Outdoor Information (417) 452-FORD (3673) - Friendly Folks - Free Samples MARSHFIELD, MO ROUTE 66 CAR CLUB BLACKBERRY CREEK RETREAT / PHILLIPSBURG, MO Father's Day Cor Show - Call (636) 629-5445 BED & BREAKFAST ST. CLAIR HISTORICAL MUSEUM "Nature's Beauty with Country Charm" HISTORIC ROUTE 66ANTIQUE MALL Antiques, Rt. 66 Memorabilia & More! 280 Hibbard Street - Open Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. HIDDEN WATERS NATURE PARK 1-44 Exit 123 (636) 629-3199 10 Beautiful Acres with 1853 Callaway Cabin, Walking Trails, Water Features & Gardens missouri66.org 43 JIDJ business members directory FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/missouri66

ST. JAMES, MO SOUTHWEST MARKET CUISINE FIREWORKS SUPERMARKETS "Sandwiches Our Specialty" Visit our locations in Springfield & Gray Summit - 4MVINEYARDS& FARMS Open All Year! TED DREWES JOHNNIES BAR "It Really is Good, Guys... and Gals!" GREAT RIVER ENGINEERING Coldest Beer on Route 66 OF SPRINGFIELD, INC. T.F.A. THE FUTURE ANTIQUES www.greatrivereng.com MURDONCONCRETE PRODUCTS The Leading Mid Century Dealer in the St. Louis Area Look for our Dripping Faucet Neon Sign! HARBELL'S GRILL & SPORTS BAR Just West of Park Central Square on 66 - SPURGEON'S "66"SERVICE ST. ROBERT, MO Watch for tlickering Neon Flame! "66" Station on Route 66 Since 1961 ALL STAR INN & STAR RESTAURANT HISTORY MUSEUM ON THE SQUARE ST. JAMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "Locally Owned & Operated - "Where History Comes Alive on Route 66" & TOURIST CENTER Home Cooked Food on Old Route 66" Discover the Ozarks' Best! HY-VEE #1641 BAYMONT INN & SUITES / where there's a helpful smile in every aisle VACUUMCLEANER MUSEUM ST. ROBERT-FT. LEONARD WOOD Hometown Hospitality at its Best KIRK WHEELER AUTOMOTIVE, INC. AN DFACTORYOUTLET wheelerauto.com - "Your Work Truck Dealer" www.vacuummuseum.com - 1(866) 444-9004 CITY OF ST. ROBERT (417) 886-2886 "Come Grow With Us" - www.saintrobert.com LA QUINTA INN - SOUTH SPRINGFIELD ST. LOUIS, MO COMFORT INN Your Home While Traveling - (417) 890-6060 Unique Rustic Lodge - (573) 336-3553 AAAAUTO CLUB OF MISSOURI LURVEY PROPERTIES We're Always With You FAIRFIELD INN Making Business Comfortable! - (573) 336-8600 MEXICAN VILLA EL TACO AUTO EVALUATORS, INC. On Route 66 at 316 W. Kearney - For All Your Automotive Needs - (314) 968-2992 FIRST STATE BANK, ST. ROBERT Together We Are Making Progress See our Vintage Neon Sign! BANC CARD MIDWEST, INC. MISSOURI NEON COMPANY Merchant Services Since 1997 - (314) 963-1602 HAMPTON INN Hot 'On The House' Breakfast - (573) 336-3355 Since 1934 - Custom Signs, Billboards, jan{@banccardmw.com Digital Displays - (800) 788-1778 BLUEBERRY HILL- LIBERTY LODGE 66 Rooms on Route 66! - (573) 336-3121 MITCHEM TIRE & WHEEL RESTAURANT & MUSIC CLUB Selling Quality Tires on Route 66 Since 1939 www.BlueberryHill.com PULASKI COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU Open 7 Days 11a.m.- Wowee!!! Pulaski County - Missouri's Natural Beauty MOMMA MARY'S NAVAJO TACOS www.pulaskicountyusa.com "One Bite is a true Southwest delight" CHILI MAC'S DINER In the heart of downtown St. Louis at 510 Pine St. ROUTE 66 DINER MOTHER ROAD ANTIQUES & UNIQUES • (314) 421-9040 "Food, Fun, and Fifties 24 Hours a Day!" (573) 336-8989 MOTHER ROAD MOTORCYCLES CHUCK-A-BURGER Late Model, Low Mileage Motorcycles DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT SWEETWATER BAR-B-QUE www.WeBuyHarleys.com Cruisin' Capitol of the Midwest since 1957 "A taste of the Ozarks" At 1-44 & Exit 163, Open Daily OZARKS PUBLIC TELEVISION CREVE COEUR PAVING KOIK-Springfield / KOIJ-Joplin Our Reputation Rides On Our Service Visit us at www.optv.org www.CcpStl.com SHREWSBURY, MO R&S MEMORIAL DECORATIONS DENT DEVI L of St. Louis CITY OF SHREWSBURY Making Memorial Decorations Since 1959 Paintless Dent Removal www.dentdevil.com Call (417) 732-6263 (636) 230-7900 SPENCER,~ REX SMITH OIL COMPANY DIRECTIONS SAINT LOUIS, LLC Family Owned & Operated on St. Louis' Premier Tour Company - SPENCER GARAGE Bypass Route 66 Since 1933 offering Day Trips and Tours from St. Louis! See Spencer Restored on Historic Route 66 ROUTE 66 BARBER SHOP DONUT DRIVE-IN Get Your Kicks with a Haircut at an Best Hand-cut Donuts in St. Louis on Route 66! SPRINGFIELD, MO Old Tyme Barber Shop on Route 66 EAT-RITE DINER B&N AUTO PARTS ROUTE 66 HOT DOGS Eat-Rite or Don't Eat At All www.route66hotdogs.com BEST WESTERN ROUTE 66 RAIL HAVEN FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE Guests Get A True Rt. 66 Experience Since 1938 ROUTE 66 MISSOURI TOURS On Route 66 at 6211 Chipf,ewa - Guided Motorcoach Group Tours & Step-on Guides BUD'S TIRE & WHEEL CO. See Our Vintage "Bow-Tie" Neon Sign! Selling Tires & Wheels Over 50 Years on Route 66 SPRINGFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HI-POINTE THEATRE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD The House of Hits Since 1922 Department of Planning & Development Everywhere Should Be Like This - Call (417) 862-5567 www.hi-pointetheatre.com (417) 864-1037 SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY HOWLlN' WOLF HOT RODS CURTIS ENTERPRISES LIBRARY CENTER "Old School Hot Rods Done Right" www.birthplaceofroute66.com Drive Here to Research Route 66 and More! J. BENTZINGER AND ASSOCIATES, INC. DANNY'S SERVICE CENTER SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY LIBRARY Manufacturers Representatives - "Surrounding our Look for our original Neon Sign LOCAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT Customers with Service" - (314) 549-5510 at West Bypass & W. Division! Genealogy, Family Heritage, and Civil War Research Center! PUFFED UP PRODUCTIONS DR. MICHAELJ. CLARKE Puff yourself up with a publication-ready press kit HISTORY MUSEUM OF SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY OZARKS SCOUTING LIBRARY STATION SAINT JOHN NEPOMUK CHAPEL (417) 883-1636, Archiving SW Missouri Cruise into the Library Station to view ST. LOUIS TRANSITIONS Boy Scouting Heritage Car and Train Memorabilia! Route 66 St. Louis Books & Unique Handmade Items ESLICK ENTERPRISES - route66stlouis.com David J. Eslick, Photographer - (417) 889-9332

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

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI SULLlVA"i, MO HOPPERS PUB CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU "66 Brews on Route 66" - www.hopperspub.com Birthplace of Route 66 - Springfield, MO CENTRAL ELECTRIC & STORAGE (573) 774-0135 1 (800) 678-8767 Serving the Community for 40 Years! (573) 468-3143 PULASKI COUNTY HISTORICAL SPRINGFIELD/ROUTE 66 KOA MUSEUM & SOCIETY DU KUM INN RESTAURANT Great Camping on Route 66 Since 1972! Open Saturdays Only 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April thru Sept. Serving Route 66 Travelers Since 1961! STEAK 'N SHAKE (573) 468-6114 SECURITY BANK OF PULASKI COUNTY Famous For Steakburgers & Route 66! HARRY'S TIRE, LLC Established 1936 - On the Historic Pulaski County TWIN MOTORCYCLE & TATTOO New Tires, Custom Wheels, & Tire Repair Courthouse Square Home the Route 66 Tattoo (573) 468-4128 of SKYLINE CYCLES, INC. UNIVERSITY PLAZA HOTEL ROUTE 66 TEES & PROMOTIONS Visit us on Route 66 or at www.skylinecycles.net AND CONVENTION CENTER Screen Printing & Advertising Specialities THE OLD STAGECOACH STOP Full-Service Convention Facility on Route 66 route66ts(O)gmail.com - (573) 821-6845 Open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April thru Sept. WHITE MOTOR COMPANY SCHMIDT AUTO CENTER "Buy Rite From White" - (417) 866-8143 "Late Model Pre-Owned Vehicles Since 1954" WAYNESVILLE-ST. ROBERT www.whitemotorcompany.com (573) 468-2233 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.waynesville-strobertchamber.com WILSON'S CHUCKWAGON SULLIVAN AREA Burgers & BBQ on Route 66 at 1820 W. Kearney CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (417) 862-1101 "Spend The Night or a Lifetime" WEBB CITY, MO www.sullivanmochamber.com YOUR BIG HAIR DAY STUDIO CHEF LES RIBS & MORE SHANNON MEDLEY, STYLIST AT BRADBURY BISHOP DELI Wedding & Event Hair Design by Appt. Only SUNSET HILLS, MO Visit Our Historic Soda Fountain Built in 1931 (417) 987-8448 CITY OF SUNSET HILLS CULVER'S ROUTE 66 www.sunset-hills.com America's First Route 66 Culver's! STANTON,MO Hwy 171 & Madison on Route 66 HOLIDAY INN ST. LOUIS SW - ROUTE 66 MERAMEC CAVERNS Newly Remodeled - At intersection of Watson Rd. ROUTE 66 MOVIE THEATER Open Everyday! Oldest Stop on Route 66 & Lindbergh Blvd. "Today's Movies at Yesterday's Prices" - (417) 673-1155

MILE 277 TAP & GRILL SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STANG GANG STATELINEtMO Where Route 66 and Exquisite mix! WEBB CITY AREA CHAMBER • PADDOC LIQUORS SANDERS SERVICE OF COMMERCE & ROUTE 66 On Old Route 66 at State Line - Family Owned Since 1977 on Route 66 VISITORS CENTER Look for our Gas Pumps! at 10775 Watson Road On the Route at Broadway & Webb - Call (417) 673-1154 STRAFFORD!MO UNION,MO WEBB CITY FLORIST & GREENHOUSE See Our Historic Sign on Original Route 66 BUSHMASTERS ROCKIN RACE PLACE HUXEL'SAUTO REPAIR at 1001 S. Jefferson! - (417) 673-3780 & HOT ROD MUSEUM Used Parts for Old Cars 1940 to 1980 WEBB CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY CITY OF STRAFFORD INDIAN HARVESTTRADE At Corner of 1-44 and State Highway 125 On Route 66 - www.indianharvesttrade.com WEBSTERGROVES, MO CITY OF STRAFFORD MASON DIXON FLEA MARKET The Best Small Town on Main Street USA - Open Saturdays & Sundays - ROUTE 66 TRANSMISSIONS, ETC. Route 66 On Route 66 at Junction 1-44 & US 50 Family Owned On The Mother Road - Quality #1 DELCOUR PROPERTIES Alice DelCour - (417) 839-2152 YORKSHIRE VILLAGE VILLA RIDGE, MO Part of Route 66 Since 1951 JOE'S ROUTE 66 DINER BOURBEUSE VALLEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON Hand-breaded Pork Tenderloins, Junction of 1-44 & Hwy 50 on Route 66 Hand-cut Onion Rings & Tater Fries Daily! WILDWOOD, MO

KEISER PROPERTIES LLC K LEIGH BUGS ANTIQUE MALL CITY OF WILDWOOD, MISSOURI "40 Years on Route 66" Antiques, Collectables, & Furniture - (636) 451-6303 Planning Tomorrow Today - www.cityofwildwood.com

ODIE'SAUTO REPAIR ROUTE "66" STORAGE HISTORIC "BIG CHIEF" ROADHOUSE Get Your Car Fixed on Old Route 66 - (417) 839-1894 (636) 451-0677 Established 1929 - www.bigchiefroadhouse.com (636) 458-3200 STRAFFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUNSET MOTEL Call (417) 894-7653 for Information on A Vintage Neon Night Scene along Historic Route 66! STATE FARM INSURANCE 2014 "Route 66 Days" Event Mikel Garrett, Agent www.mikelgarrett.com - (636) 458-5055 STRAFFORD BRANCH LIBRARY WALNUT GROVE, MO Cruise down Route 66 to the STOVALL'S GROVE Strafford Branch Library! 7C'S WINERY Fine Wine & Mead in a Country Setting Dance Hall, Tavern, and Live Music Since 1935 TEAM LIQUORS "Small Store with a Large Selection" - WILLARD,MO on Rt. 66 just East of Strafford WAYNESVILLE, MO PEARL AUTO WORKS THE CUTTING ROOM CAVE STATE CRUISERS CAR CLUB Give your hair a "Kick" on Route 66!! Car Show the Weekend After Father's Day Distinctive Paint and Body Works (573) 435-9297 with Midwest Integrity

CITY OF WAYNESVILLE Established 1833 - www.waynesvillemo.org

missouri66.org 45 JmJ business members directory

ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD,IL MIAMI,OK ATlANTA,IL COZY DOG---- DRIVE------~ IN ALLEN SIGN STUDIO "Famous Hot Dog On a Stick" "ASign of Service" www.allensignstudio.com THE PALMS GRILL CAFE www.cozydogdrivein.com Homemode Food - Homemade Pies & Cakes - MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Free Iced Tea! - (217)648-2233 ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 SCENIC BYWAY Home of Coleman Theatre, Ribbon Road & More AUBURN~,I_L, ~ WAYLAN'S KU-KU BURGER STAUNTON,IL Don't just ask for a burger. Ask for WAYLAN'S

BECKY'S BARN - DECAMP JUNCTION INC. OFF THE BRICKS ON ROUTE 66 Historic Roadhouse Serving Since 1926 SAPULPA, OK (618) 637-2951 Antiques, Souvenirs, Amish Candy & Jams RT 66 FRAME SHOPPE AND GALLERY (217)836-3043, BeckysBarn.com HENRY'S ROUTE 66 www.Rt66FrameShoppe.com RABBIT RANCH / EMPORIUM CARLINVILLE IL Rt.66 Info Center - www.HenrysRoute66.com VINITA,OK MAGNUSON GRAND HOTEL CENTER THEATRE & CONFERENCE CENTER WHEELING,IL www.magnusongrandhotel.com Historic Center Theatre on Route 66 Full Service - Route 66 SUPERDAWG DRIVE-IN in Vinita, Oklahoma! HIYA! THANKS FOR STOPPING. www.superdawg.com - (847) 459-1900 HI-WAY CAFE CHICAGO,IL "The Best Little Cafe on Route 66" - (918) 256-5465 SUPERDAWG DRIVE-IN WILLOWBROOK,IL SHOUT & SACK C-STORE & DELI HIYA! THANKS FOR STOPPING. Rock Out on 66 - Buckle Up! Be Cool! Be Clean! Be www.superdawg.com - (773) 763-0660 DELL RHEA'S CHICKEN BASKET Back! As Seen on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and "Chicago's Best" EDWARDSVILLE IL TEXAS CITYOFEDWARDSVILLE KANSAS ADRIAN, TX Third Oldest City in II/inois MIDPOINT CAFE & GIFT SHOP www.cityofedwardsville.com BAXTERSPRINGS, KS "Home of the Ugly Crust Pie" - (806) 538-6379 PHILLIPS ROUTE 66 VISITORS CENTER GRANITE CITY, IL A Restored 1930's Phillips Service Station (620) 856-2066 NEW MEXICO HISTORIC ROUTE 66 FLEA MARKET ALBUQUERQUE, NM • Over 100 Vendors Selling Old & New - Find your Deal & Grab a Meal! GALENA,j<,""S'- --' ABSOLUTELY NEON, INC. CARS ON THE ROUTE HAMEL IL The Home of Tow Tater - TUCUMCARI, NM Inspiration for "Tow Mater" from "Cars" WEEZY'S ROUTE 66 BAR & GRILL THE BLUE SWALLOW MOTEL Known for Karen's Famous Fried Chicken! STREETCAR STATION COFFEE SHOP A Unique Experience out of Another Time (618) 633-2228 For the coffee you desire - (620) 783-5554 CALIFORNIA LlVINGSTON,IL RIVERTON, KS LAKEARROWHEAD CA PINK ELEPHANT ANTIQUE MALL NELSON'S OLD RIVERTON STORE "See Our Giant Roadside Attractions!" Home of the "Hand Crafted Sandwich" NATIONAL HISTORIC ROUTE 66 (618) 637-2366 (620) 848-3330 FEDERATION Preserving and Promoting The Mother Road LITCHFIELD IL OKLAHOMA GEORGIA CITY OF LITCHFIELD - TOURISM OFFICE AFTON OK Where Land and Water Come Into Play BYRON,GA AFTON STATION & ROUTE 66 PACKARDS LITCHFIELD HISTORY MUSEUM Route 66 & Vintage Car Museum / Visitors' Center ROADS AN D RAI LS & ROUTE 66 WELCOME CENTER Located at 334 Historic Old Route 66 PENNSYLVANIA - Open 7 Days a Week CLAREMORE OK NEW SALEM, PA THE ARISTON CAFE CLAREMORE CONVENTION "Remember! Where Good Food Is Served" & VISITORS BUREAU LEES LEASING COMPANY LLC Claremore, OK - www.visitclaremore.org Kathryn & Robert Jurosco - Proud Supporters of Rt. 66! MITCHELL IL CLiNTONt,..,;;O;.,.;.K.;..... --" TENNESSEE LUNA CAFE "See Our Spectacular Neon Signs by Day OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 MUSEUM NASHVILLE, TN and Especially by Night!" A tribute to "The Mother Road" www.route66.org (580) 323-7866 JOE LOESCH - THE ROAD CREW Songs from the Mother Road & Route 66 MURPHYSBORO,IL ELK CITY, OK Audio History - NewWaytoRead.com SILKWORM,INC. (800) 826-0577 - www.silkwormink.com NATIONAL ROUTE 66 MUSEUM COMPLEX WAVERLY1,:..;.T..;..N~ ...... I www.elkcity.com - (580) 225-6266 Miami, OK JESS McENTIRE - MOTHER ROAD MUSIC "Makin Music for the Mother Road" motherroadmusic(@yahoo.com 46 Show Me Route 66 And PromoUons SCREEIPllmlO Embrlldlrv· Signs. laMlrs """'1.11 PnlllCb

rOUla&61s_all.com 513-821-6845

Here's YOUR opportunity to OWN a HISTORIC piece of the "Mother Road" HISTORY. The Route 66 Association of Missouri is offering one of the actual "Historic Route" brown signs - recently removed to MISSOURI allow for the placement of the Historic Byway blue signs. Since all signs have been on the road, they will show some "road wear" (some more than others) - all come with a u s certificate indicating their origin.This is a piece of history that will gain in value over the years - and will look great on a wall SS in your home or garage. For a donation of $ 350.00, one of the few remaining signs can be yours - and ROUTE most of the $ 350.00 is tax deductable. When they are gone - they are gone, so get yours TODAY. Contact Tommy Pike to obtain your piece of Mother Road history! e-mail: [email protected] phone: (417) 865-1318

FOLLOW THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION MISSOURI OF MISSOURI ON FACEBOOK us ALL YOUR FRIENDS

JL. like us on ARE HERE! L.J Facebook SS www.facebook.com/missouri66

missouri66.org 47 JmJ then and now

BY JOE SONDERMAN • ell

(THEN) Devils Elbow is one of the most scenic spots on all of Route 66.The bridge over the Big Piney was constructed in 1923, when this route was MO 14, which became US 66 in 1926. The original twisting and steep roadway couldn't handle the increased traffic and big trucks after Ft. Leon- ard Wood was constructed. A new four-lane route bypassed the bridge in 1942.

•

(NOW) The old landmark attracts tourists from allover the world, but had deteriorated over the years to the point where it was no longer safe. After years of searching for funds, the Pulaski County Commission hired a con- tracting firm to restore the bridge. Ground was broken on October 23,2013. Another ceremony will take place when the work is finished, probably late this summer. Thank you Pulaski County for having the foresight to save the bridge for future generations!

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK RAEBER.

48 Show Me Route 66