Downtown Pacific, Missouri
Saturday, July 8th 2006 3 pm. - 11 pOl 417-532-7000 LebanonMO FACTORY OUTLETS or 800-727-4643 ------~ ,• I I ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Stop by and visit with the Reid family. The Reids came to this Route 66 location in 1961 and operated the 66 Sunset Lodge as the Capri Motel until 1966. Then in 1972 Shepherd Hills Factory Outlet was born on the same ground as the Capri Motel. Next came the ownership of the Shepherd Hills Motel. In 1999 the Lebanon Route 66 location of the Shepherd Hills Factory Outlet moved into our new modern building. This business has expanded and now includes eight different locations.
~POCKrr ~. KNIVES DENB~ POTlERY I
jSpobel1 'eeonds & Overstocks, 40% to 50% off
MAG A Z I N E Volume 17, Number 1 - 2006 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI ESTABLISHED JANUARY, t 990 Features Advertisers 3 Officers, Board of Directors, Doc's Harley-Davidson Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven and Associations St. Louis, MO Springfield, MO Shelden's Market Shepherd Hills 4 Business Member Directory Devils Elbow, MO Lebanon,MO Robert Gehl Walnut Street Inn Pacific Summerfest and Cruise 7 Welcome New Members Springfield, MO Pacific, MO Robert Geh! Frisco Grill & Pub Bryant Business Graphics Cuba, MO Buffalo, MO 8 President's Roadmap Tommy Pike Crawford County Historical Society 3rd Generation Hair Salon Cuba, MO Cuba,MO 9 Route 66 Festival Steve & Carol Maynes Route 66 Cycles St. Clair, MO Show Me Route 66 Magazine • Route 66 Association of Missouri - Publisher 10 Dedication for Missouri Rt 66 Scenic Byway Founder President Features Contd •• Jim Powell Tommy Pike 10 TrailnetiOid Chain of Rocks Bridge Contributing Writers Connects Communities 24 News from the Road Robert Gehl TommyPike Kathi Weilbacher Steve & Carol Maynes Kathi Weilbacher 25 st. Louis RCGALegislative Reception Kathryn & Darren Sloan Marty Bilecki Tonya Pike 11 Aussies on 66 Glenda Pike Laura Spenke Jane Reed Kim Pinnell Kathryn and Darren Sloan Glenda Pike James Thole John M. McGuire 26 Santa Monica - Picture the End of Kenny Storie Fran Eickhoff 13 Rt. 66 Assoc. of Illinois the Mother Road Production Staff Hall of Fame Inductees James Thole Marty Bilecki TommyPike, President * Glenda Jo Pike, Editor 27 A Look Back in Time - Love Affair Bryant Business Graphics, 14 It's a Birthday Party Motor Tour With Route 66 Graphics - Layout - Printing Tonya Pike John M. McGuire 121 N. Maple St., Buffalo, MO65622 * (417) 345-4815 Long Ford Celebrates 50 Years Advertising Rates Per Issue 15 30 2005 In the Rearview Mirror V8 Page - $35, V4 Page - $60 In Eureka on Route 66 Glenda Pike V2 Page - $75, Full Page B/W - $120 Laura Spenke Full Page Color - $150 31 Vernelle's Motel Other rates are available upon request * (417) 865-1318 17 Viva Cuba - Rt. 66 Mural Project Kenny Storie Cruises on with 12th Mural Cover: Narrated tours of the murals were conducted aboard the 1904 style Jane Reed 33 San Bernardino Rt. 66 Rendezvous motorized trolley during the October Fran Eickoff Cuba Fest. Submitted by Viva Cuba. .. First Mural- Portrays local banker A. J. Barnett who owned Cuba's first 20 Munro House 33 Membership Application Model T. Photo by Cuba Free Press Kim Pinnell Sixth Mural- Depicts businessman AIWest Sr. Photo by Cuba Free Press
Show Me Route 66 Magazine is the official publication of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. Show Me Route 66 Magazine is published quarterly and is distributed free of charge to all paid members in good standing of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. Additional copies may be purchased for the cost in advance of$6.00 USD each including postage. Request for additional copies may be made direct to The Route 66 Association of Missouri, P.O. Box 8117, St. Louis, Missouri 63156. Mauuscripts and photographs submitted for publication are welcome and should be sent direct to Tommy Pike, President, Route 66 Association of Missouri, 1602 East Dale St., Springfield, MO 65803-4014 or sent by email to [email protected]. Reproduction ofthis magazine in part or in whole, is prohibited without written permission from the President audlor Board of Directors of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. The Route 66 Association of Missouri and the production staff are not responsible for errors or omissions contained herein. The Route 66 Association of Missouri and the production staff retain the right to edit any submitted materials and to not publish an article of questionable content or that goes against the purpose of The Route 66 Association of Missouri. The Route 66 Association of Missouri is a non-profit corporation established to preserve, promote and develop Old Route 66 in Missouri. 3 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER] Officers Board of Directors Associations President Marge Ball Route 66 Association of Illinois Associations Continued ... 8516 Ava Dr. 2743 South Veterans Parkway #166 Tommy Pike The Old Route 66 Association of Texas St. Louis, 63123-3314 Springfield, IL 62704 1602 East Dale St. P.O.Box 66 (314) 256-0655 (708) 389-3823 Springfield,MO65803-4014 McLean, TX.79057 (417) 865-1318 Jerry Benner Johnny Miller, President (806) 779-2225 [email protected] [email protected] 1115 Chatelet Dr. Bob Lile, President www.i166assoc.org Ferguson,MO63135 [email protected] Vice-President (314) 521-4255 Route 66 Association of Missouri www.barbwiremuseum.com Diane Warhover [email protected] P.O.Box8117 www.mockturtlepress.com/texas/home.html 447 Clemens Ave. St. Louis, MO63156-8117 Kirkwood,MO63122-3808 Fran Eickhoff (417) 865-1318 New Mexico Route 66 Association (314) 965-5751 P.O.Box 244 TommyPike, President 1415 Central Ave.NE [email protected] Cuba, MO65453-0244 [email protected] Albuquerque,NM87106 (573) 885-9175 www.missouri66.org (505) 472-3763 Secretary [email protected] Richard Delgado, President Mark Stauter Kansas Historic Route 66 Association [email protected] 309 Hutchinson Dr. Robert Gehl P.O.Box 66 www.rt66nm.org Rolla, MO65401-3913 1667 Timber Ridge Estates Dr. Baxter Springs, Kansas 66713 (573) 341-2932 Wildwood, MO63011-1971 (620) 848-3669 [email protected] (636) 458-4585 Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona Dean Walker, President P.O.Box 66 (636) 458-4080 - fax [email protected] Treasurer [email protected] Kingman, AZ86402 www.ksrt66association.us Robert Schulz (928) 753-5001 Norman L. Heironimus 763 North Market St. Route 66 Association of Kansas (928) 753-5852 - fax P.O.Box 504 Tom Spear, Executive VicePresident Waterloo, Illinois 62298 P.O.Box 66 Cuba, MO65453-0504 Jan Davis, Director of Operations (618) 939-7021 Riverton, Kansas 66770 (573) 885-4651 [email protected] [email protected] (620) 848-3330 www.azrt66.com Rich Henry Scott Nelson, President [email protected] Historian/Oral History 1107 Historic Old Route 66 • Staunton, IL 62088 California Historic Route 66 Association Chairperson Oklahoma Route 66 Association P.O.Box 1359 Jerry Benner (618) 635-5655 P.O.Box 446 [email protected] Rialto, CA92377 1115 Chatelet Dr. Chandler, OK74834 (909) 874-9448 www.henrysroute66.com (405) 258-0008 Ferguson,MO63135 (909) 874-5947 - fax Mike Hickey,President (314)521-4255 Kevin Hansel, President Gary Hoselton Marilyn Emde, Officer Manager [email protected] [email protected] 2232 Hunn Rd. [email protected] :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ww.wemweb.com Foristell, MO63348 www.oklahomaroute66.com Membership Services (636) 441-4448 Other Preservation Groups Cont.... Robert Gehl, Director [email protected] Other Preservation Groups 1667 Timber Ridge Estates Dr. Friends of the Mother Road Wildwood,MO63011-1971 Virgie Cole-Mahan National Historic Route 66 Federation '/0 Kip Welborn (636) 458-4585 24320 Raleigh Rd. P.O. Box 1848 3947 Russell (636) 458-4080 - fax Waynesville, MO65583 Lake Arrowhead, CA92352 St. Louis, MO 63110 [email protected] (573) 774-2982 (909) 336-6131 (573) 774-6808 - fax (314) 776-7385 (909) 336-1039 - fax Internet Services [email protected] Emily Priddy, President David Knudson, Executive Director [email protected] Carolyn Hasenfratz, Director Kenny H. Storie [email protected] www.friendsofthemotherroad.org 1544 High School Drive 826 Spring Hill Farm Dr. www.nationaI66.org Brentwood, MO63144 Ballwin, MO63021 Canadian Route 66 Association (314) 936-0930 Route 66 Preservation Foundation (314) 604-7619 P.O. Box 81123 carolyn _ [email protected] P.O. Box 290066 [email protected] Burnaby, BC Canada V5H 4K2 Phelan, CA92329-0066 Bonnie Game, Pres. (760) 868-3320 Larry W. Tamminen L. Fleming, Founder, (604) 314-6634 418 North Washington St. (760) 868-8614 - fax [email protected] Carterville, MO64835-1242 Jim M. Conkle www.route66.ca (417) 673-1506 [email protected] [email protected] www.cart66pf.org r l l'ITT SHOW ME ROUTE 66 I VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1 1 4
~cm M~~ r_U~r...."'IL
MISSOURI Avilla, MO Cuba, MO - Continued: Ellisville, MO Avilla Post Office Crawford County Historical Society West County Lanes • In 1915 Building on Historic Route 66 • 3 Stories of History - Wed & Sat IOAM-2PM, • www.westcountylanes.com 636-227-1469 Sun 12-4PM Bourbon,MO Cuba Chamber of Commerce Eureka,MO Circle Inn Malt Shop Visitor Center Cherokee Chief Trading Post • Family Owned - On Route 66 since '56 • www.cubamochamber.com • Antiques, Collectibles, & Mannequins Main Street Bar & Grill Cuba Free Press Long Ford • Stop by for a Burger and a Beer • "Defending Your Liberties Since 1960" • Across from Six Flags-www.long-ford.com Cuba VFW Post 7147 Phil's Bar B. Q. Brentwood, MO • Bingo Every Tuesday Night on Route 66! • Ribs Are Phil's Specialty For Over 50 Years Carl's Drive In East Office Bar & Grill Route 66 State Park • "16 Seats in Heaven" • Great Food in a Comfortable Family • Drive on 66, See Exhibits, Buy Gifts City of Brentwood Atmosphere • City of Warmth - www.brentwoodmo.org Frisco's Grill & Pub Florissant, MO • Steaks - Seafood - Pasta - Sandwiches 3 "C" Incorporated Buffalo,MO 1-44 Express • Militaria and Archival Specialists Bryant Business Graphics & • Custom Pickup and Delivery Photography Jim Montgomery Body & Paint Gray Summit, MO • Full Service Body Shop & Painting- • "Where Creativity And Quality Meet, To Give U-Gas Phillips 66 Flatbed Wrecker Service Your Image A Lasting Impression. " • Located at Interstate 44 & Hwy 100 Mace Supermarkets Carterville, MO • "Come Shop With Us" Halltown, MO McGinnis Wood Products, Inc. Carterville Route 66 Diner My Shop Creations • Specializing in Wine Barrels • Homemade Biscuits'n Gravy from Scratch • Rt. 661tems, Leather. Antiques & More City of Carterville Missouri Hick Bar B Q • Enjoy Rustic Dining and Great Food! Mullally Distributing Co., Inc. Harrisonville, MO Carthage,MO Miller Mini Storage LLC 66 Drive-In Theatre • "Budweiser - King of Beers" People's Bank • Open Fri/Sat/Sun April thru Sept Joplin,MO Allan Antiques & Appraisal Service • Your One-Stop Financial Center Pop's Corner Cafe Cycle Connection Harley-Davidson / Buell Carthage Convention & Visitors Bureau • "Whopper Burgers On The Run" • www.cycleconnectionh-d.com • Angels, Antiques, Art & More! River Valley Rod & Custom Car Club Granny Shaffer's Family Restaurant Carthage Route 66 Tea Room •"Still Cruisin 'After All These Years" • "Tastes Homemade Cause It Is!" • Blue Plate Special Mon.-Fri. / Antiques RJay's Performance Center 2728 N. Rangeline Historic Route 66 Mini Mall & • Car Trailer and Hot Rod Parts Granny Shaffer's On the Plaza Community Building Roberts-Judson Lumber • Established in 1914 • "Tastes Homemade Cause It Is!" 7th & Illinois Powers Museum The Jesus Christ Foundation Holiday Inn of Joplin • www.powersmuseum.coml0% off in Shop • Promoting Jesus - King of the Road The Munro House • Ask For Special "Route 66 Assn of MO "Rate! Columbia, MO • Bed/Breakfast on Historic 661-877-244-1912 Joplin Museum Complex The Rose State Historical Society of Missouri Pad doc Liquors • www.system.missouri.edu/shs • Karaoke - 2 Pool Tables - Darts Wagon Wheel Motel • On Old Route 66 at State Line- Lookfor our Gas Pumps! • "Come Sleep at Our Wheel1nstead of Yours" Cuba,MO Prosperity School Bed & Breakfast Wallace House 3rd Generation Hair Salon • "We Cater to Romantic Couples" • Catering & Banquet Facilities Available • "Walk-ins Welcome" - "We Style-You Smile" www.prosperitybnb.com Bob's Gasoline Alley Devils Elbow, MO Richardson's Candy House • Gasoline & Route 66 Memorabilia • Watch our Candy Makers-5 Mi S. from Charles A.Kolb C.P.A Becht Properties, Inc. Main & 7th • Proud Supporter of Route 66 Sultan of Smoke Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ Pit City of Cuba • "A Must Stop for the #1 BBQ on Route 66" • Campground & Canoe Rental Now Available • Route 66 Mural City Transport Distribution Co. (TDC) Shelden's Market Country Kitchen • Truckin' on 66 - www.gotdc.com • "Are You Ready For A Real Meal?" • Store/Post Office on Big Piney River Please Visit And Support Our Business Members! 5 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 I VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1 Th3~~~~b~
Kingdom City, MO Marshfield, MO Pacific, MO - Continued: Nostalgiaville, USA Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce The Great Pacific Coffee Company • "Your 50's & 60's Nostalgia Superstore" • For Coffee, Food, Wine & Cold Beer Maryland Heights, MO 636-257-9911 Kirkwood, MO LeBlanc Insurance & Financial Services The Meramec Valley Doc's Harley-Davidson • Classic Insurance & Old Time Service Current News Magazine • Since 1955-www.docsharleydavidson.com Niangua,MO Phillipsburg, MO Lake of the Ozarks, MO Niangua Junction Historic Rt. 66 Mall Reflections Condominiums • "See YouAt The Junction - Where Everyone • Antiques, Rt. 66 Memorabilia & More! • Lakefront - Come Play In Our Front Yard Meets" Rock Hill,MO Leasburg, MO Osage Beach,MO City of Rock Hill Skippy's Route 66 Inn Lake of the Ozarks Harley- • www.rockhillmo.com • "Good Foodfor Good People" Davidson Shop • When Fun is your Destination- Rolla, MO Lebanon,MO lakeoftheozarksharley-davidson. com City of Rolla Andy's 417 Restaurant • "Home of the Hand-Breaded Pork Tenderloin - Pacific, MO Federation Map Company Yum!" American Legion Post 320 Charlie's Farms & Gardens Memoryville, U.S.A., Inc. Beacon Car Wash • Visit our Website: memoryvilleusa.com City of Lebanon • New Homefor Historical Neon Beacon Motel Muffler Mart • Friendly People. Friendly Place. Sign www.lebanonmo.org Birdsong Pharmacy Phelps County Bank Dowd's Catfish & BBQ House «Pharmacy, Gifts, Cards, Collectables • Great Food at Great Prices on "66" Citizens Bank Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce • Eric's Performance Express Inc. • "Rolla:The Middle of Everywhere" •"Quality Auto Repair At A Price That's Fair!" City of Pacific www.rollachamber.org Faye's Diner • Est. 1859 - www.pacificmissouri.com Route 66 Motors & Nostalgia Gifts • "Really Homemade Food" Industrial Technologies, Inc. • Classic Cars, Collectible Gifts Heartland Antique Mall The Mule Trading Post John Heger Realtors / • Route 661tems, Antiques, & Life Size Animals Historic Route 66 Inn Heger & Associates, Inc. Totem Pole Trading Post, Inc. • A Great Place - Right on Route 66 • Antiques, Souvenirs,C-Store "Since 1933" KFC / A&W Root Beer McLaren Grading, Inc. Zeno's Steakhouse &Motel • See Our Rt. 66 Photos - 1 Blk N. on Jefferson • Home of the Famous 120z - Since 1957 Lindsay Chevrolet Pacific Area Chamber of Commerce • www.pacificchambercom St.Charles, MO McDonald's of Lebanon Pacific "Family" Bowl Fast Lane Classic Cars • Stop By & See Our Hand Painted Route 66 • All Aboard! Where The Good Times Roll • "We Sell Investments That Accelerate" Mural 636-257-4474 Gateway Chapter - Falcon Club Munger Moss Motel Pacific Partnership of America • Your Home Away From Home- www.mungermoss.com Ron Sansone Construction,Inc. St. Charles County, MO Nancy Ballhagen's Puzzles • Brick,Concrete, & Stone Contractor Cruisin Clean Auto Detailing 636-271-4844 • www.missouripuzzle.com .If you're Cruisin .. Orchard Hills Package Store Route 66 Chevrolet Motor Company You should be Cruisin Clean! .In Business on Route 66 Since 1946 •"Get Your Kicks at Route 66 Chevrolet!" Ozark Harley-Davidson / Buell Route 66 Realtors St. Clair,MO • Make the Run to Lebanon • www.route66realtors.com - 636-271-6660 Lewis Cafe ozarkharley-davidson.com Route 66 Wine & Gift, LLC • "Home Cooked Meals For Over 65 Years" Regional Radio KJEL 103.7 FM- • 1 Blk S. of Rt 66 on First St. - Come check us out! Route 66 Car Club KBNN750AM Sheffield's Grill &Cafe • Father's Day Car Show-Call"636-629-5445 • Serving 36 Counties in the Ozarks • Fine Dining in a Casual Old World Route 66 Cycles Atmosphere 636-271-9494 Route 66 Museum & Research Center • "Slow Down & See Lifefor What it ls!" Smitchell's Route 66 Dairy & Diner • Let Us Display Your Route 66 Collection! Route 66 Lumber Co. dba St. Clair • Authentic Style Hot Dogs/lee Cream, Etc. Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets Building Center 636-257-6609 • On Rt. 66 Since 1960-www.shephills.com • "Get Your Sticks At Route 66" Starlite Lanes Please Visit And Support Our Business Members! SHOW ROUTE 6 tl", E .• ,. .. 66;# ID3e!fil~M_~ ID)n-~@U1 l~out~ Gu i-100o~lHt1oIl 01 1~11000url St. James, MO Springfield, MO 4 M Farms and Vineyards Villa Ridge, MO - Continued: • Original home of Concord Grapes on Route 66 Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Tri-County Restaurant Johnnies Bar • Guests Get A True Rt. 66 Experience • Good Foodfor 76 Years on Route 66 Since 1938 • Coldest Beer on Route 66 Wayside / BP Amoco College Street Body Shop, Inc. Murdon Concrete Products • "The friendliest store in town" on Route 66 .417-862-4326 Best Body Shop in Town- • Lookfor our Dripping Faucet Neon Sign! Ask My Mom Russ & Tina's Waynesville, MO Curtis Enterprises • A Warm Welcome and a Cold Drink Cave State Cruisers Car Club • www.birthplaceofroute66.com Spurgeon's "66" Service ·573-435-9297 Eslick Enterprises • "66" Station on Route 66 Since 1961 City of Waynesville • David J. Eslick, Photographer 417-889-9332 St. James Tourist Information Center Ingram Enterprises, Inc. • Discover the Ozarks Best! Cole-Mahan Enterprises, Inc. www.stjamesmissouri.org Lurvey Properties • Theatre on the Square in Waynesville Pulaski County Historical Museum St. Louis, MO Springfield-Greene County Library & Society AAA Auto Club of Missouri Center • Open Saturdays Only 10-2 PM April thru Sept Ramada Inn Cenveo / Color Art Springfield,Missouri Convention & • On Historic Route 66 1-800-272-6232 • Full Service Printing on Rt 66for 47 Years! Visitors Bureau Security Bank of Pulaski County Chuck-A-Burger Drive In Restaurant • Birthplace of Route 66 - Springfield, MO • Crus in 'Capital of the Midwest since 1957 1-800-678-8767 Star Motel Classic Cars Plus Steak 'n Shake • www.classiccarsforrent.com 636-386-0566 • Famous For Steakburgers & Route 66 The Old Stagecoach Stop DENT DEVIL of St. Louis • Open Saturdays 10 to 4 April thru Sept • Paintless Dent Removal www.dentdevil.com Stanton, MO "The Source"KJPW 102.3 FM / 636-230-7900 Antique Toy Museum 1390 AM 'Eat-Rite Diner • A Fun & Exciting Tour Thru the Past • Located on Historic Route 66 • Eat-Rite or Don't Eat At All Jesse James Wax Museum Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of John C. Gower, CFP, EA • World Famous Video Footage of the Commerce • Financial Planning Services real Jesse James • www.waynesville-strobertchamber.com Ted Drewes Meramec Caverns • Open Everyday! Oldest Stop on Route 66. Webb City, MO Westport Customs and Collision Center Bradbury Bishop Deli • "From Flames to Frames" 314-692-9922 Strafford, MO • Visit Our Historic Soda Fountain Cowan's Route 66 Convenience Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce St. Peters, MO Fords Unlimited Car Club Keiser Equipment Company Webb City Historical Society • For More Information 417-673-3000 St. Robert,MO Strafford Area Chamber of Commerce BP of St. Robert - Amoco ILLINOIS Sullivan, MO • We Make It Convenient on Route 66 Belleville, IL Copies,Marketing & More City of St. Robert Motor Car Memories Inc. • Special Assn Member Offers! • Route 66 Collectibles 618-398-7001 Ehrhardt Properties www.copiesmarketmore.com Harry's Tire Service, Inc. Litchfield, IL First State Bank - St. Robert • "Tires are our Business" Since 1952 on Route 66 The Ariston Cafe Microtel Inn & Suites Native Experience Eco Base Camp • "Remember! Where Good Food 1s Served" • wwwjtwoodhotels.com •Base Camp to Adventure on Route 66 Pulaski County Tourism Bureau Murphysboro,IL • Pulaski County - Missouri's Natural Beauty Union,MO Silkworm, Inc. "The Source" KJPW 102.3 FM / Huxel's Auto Repair .800-826-0577 www.silkwormink.com 1390AM • Used Parts for Old Cars 1940 to 1980 • Located on Historic Route 66 Indian Harvest Trade Springfield, IL • On Route 66 - www.indianharvesttrade.com Cozy Dog Drive In Shelbina, MO • "Famous Hot Dog On a Stick" Auto-Mat LLC Villa Ridge, MO www.cozydogdrivein.com • Let us help youjind that Special Vehicle Bourbeuse Valley Harley-Davidson • Junction of 1-44 & Hwy 50 on Route 66 Staunton, IL Route "66"Storage DeCamp Junction Inc. • 636-451-0677 •Historic Roadhouse Serving Since 1926 Please Tell Them You Are A Member Too! 7 1 t SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1 ~cmM(g}~U
Staunton, IL - Continued: Elk City, OK List maintained by Robert Gehl, Henry's Route 66 Rabbit Ranch / National Route 66 Museum Director of Membership Services Emporium Updated as of February 20,2005 • Rt.66 Info Center - www.HenrysRoute66.com Warwick, OK Seaba Station KANSAS • Make New Memories on Route 66 While Riverton, KS Visiting Old Ones Eisler Bros. Old Riverton Store CALIFORNIA MISSOURI .A Fun Visit Back In Time www.eislerbros.com Lake Arrowhead, CA National Historic Route 66 Federation U s OKLAHOMA Claremore, OK MINNESOTA Claremore Convention & Visitors Minneapolis, MN Bureau Custom Business Video, Inc. 66 • Claremore, OK www.visitclaremore.org • route66todaytv Get to Know the People along Rt. 661 Welcome new membel'! 4th Quarter 2005 Report Please join us in welcoming the following 26 new members • Niangua Junction - Niangua, MO • to the Route 66 Association of Missouri during the period of • Route 66 Cycles - St. Clair, MO October 1,2005 through December 31,2005 • Seaba Station - Warwick, OK • Sheffield's Grill & Cafe- Pacific, MO Your support of the Association is most appreciated and we • Smitchell 's Route 66 Dairy & Diner - Pacific, MO look forward to your enjoyment and involvement in • Starlite Lanes - Lebanon, MO Association projects and activities. • Robert Troyer - Tinley Park, IL Welcome aboard and we hope to see you along Old Route • U-Gas Phillips 66 - Gray Summit, MO 66 in Missouri! This New Member Report was prepared by Robert Gehl, • Robert F. Behle - Chesterfield, MO Director of Membership Services. If you were a new • Bryant Business Graphics & Photography - Buffalo, MO member during this period and your name does not appear • Ronald & Patsy Burris - Cuba, MO here, please contact me at 636-458-4585 and you will be •DENTDEVIL ofSt. Louis - St. Louis, MO included in the next report. • Rick Eberhard - Kechi, KS • Eslick Enterprises - Springfield, MO ~.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.~ • Marge Fleming - St. Louis, MO • Granny Shaffer's Family Restaurant - Joplin, MO For Route 66 Association of Missouri • Granny Shaffer's On The Plaza - Joplin, MO membership information • Dennis Grither - St. Ann, MO and to print an • Jim Montgomery Body & Paint - Cuba, MO • Joel Haffner - St. Louis, MO application form see • Harry's Tire Service, Inc. - Sullivan, MO • Elsie G. Hughes - Mountain Home, AR • Bill Kaszynski - St. Paul, MN e 66 Association of Missouri • Barry H. Maxwell, Ph.D.- Ithaca, NY Official Website: • McDonald's of Lebanon - Lebanon, MO • EugeneA. Moreland - Cuba, MO ~_'_v'ww.mlssourloti.org SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1 from the President's Roa~tM~p
n February 8, 2006, I traveled to Albuquerque, fyouhave a question about a particular matter, I w?uld New Mexico to attend the first meeting of the be happy to discuss it with you on a one to one basIs-- Onewly appointed Route 66 Corridor Preservation Iplease contact me. Advisory Council. This two-day meeting was held at the here is a short article elsewhere in this Hotel Albuquerque with 13 members present. Two were magazine inviting you to attend the absent. T"dedication" festivities for the new State everal members from the National Park Service Scenic Byway=Historic Route 66. The event will attended including Michael Taylor, Program take place at Kearney and Glenstone (old Route SManager, and Kaisa Barthuli, Assistant ---~ 66), Springfield, Missouri, Friday, May 5, 2006, at Program Manager, both with the Route 66 11 a. m. Please plan to attend this event. Your Corridor Preservation Program. Michael continued support of the scenic byway program Taylor conducted the meeting until a is necessary to work together with the Missouri chairperson was elected. John W. Department of Transportation to gain federal Murphey, with the New Mexico Historic scenic byway status. Preservation Division, was elected nformationaboutour Association's 17th chairperson. Annual Motor Tour "80 Years on Route ime was spent reviewing the I66", September 8-10,2006, is also included Route 66 Corridor Preservation in the magazine. This year's tour will be an east-to- TProgram and the results to date; west run, starting in Litchfield, Illinois, and ending in especially what had taken place since the January St. Robert, Missouri. Plan to send your reservations and 2.002, meeting in Albuquerque. join us for this fun time on route 66. anyissues and views were discussed, s the good driving time on route 66 is here for especially education needs to 2006, please celebrate the so" birthday of the road Mcorporate/companies buying icons for Aby enjoying the history and investigating a "new- restoring/demolition, the need to have a count of to-you icon". Let the business owners know you are there travelers, and the state and federal scenic byway and tell them you appreciate their efforts to keep our programs. We took a working tour of Central Avenue beloved road alive. And wish them a "Happy Birthday". I in Albuquerque (including the Horn Motor Lodge) bet that will start some very interesting and unusual discussing preservation needs and concerns that apply discussions and friendships. to all areas of route 66. On the second day, four working groups from the Council were agreed on to assist the Corridor Preservation Program.
3rd '§eneration Route 66 Cycles HaM, Sale"" 2152 N. Service Rd Sf Clair Mo
Full Service & Maintenance 706 W. Washington Parts & Accessories for Cuba, MO 65453 Harley Davidson (573) 885-3131 Customs 636-629-6754 Metric Cruisers Jackie West (Owner. Stylist) Facto Trained Tech. Sandy, Evelia, Jodi Kurt Hoischen [email protected] 9 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1
Still gettin. your kicks on
Albuquerque, New Mexico June 23-25, 2006 By Steve and Carol Maynes
The Official 2006 Route 66 Festival will be held in Bluegrass Festival. Cars and vendors will be Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 23-25 2006. admitted free at the Wildlife Park for this event. It has been endorsed by Jim Conkle, Michael An invitation only Summit meeting will be Wallis, and The Route 66 Preservation held on Thursday morning and an E-Group Foundation. Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, breakfast will be held on Sunday morning. A non- located next to historic Old Town, will be the host denominational church service will be held in the hotel for the festival. Special room rates are chapel at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. available if you use code EAF when making Artists, authors, vendors, and State reservations. Associations may rent booths for the festival. For A get acquainted BBQ and pool party will additional information on hotels, booth space, car be held on Thursday evening, June 22nd at the host shows registration, please visit our website, hotel. Attendees may participate in tours of local www.2006route66festival.com or call Steve area attractions on Friday morning. Cars shows Maynes at 505-344-9330 or 505-301-0657. You will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the can also reach the festival staff at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. [email protected]. The Route 66 Preservation Foundation is hosting the Awards Banquet on Friday evening in the hotel ballroom. Awards to be presented include the Will Rogers Award and the Mayors Award. A dance will follow the banquet. Saturday morning will feature a cruise going north on Old Route 66 to [Traditions! for a car show and special activities. A neon cruise on Saturday evening will travel the old route from Tramway to downtown Albuquerque to participate in Summerfest. On Sunday afternoon, there will be a cruise from the hotel to the Wildlife Park in Edgewood, NM for a car show, BBQ, and Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 10 DEDICATION FOR MISSOURI HISTORIC ---QOUTE 66 ~TATE ~CENIC BYWAY-B-YGle-ndap-ike- The Route 66 Association of Missouri and the Missouri On November 9, 2005, The Missouri Highways and Department of Transportation invite you to attend the Transportation Commission voted unanimously to "dedication" festivities for the new State Scenic Byway-- designate Historic Route 66 as a Historic Route 66. The event will take place at Kearney state Scenic Byway. Covering and Glenstone (old Route 66), Springfield, Missouri, over 300 miles, Historic Route Friday, May 5, 2006, at 11 a. m. 66 Byway will be the longest This is the site where on July 10, 1990, Governor John scenic byway in the state. Ashcroft signed half of his name to House Bill 1629 Route 66 spans the state from designating Old U.S. Highway 66 as a historic highway in the Illinois state line to the Missouri, and allowing the Missouri Department of Kansas state line. Transportation (MoDOT) to post appropriate signs along Mark you calendar now and the right-of-way. Governor Ashcroft had signed half of plan to attend this milestone in his name to House Bill 1629 in Waynesville, Missouri, the history of Route 66. earlier on that day. This is also the site where the first one of these signs was installed in July 1991 .
•
By Kathi Weilbacher
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge has connected For decades visitors got their kicks on Route 66.Your communities since 1929. When the bridge was completed support of Trail net will help us continue to leave a legacy on it shortened travel time from St. !Louis, MO to the history of the bridge and keep it open for all to enjoy. To Edwardsville, IL and communities north. Today the bridge join or for more information visit our website at continues to connect communities via an alternate mode of www.trailnet.orgorcallLeslieLakeat314/416-9930#103. transportation. The bridge reopened in 1999 under the ### leadership of Trailnet as the world's longest Trailnet seeks to enrich the St. Louis bi-state region by pedestrian/bicycle bridge connecting trail users to a promoting bicycle and pedestrian activities and network oftrails in both states. collaborating with the public and private sectors to ensure For many decades the Bridge served as a key link for the and enhance apremier trail system. beloved Route 66.. A historic Route 66 interpretive area, complete with a vintage Model A fire truck tells the story to visitors. Recent improvements, under Trailnet's direction, include the construction of a restroom facility, landscaping and the addition of architectural lights to the Bridge. Trailnet holds many events at the Bridge throughout the year, including Eagle Days in January, the Route 66 Motor Tour, Route 66 Traveling Car Show, The Bridge birthday TRAILNET Bash and Bicycle Ride and the Companion Mississippi Mile (running event). Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 ssies on By Kathryn and Darren Sloan St Clair, NSW Australia, November 2005
the top, while I settled for watching the movie on how it was built, as I'm not one for heights. We didn't know much about this wonderful monument so it was so interesting to learn about how it was designed and built - a marvel of engineering. We spent the night in St Louis, and our first stop the next morning was Ted Drewes frozen custard. A real route 66 icon to visit. Unfortunately, we didn't check out the opening times and got there very early, so waited nearly 2 hours for our concrete ... but it was definitely worth the wait!!! We got to meet some locals and chatted w h i Ie we waited.
Neither of us can really remember how our 'dream' of driving route 66 really came about .... we think it was on our first visit to the United States when we went to • California and our tour guide pointed out a Route 66 sign as we crossed over it. We were staying in Santa Monica and found out that the pier was the 'end' of the Route. When we got home, we started to look it up, and became fascinated with it. It was 2 years talking about it, 2 years planning it, and finally it was May 05 and our dream would begin. We had six weeks to do the route and our first week saw us through Illinois. We hired a beautiful gold 2005 mustang for our driving pleasure. Our first 'step' into Missouri was in the center of the Chain of Rocks bridge that we entered from the Illinois side. Being the tourist (and big kid at heart), I had great fun stepping from one side to the other "look I'm in Illinois ..... now look I'm in Missouri " . This bridge Nf sOllri n Sloan arrive in IS Then onto was just awesome and a credit to those who worked t? re Kathryn and Dar The Route 66 State Park ~e~r have it open as a walking trail. We had seen photos of It Eureka, this was a fascinating place to VISIt, all overgrown and un-usable, so it was a pleasure to see the whole thought of 'Times Beach' and what the residents it being utilized so well. We stopped and talked to many must have faced just blew me away. We had been people on our walk across it. . interested in this since we first read the story of Times While on the bridge we could see the famous St LoUIS Beach and the environmental disaster that occurred there. Arch in the distance. This was to be our next stop, As I work in the Community Service field, I could only unfortunately getting 'into' Missouri by road proved imagine what it must have been like for the residents difficult for us, and we ended up back and forth from having to evacuate and leave their homes, and wondered Illinois to Missouri over a number of different bridges what sort of support they received. The route 66 displays !!!Even the directions we received from the information at the visitor's center were fabulous - we spent ages center sent us back to Illinois !! Finally we found our walking around and looking at everything. way to the Arch and Darren went up in the carriages to On our way westward we stopped off at an old service Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 12 have been abandoned - not 'real' old - but we had fun highlights from our whole Route 66 adventure. We'd felt so looking around and there was even two old mustangs left welcome in Cuba, so left the town feeling on a high. We in the garage part - we couldn't believe it!! ! viewed all the murals before heading out of town, stopping We stopped at our first Indian trading post - (Indian at the totem pole trading post and route 66 motors on our Harvest Trade) where we brought an Indian arrowhead way. In both ofthese places the owners stopped to chat with for our son. We wanted to stop at the Jesse James us and shared stories of the road and they seemed genuinely museum - but it was closed - one of the pitfalls of interested in our visit. We even picked up some Ford traveling 'out' of season. Mustang plates for our hire car! Our next stop was a 3-mile side trip to Meramec We then came to the Big Piney river and 'Devils Elbow' - Caverns - now this was COOL!!! We went deep into the we had a nice lunch at the Devils Elbow Inn and found the caves and it was magnificent, at one point we walked associations 'bra' hanging on the roof - before heading to our upstairs and as we turned around it was stunning - so 'favorite' stretch of road - the area through the Hooker Cut,I beautiful that I had tears in my eyes - it totally took my had no idea about the cut, I was just fascinated with it and breath away. I took lots of photos - but because of being in took lots of photos and for some reason this spot just seemed the dark - not all are really good. It was a wonderful place, so 'perfectly 66' to us. It wasn't till later I found out more and I really enjoyed it even though I wasn't particularly about the Hooker Cut and its significance as the largest rock fond of being so far underground - or in the dark when she cut. turned all the lights off and told us we were now in the Lebanon was our next stop, and to the comfort of the 'self guided' part of the tour. We were the only two people Munger Moss Motel, we'd reserved the Route 66 room and on the tour - so felt like it was our own personal tour. so after being welcomed by Ramona, we enjoyed settling Our next stop was Cuba and the Wagon Wheel motel. into the beautiful room, it was so cozy and so beautifully We had been so excited at the prospect of staying at the decorated we loved it very much. As much as we just Wagon Wheel as we'd heard so much about it and it didn't wanted to sit and enjoy the comfort of our room, we wanted disappoint. It seems like time had stood still here, and the to check out the Route 66 exhibit at the local library. Again rooms hadn't changed much, and neither had the prices!! another wonderfully set up route 66 displays, and another It was a fantastic route 66 experience. One funny thing wonderful gift shop - the Mustang was getting that occurred was that rather full with all our when I got out of the souvemrs. shower, I realized we We stopped at Wrinks had been left only hand Market and were sad that towels not bath towels we had not met Mr. ... and I was in no Wrinkle who passed only position to call for help a few months before our !!! visit. From everything we In Cuba we were had heard and read he lucky enough to spend sounded like a wonderful some time with Fran Route 66 character. from the association, Our night in the Route 66 who introduced us to room at the Munger Moss some local residents was perfect, we got a and we had a fabulous hotdog from the bowling night in the East Office alley across the road - and Bar. We felt rather sat in the yard of the hotel famous when the Frail Eickhoff and Kathryn Sloan ill Cuba, MO. and watched Route 66 go reporter from the Cuba Free Press interviewed us before by. I'd say stopping in this room is a "must" for any traveler we headed off to Lebanon the next morning. Darren got in Lebanon. Ramona has done a wonderful job and the up at 6am to visit the factory of one ofthe local's we'd met photos are just awesome. We also loved reading the guest the night before as he was interested in seeing the book with all the other travelers who had loved it as much as differences in businesses to here in Australia. We really we did. felt so welcome in this Route 66 town and didn't want to Our next stop - Springfield, here we 'deviated' from 66 to leave. (Thank you to Fran, Patty, Mark, Bee, Glenn, visit the Bass Pro store, as Darren works in the 'outdoors' Karen and everyone for making us fall in love with this field, he was so keen to visit and have a look around. It was town) an absolutely amazing store; we'd never seen anything like Our trip from Cuba to Lebanon was one of our it. I was even able to sit and have a coffee while Darren 13 Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 enjoyed a wander through this enormous place. journey even more special, people who gave up their time We were lucky enough to meet up with Tommy and to share their love of the road with us, who shared their Glenda Pike, who gave us a driving tour of Route 66 stories and their favorite places and most of all shared through Springfield, and then off to dinner at the first their friendship with us, friendships that I know will "Steak and Shake" where we also got to meet Tonya Pike. continue ... even across the many miles to home. We had a lovely time and once again, the hospitality and We won't forget our time on Route 66 in Missouri, - and friendship of people on the road was such a highlight. We in fact are already planning a return visit to explore the spent the night at the Rail Haven in the "Elvis room" route in Missouri and Illinois in more depth. which was very nicely appointed. We then headed off to Carthage, by late afternoon it was raining, we were tired, and a little homesick and then ended up a little lost and so instead of stopping continued on to Joplin. In Joplin we found an "Outback Steakhouse", which was quite funny for us as Australians to eat in, as we'd certainly not seen half the things they offered on the menu as 'Australian'. But it cured us of our homesickness. The next morning we left Joplin under much sunnier skies .... And headed off to Kansas and more of our adventure . We'd found in Missouri some wonderful things; we took hundreds of photographs of stops along the way, beautiful scenery, neon signs and route 66 icons. We'd also found in it some wonderful people, who made our
») • ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS TO INSTALL NEW HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES By Marty Bilecki The Route 66 Association ofIL Hall ofF ame Committee A special Ambassador's award will be presented to has chosen the 2006 inductees to be honored at their Marilyn and Durell Pritchard of Pontiac, IL. They are Annual Banquet on June lOthat the After Shock Banquet charter members of the organization who have been very Hall in Lincoln, IL. This year's event is in conjunction with influential in the development of the current Route 66 the Association's three day motor tour. Recipients this Museum and Hall of Fame at 110 Howard St., Pontiac, IL year are the following: The Berghoff Restaurant of Mrs. Pritchard is the Curator of the Museum. Phone downtown Chicago, located on an original stretch of road number of the Museum is 815-844-4566 .. designated Route 66 in 1926. The Willie Anderson The three day Motor Tour will start in Edwardsville on Trucking Co. of Lexington, IL, an original carrier on the June 9thand will culminate in Pontiac, IL, on Sunday, June Route 66 road way. Mr. Leland Storm, a retired Illinois n-. There will be a Sock Hop and Classic Car Cruise-In at State trooper, who patrolled the roadway for many years in the Pontiac Rec. Center. Sock Hop participants will dance the Litchfield area. Also, Scotties (originally the Tourist to the live entertainment of the Fender Skirts, a Rock and Haven) on Route 66 in Hamel. Roll group, who specialize in the sounds of the 50's and This year's tour and banquet will be in honor of the 80th 60's. For more tour information see the Route 66Assoc. of Anniversary of the building of Route 66, which acquired IL website www.il66assoc.org or e-mail to the nickname-The Mother Road. Another route 66 icon, [email protected], President, John Miller the Cozy Dog, an original on 66 in Springfield, will be one can be reached@708-389-3823. of the many stops on the tour. This eatery will be celebrating a similar-60 years young anniversary - being established in 1946. Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 14 ~O~ lr_ By Tonya Pike
Meramec Caverns at Staunton, Missouri. All 32 rooms Join the Route 66 Association of Missouri as we available at the Meramec Caverns Motel have been celebrate "80 Years on Route 66" with our 17thAnnual reserved for the Motor Tour and will be held until August Motor Tour, September s', 9th,and ro", 2006. This year's 15. Room rates will be $43.25 and $62.24, depending on tour will be an east-to-west run, starting in Litchfield, the number of occupants and availability. Phone Illinois and ending in St. Robert, Missouri. (573)468-3166 or 1-800-676-6105 for reservations, and The festivities will kick off on Friday, September again, be sure to mention you are with the Route 66 8t\ with registration at the Comfort Inn in Litchfield, Association of Missouri Motor Tour to receive the special Illinois. The motel, which is located at 1010 E. rates. Other accommodations are available in nearby Columbian Boulevard N. in Litchfield, has a block of Sullivan and St. Clair, Missouri. The Saturday evening rooms reserved which will be available for a discounted meal will be an informal event, catered by the Meramec rate of $60.00 per night. Call (217)324-9260 to make Caverns Restaurant, and will be held in the restaurant in your reservations, and be sure to mention you are with the the park headquarters. Route 66 Association of Missouri Motor Tour to get the Sunday's activities begin with a discounted rate. For those arriving early, there will be nondenominational worship service at 7:30 a.m. on the some optional activities for the evening as well as the Cave's park grounds. The Motor Tour will then proceed normal roadie gathering in the registration area. to Rolla, Missouri promptly at 8:00 a.m. From Rolla, Tour registration will resume at 7:00 a.m. on participants will travel on their own to the Country Saturday, September 9th,and the actual Motor Tour will Kitchen in St. Robert, Missouri, which will be the tour's depart the motel promptly at 8 a.m. There will be apoker final destination. The Country Kitchen is located at 379 run, with hands costing $5 each, for tour participants to Highway Z (old 66, behind McDonald's). Tour playas they travel the route on Saturday, and poker hands participants can purchase lunch there, and enjoy their will be available for purchase at registration and before excellent buffet. the Motor Tour leaves the motel Saturday morning. There Final details, including times, planned activities, will be recommended stops along the tour route, but and directions, will be detailed in the Motor Tour Agenda participants are encouraged to make the tour at their own Folder, given to participants at registration. pace and select their own stops. Recommended stops and For more information contact: Kip Welborn, other planned activities will be detailed in the Motor Tour (314)776-7385, [email protected] or Jane Dippel, Agenda Folder, given out at the time of registration. All (314)843-7132, [email protected] or the Route 66 participants are, however, encouraged to be at the Chain Association of Missouri's web site, www.missouri66.org. of Rocks Bridge, on the Illinois side promptly by 11:45 a. m., so that the Motor Tour can drive, caravan-style, across the bridge from the east (Illinois side) to the west (Missouri side). Saturday night the Motor Tour will stay at
"An Urban Oasis" in Downtown Springfield, MO 900 E. Walnut Springfield, MO 65806 (417) 864-6346 WALNUT (800) 593-6346 8TQ!IT E-Mail: [email protected] INN www.walnutstreetinn.com A BED & BREAKFAST Gary & Paula Blankenship Long Ford 1959 most important part of their success is their reputation for In this year of2006, Long Ford in Eureka, Missouri will how they treat their customers. Being a family-operated, be celebrating 50 years in business on the original old hometown business, customers are treated on a more Route 66 highway. Wib and Jan Long (Wib Long is now personal level and get more attention. They like being deceased) started the business together on Feb. 6, 1956. acknowledged for whom they are when they come in. They Located at 18155 Old Highway 66, it is the only business are not just a number, they are personally recognized. in the community still in operation in Eureka and Pacific Son Randy Long agrees that Long Ford's customer-oriented since the old highway was the main thoroughfare through approach toward business is what has kept them around so that area. Red Cedar Inn would have been the only other long and able to grow. "Long Ford has not only met the one remaining, but they closed last year. Long Ford is a challenges of a growing market and the increased home-town dealership with state-of-the-art facilities in competition in the metro area, but has continued to grow, parts, sales and service, and one of very few dealerships offering expanded services in all facets of sales, parts and that have remained in business for 50 years. service" he said. "It is quite an achievement for any business to last 50 years in today's market." Meeting this challenge has required dedication from the owners as well as each and every employee at the dealership. They look forward to a future of continued success and further expansion, offering even greater service to the community. The Long family'S deep-running value of service to their community is apparent in the involvement and contributions they have made to local businesses and organizations over the many years. The following are just a few of the organizations they have sponsored or contributed to: Eureka Chamber of Commerce, Khoury League, Eureka Sports Association teams, Birthright, Eureka Arts Council, Lions' Club May Queen candidates, various bowling teams, Eureka Homecoming, Camp Wyman, 4H Rodeos, Eureka Firefighters' Backdraft Rodeo, Special Playground Equipment Committee, Senior Celebration,, Eureka Days Long Ford today =Still Serving the Community with Old Fashion Courtesy and Reliable Service Meals on Wheels, various church and school fundraisers, the Along with their business, the Longs have also had the Eureka Fire Department's "D.A.R.E." program and safety opportunity to watch local history unfold around them. programs for kids, Our Little Haven, Toys for Tots, Kids They purchased the building after learning from St. Louis Identity programs, Ford Motor Company's former "Punt, County that the population of Eureka was expected to Pass and Kick" annual competition and many local softball reach 20,000 in 20 years. Fifty years later, it is at 7,676, teams. Four members of the Long Family are members of not even close to 20,000. Eureka's C.E.R.T. teams, ready to help in any community Aside from working with the family, Long feels the emergency. SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1 16
Jan Long was the founder of the Eureka Historical Society. She was on the Eureka Chamber of Commerce's Media committee. She was calling a few friends to get some historical information to use in their advertising and found that several people were interested in helping her start a historical society. It started off with about eight people at a meeting at the Long horne and has grown into a very active organization. The Society is planning to publish the history of Eureka in a hardbound book edition in time for the 150'h anniversary of Eureka in 2008. Wib Long (who passed away in 1992) was an original incorporator and director for Rockwood Bank and an integral part of getting them started with the customer- oriented business approach. He was also an owner and director of Citizen's National Bank in Maplewood under prior ownership, and was an advisory board member of the former Prudential Savings and Loan in Eureka many years ago. The Wib Long Memorial Trophy is given out annually at the Early Iron Car Show in Pacific. Everyone at Long Ford wishes to say thank you to all past and present customers. Without their support the dealership may not have been able to achieve this remarkable 50 year milestone. The Longs are planning a big 50th anniversary outdoor celebration later on this year to mark this milestone in their business. Jan and Wib Long in the early days of Long Ford •
~·.Im~·jj Celebrate with us ~1 ...I..I..I...I....~..~.~~f.~~~~....!~...I...~i..,.~!...!'...LI..II.~.. September 8th, 9th, Gnd 10th, 2006. Pick up your Business on Route 66. Place an add in our next Issue. 17th Annual See rates on page 2. Motor Tour 417-865-1318 Beginning at the Comfort Inn Bryant in Litchfield, Illionois '-""""""Business and final destination being the Country Kitchen Graphics Where creativity and quality meet, in St. Robert, Missouri. Photography to give your image a lasting impression.
121 N. MAPLE·BUFFALO,MO 65622 OFFICE& FAX 417.345.4815· CELL 417.849.7661 WWW.BRYANTBUS.COM www.missouri66.org eRuIsrs 9" WlIH 12THmURAL By Jane Reed Community members bought 200 tickets for a dinner/auction that raised over $20,000. The annual Chili Cook-Off provides funds for the project. Donors, with both large and small donations, gave generously to the project. In 2005, local Boy Scout Chip Site of Twelfth Mural Lange made the Civil War series This 1930's Phillips 66 station was recently refurbished by the f fi Wallis family, who wished to preserve its heritage. The 12th mural will be 0 rve murals part of his Eagle painted on what were once station bays 011 the side of the station. Scout project and raised half of The station is located at the intersection of h f h Rt. 66 and Hwy: 19 ill Cuba. Photo by Jane Reed t e cost 0 t e series, which was Tentb Mural=Artist Don Gray After five years of planning, fundraising, researching, matched by Viva Cuba. In included 15 year-old Chip Lange working with artists, painting murals, and promoting appreciation, artist Don Gray ill one of the Civil War Panels to commemorate Chip's the project, Viva Cuba's Route 66 Mural Project will painted Lange's likeness, work 011 the murals as part of his begin its 12'h mural in 2006. To Viva Cuba, a wearing a black hat with a red Eagle Scout Project. Chip wears the hat with the red band. community beautification organization in Cuba, band, into the Leasburg panel This is only part of the panel. Missouri, the 12thmural is a milestone. of the series. Photo by Jane Reed The project began in 2001 when Jim Barnett, The local paper the Cuba chairman of Peoples Bank, commissioned an outdoor Free Press has always been there with great coverage, mural to commemorate the bank's 100'h ------advice, or a photo when it was needed. The 11th anniversary. The mural was so well mural was sponsored by the paper and is received that Viva Cuba adopted the located on the facade of its new building project with a goal of 12 outdoor on Rt. 66. murals along the Route 66 corridor Wonderful artists from Canada, to by 2007, Cuba's 150th anniversary. California, and Cuba's own artists Eventually, with the help of • Shelly Smith Steiger and Julie Mayor John Koch, the Missouri Balogh Brand worked with Viva House and Senate officially Cuba, to make the murals declared Cuba "The Route 66 outstanding examples of public Mural City." art. Cuba, 75 miles SW of St. Support from the community, Louis on 1-44, is a town of only businesses, and individuals have about 3250 people. The Viva Cuba made this ambitious project possible. organization has fewer than 20 active Local artists design and paint chairs for members. The project could not have an annual Chair-table auction. Local been completed without the support of musician Darlene Cape produced a Sing Out many. It truly does take a village to support Eleventh Mural - Bette Davis For Mural Variety Show that raised money, painted by Ray Harvey. public art. which was matched by a local donor. Photo by Jane Reed New Haven artist Ray Harvey, who SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1 18
painted the 11th mural, spoke to the idea of public art. "I Harry S think Cuba has realized the power and influence a large Truman and public painting can have to the community and Amelia tourism," says Harvey. "I am optimistic about the Earhart; the future of public art, and I would like to see these names of paintings be as common as billboards." the area's Outdoor mural projects are called public art for a Gold Star reason. As the number of murals increased, so did the Boys who attraction of the murals to the public. It is a common died during scene to see tourists along Route 66 with their cameras World War documenting their passage through Cuba. Some carry II; and the maps picked up at the Visitor Center and take a self- day actress guided mural tour. Many of these visitors are from Bette Davis foreign countries and have a life-long fascination with came to town the Mother Road. and her Fifth Mural - Amelia Earhart Other groups contact Viva Cuba for narrated tours of h usb and Photo by Cuba Free Press the murals. They bring their buses and navigate narrow chased local photographer Wilbur Vaughn down the street streets. After enjoying the tour, they may visit the local when he snapped a forbidden photograph. The murals History Museum, enjoy the nostalgic displays at Bob's show the impact of the nation's history within the local Gasoline Alley, or enjoy a meal at one of Cuba's sphere. restaurants. Route 66 Association members have toured As more murals were completed, the media's interest in the murals and visited Cuba on many occasions. the project grew. Show Me St. Louis filmed the murals. But the murals are not only for tourists. Local people Articles appeared in magazines such as Show-Me Missouri, bring visiting family members and friends to view the Missouri Life, Country Discoveries, this magazine, and the murals. And if you saw the crowds of people during the national The Route 66 Magazine. The St. Louis Post- fall's Cuba Fest trying to board the 1904 motorized Dispatch and River Front Times featured the murals along Trolley for narrated mural tours, you have witnessed the Route 66. Recently, Viva Cuba received an e-mail from a interest of both visitors and locals. New York TV producer on a national program asking for information about the murals. Cuba's murals along Route 66 have created a ripple of attention spreading outward. And as always, there is the local history of Route 66 itself: the Wagon Wheel Motel, the Route 66 Cafe, and the newly rehabbed 1930s Phillips station at the intersection of Route 66 and Highway 19. It is at this site that mural number 12 will be painted in association with the Wallis family who owns the building and has preserved its heritage. Hotel Cuba and The Southern Hotel, vintage hotels from the heyday of Rt. 66, still stand and, through remodeling, are getting a new lease on life. The Eighth Mural- Recreates the look of the 1948 Roberts Judson Lumber Co. downtown area along Rt. 66 is being rehabbed, and old Photo by Jane Reed buildings are getting a facelift and new uses. It is an The murals also have an educational aspect. Viva exciting time for Cuba, and the murals are but a part ofthe Cuba provides a mural curriculum for the local schools revitalization. and gives students walking tours of the murals. The Even though you can visit the project's web site and look citizens of Cuba, both young and old, have learned at photographs and art cards of the murals, there is no about their town's history through the murals: visits by substitute for walking the streets of Cuba and viewing the murals personally while reading the plaques that . tth MurtiX:t eatures ei VOLUME 171 NUMBER 1 ME ROUTE 66 ~I.; ~~~~~~i~~~iij~~~~:committee10W it often seem as if when one task is finished, two more crop up for attention. For the Viva Cuba committee, it has been a case of "paint them, and they will come." Hopefully, the Route 66 Mural Project will bring interest to Cuba's hi tory and public art for years to come.
Background material on the first murals may be found in "Show Me Route 66" magazine Volume 14, Number 2 (Spring 2003).For Seventh Mural - Prosperity Corner Social and Business Scenes. Photo by Cuba Free Press more information and photos, visit crawfordco.com/murals. For accompany each one. Cuba's 150'h anniversary is in group tours of the murals call 573-885-2464. Contact the Visitor Center at 877-212-8429 or at 2007. If you don't visit in 2006, don't miss Cuba in www.cubomochamber.com for information 2007 because many special events are being about Cuba. For History Museum tours call planned. 573-885-6099. Bob's Gasoline Alley can The mural project is ongoing even though be toured by appointment only. Call 573-885-3637 for information. the 12'h mural will be painted in the summer. Funds will be set aside for annual maintenance. The committee will continue to prepare promotional materials on the murals, plan special events for Cuba's 150'h anniversary in 2007, and give tours. And the October trolley tours grow more popular each year. Other beautification projects are planned. Viva Cuba members often repeat a saying, "There's always something." To the Tentli Mural - One of nine Civil War Panels "Destroying the Fort" Photo by Jane Reed •
Tenth Mural - One of nine Civil War Panels "Confederates in Cuba" Photo by Jane Reed Second Mural -Apple picking time Photo by Cuba Free Press
Tenth Mural - One of nine Civil War Panels "Battle of Pilot Kllob" Photo by Jane Reed
Third Mural- Area "Gold Star Boys" who lost their lives ill WWl/ "Blue Bonnet" a Frisco Train Photo by Cuba Free Press 20 MUNRO HOUS£ Offers Travelers Beautiful Accommodations and a Bit of Local History By Kim Pinnell
Architecture. The owner was getting on in years and as it happened wanted to sell, but only to the right person. He had been approached many times by many people with big ideas about the house that had been built by his grandfather and remained in his family for 91 years. He had made up his mind that he would not sell to out-of-towners or strangers. Even though the house was not on the market, Kelley was on a mission. John Melvin Murta and his son, Ronald "Spud" Durbin lived in the home at the time. The home was built in 1914 by his grandfather, John Manson Munro. lM. Munro was born in Canada, a stopover on his parents' immigration from Scotland, circa 1860. The Munro family was influential and instrumental in the fledgling development and growth of Cuba as a successful industrial, agricultural and travel center TIle Munro House located on the corner of Route 66 and Filmore (Filmore, formally "Oak Hill''), was the wagon trail to the Frisco Railroad. at the turn of the century and beyond. Members ofthe Munro- Murta family have served their community and country for If you are looking to experience a blend of relaxation, nearly 100 years. Mr. Murta wanted this home to remain in comfort and fine country cuisine; there is a place for you the family if at all possible, in fact, he had made up his mind at the table of The Munro House Bed and Breakfast. The that only a family member would "do right" by this home. Munro House is located at 305 W. Washington on Route People say that success happens when preparation meets 66 in Cuba, Missouri. opportunity and that is exactly what happened. It was fate. Proprietor, Kelley Durbin purchased The Munro House "When I walked in the door, I knew instantly that this was in February 2005 after a long search for a historic THE house. For all the cracked plaster, dust, cobwebs, green residence to convert into an Inn. After looking at several shag carpet and bizarre lighting, it was the finest house in old homes in and around Cuba, she became discouraged. town!" And that was just the kitchen." Durbin exclaims. The first meeting between Ms. Durbin and Mr. Murta was an opportunity for the prospective owner to share her vision for the restoration of the home. The meeting was more than a meeting; it was a time for family to catch up on each other's lives as well. As it turns out, Mr. Murta and Ms. Durbin are related. Kelley talked about
"Many of the homes on the market that fit with my search criteria were either in severe disrepair or had been "fixed up" to the extent that they had lost nearly all significant historical and architectural features", laments Durbin. Throughout the months of searching, several friends and family members had commented on "the big brick house right on Route 66." It was the IDEAL location. It was obviously well built and by all appearances, a choice example of History and The Munro House entrance. 21 Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 her dream to return the home to its original beauty with The open sign was officially turned on in August of2005 decor representing the time the family spent there. Each and to help celebrate the rebirth of Route 66 and it's room would be a tribute to the people who had occupied treasures, the Munro House participated in a treasure hunt it. The question still remained, would he be interested in that spans the entire length of Route 66. Towns along the selling the home and any of the antiques in the home? "Main Street of America" are invited to hold their own So, Kelley asked the question. "Would you be interested treasure hunt, which will bring visitors to their communities in selling your home and any of the contents?" After a and support the renewed interest in preserving the past and long pause, Mr. Murta stated he would and a deal was haring it with future generations. It was a rousing ucces struck at the kitchen table. A date was set for a tour of the and The Munro House had an opportunity to show off its property and contents. It was unbelievable!'! An idea beauty to many visitors from near and far. Ms. Durbin thought would be in development for at least You don't have to wait for a treasure hunt to come and visit another year was happening-Now! The Munro House. Any time is a good time for an adventure, Since that time, Kelley and her family have been busy so the proprietor and staff wants to invite all of you with the preparing the house for guests. There were some small wanderlust spirit to come and find your own treasures as you plumbing leaks over the past few years that caused some visit our community. The City of Cuba, officially declared floor and ceiling damage and extensive plaster repair "The Route 66 Mural City", is home to currently 11 murals was needed. Then cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning painted on various buildings within the City-vall within to remove years of accumulated dust and cobwebs plus walking distance of the Munro House.We hope you will inches of plaster dust covering every surface, crack and enjoy viewing his form of "public art" during your stay with crevice. Finally, paint, new tile and lighting made the us. home come to life. It was time to peel back the thick When the day is done and the sun is setting, remember green carpet and reveal the floors. It was like finding the there's always room at The Munro House Bed and Breakfast. buried treasure. The beautiful walnut tongue and groove Check us out at www.munrohouseb-b.corn --then check in floors were in almost perfect shape! A few repairs to to find your own treasure! !! some broken boards, several coats of stain and polyurethane completed the restoration of the warm walnut floors. Miss Durbin and her family are still sorting through personal items found in the drawers, closets and attic. Some of the items discovered include photos, WWII uniforms, household products and antique clothing. These items are an integral part of the decor along with the turn of the century bedroom suite and upright piano Traditional Springfield left behind. Other memorabelia relating to Route 66 as motel earns honors Le der recently awarded well as family heirlooms continue to be discovered as Springfield News naorable mention in their 6 Railhaven H 0 I d the months pass and the home continues to reveal it's Rout e 6 0 ks" rating for hote s an "Best Of The zar traditional motel has past. motels Th,s charml~g VIsitors to Springheld served travelers an tel located at 203 5 since 1938 This. mo d' Missouri is a land- Glenstone, in Spnngh~1 the growth and devel- mark that has survive he face of both opment that has changed 6~ over the years An earty pholr Spnngfleld and old ROU~~ man Brothers, the me Lipp' Built in 1938, by the pp ed travel-w..--- Rail Haven Motor Cour families e oute 0
Book now For a traditional Route 66 m.otel experience. Special Features & Amenities • All ground floor two room suites & classic parlor rooms » Business, Jacuzzi and theme suites • Outdoor pool & hot tub > HBO & ESPN • Children 17 & under FREE • FREE deluxe continental breakfast • Free local calls [ 411-866-1963 Reservations: 1·800·304·0021 Web page: www.route66railhaven.com Route 66 Rail Haven, 203 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802 Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 22 History of the Munro House this home and will be able to carry on the tradition of "keeping it in the family" as she and Ronald Durbin are first cousins. Since she had the opportunity to visit with the previous owners The home, built in 1914, is an outstanding example of in the recent past, she was fully aware of the extent of cleaning Queen Anne style architecture; featuring patterned needed to uncover the beauty that had faded through years of masonry, bay windows, stained glass windows, 10' being occupied by bachelors. As Mr.Murta's age advanced and ceilings, transoms, solid wood pocket doors and pine plank he began to feel the signs of age slowing him down, he was flooring throughout. The main foray features the grand unable to keep up with the daily needs of a home of this size. He staircase. The exterior is regal as it stands three stories high and his son, Spud, demonstrated their commitment and love for with a Gabled Mansard combination style roof and the home by providing the maintenance needed to keep the trimmed out with scallops on the gables that accent home in such good repair. octagonal windows at the peak. Will Mitchell, a mason New ownership has been a re-awakening for The Munro who traveled from Rolla, Missouri by train to do the work, House. The first order of business was to get a clear view of the did the brickwork. Mr. Dodge from the Oak Hill area of interior ofthe home which meant removing all of the carpet. It Cuba crafted the unique chimney that goes from the was like uncovering buried treasures. Other than a few minor basement to the attic where it spirals out through the roof. repairs to some boards, the plank flooring proved to be as solid The original owner, John Manson Munro was personally as the structure itself. Some trim and the handrail on the involved in traveling to southern Missouri by horse and staircase were loose but little was needed to sturdy those up. wagon and transporting all the rough-cut pine used The kitchen updates made in the 70's received a little face-lift throughout the home. The Munro House incidentally sits at through some paint and new flooring. New appliances finished the intersection of historic Route 66 and what was once off the minor restoration needed there. The powder room that Oak Hill Road, the main thoroughfare for cattle drivers was added in the 70's was to a point of no return; some things shipping their herds on the Frisco rail lines. cannot be fixed with elbow grease and paint. This room was John Manson Munro commissioned the home for he and taken down to the studs on the lower half and new drywall was his wife, Laura Jane to raise their family. He and his wife sectioned in. Once done, marble tile flooring was installed, a Laura Jane Smith-Munro had two children, a son John S. new toilet and vanity came next and finally beautiful lighting to (also known as Jack) and a daughter, Ora Jane. John and accent the rooms new look. Other lighting needs have been Laura lived there until Laura died in 1928 of consumption addressed throughout the interior and exterior of the home that and John died in 1941. Laura died at home and has provided a look that is more in keeping with the home's interestingly, John died while crossing the road in front of original elegance and design. Cleaning, cleaning and cleaning his home. At the time of John's death, Ora Jane inherited are still on the list of to-dos. Every room in the home is being the home. Because Ora Jane and her husband, Paul Murta tended to from top to bottom. Once the grime and cobwebs had already established their own home, The Munro House were removed, all repairs needed to the plaster were made sat empty until 1970. After Ora Jane was widowed, she immediately to allow for the next step of more cleaning then convinced her son, John Melvin Murta to move into the painting. All of the woodwork is being restored to its original home, make necessary repairs and update the home to warmth and beauty through many steps, including, of course, reflect the decor of the time. These changes also reflected cleaning with wood soap and a fresh layer of stain and a final the needs of the new occupants. The most significant protective layer of polyurethane. The difference is nothing changes such as modem cabinets, plumbing and flooring short of astounding when complete. The cleaning process has were made to the kitchen area. These changes also required uncovered other fascinating treasures including a collection of enclosing the pass through doors to the dining room. Other personal memorabilia left behind by the generations of notable and needed updates included the addition of central occupants who lived there. Such things as original family heating and cooling, a small powder room on the first floor photos dating back to the early 1900's, WWII uniforms, and lighting. Wall to wall carpeting was also added postcards and letters written from abroad, a ladies silver cuticle throughout the home, which essentially saved the beautiful set with matching brush and mirror as well as numerous wood plank flooring. The bathroom on the second floor household items. The Munro House attic held an array of items underwent some remodeling as well. Once completed,The that provided a personal history of the home, it's occupants and Munro House was officially modernized with all the latest the changing times. The new owner is excited to be able to inplumbing, electricity and heating and cooling. share these treasures with her guests. The use of this When Ora Jane passed away in 1989, her son, John magnificent home is going to be two-fold for the new owner Melvin Murta inherited the home and continued to live and her family. This too, will be their home but they will also be there. Some time later, he deeded the home to his son, opening their home to many friends's, old and new, to come Ronald James Durbin, who also lived in the house full-time and celebrate and enjoy The Munro house as the only Bed and with his father, from 1989 to 2005. During that time, the Breakfast in Cuba, Missouri, serving up the kind of hospitality home was deeded back to John Melvin Murta who was the that small town U. S.A. is known for. sole owner at the time of the sale in 2005 to the present owner, Kelley Durbin. The new owner has long admired ~3 Historical Significance of Munro A house is not a home until someone makes it so. With that in mind, to be truly a home, a house has to have a history, a history made up of the people and events that make it so. Historically speaking, The Munro House is the epitome oflocation, location, location. I'm sure itwas no accident that John Manson Munro, a local business owner, built his prestigious solid brick home at the intersection of what would become the highway that connected America from east to west and the trail that connected the farmer's and cattlemen to the Frisco train. The Munro House has stood quietly and watched as generations of the Munro-Murta family have gone off to defend the country, a tradition carried on even today. As depicted in the mural visible from the front door of The Munro House, the Frisco Rai Iroad was key to those earlier generations. It stood solidly as the thunderous roar of cattle were herded past to the railroad to be shipped by train to parts unknown. Later it watched as a new trail was being blazed right at its very doorstep. This trail was really something, people were getting out and once they got out they wanted to see things. Again, 1. M. Munro found his home at the hub of the action. The Munro House represents a beautiful block sewn into the fabric of "Main Street U.S.A" and weaved into the quilt of Americana by the ribbon of highway called Route 66. For all of it's beauty and its place in the landscape in the history of Route 66 as well as its unique position of being witness to the exciting and revolutionary time period of the Transportation Era, The Munro House was honored to be found eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places by the Department Of Natural Resources. Specifically, the property was found to embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction or represents the work of the master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. The Munro House embodies the American Dream. 1.M. Munro believed that he could make a better life for his family. He set about putting all of the ingredients of success into play and lived that dream. Hard work, commitment to family and community was his foundation. His roots in his home were deep, and his life's work reflected that. He owned the local John Deere implement and general store, which for many years was the sole distributor of bulk fuel oil. He was Mayor of Cuba, served on the Board of Education and was appointed by Cauffield as administrator of commissaries for the Missouri prison system at Jefferson City. The Munro House is a monument to the qualities of what makes this land great, it is solid in structure and rich with history from those who made it a home. 24
POWERS MUSEUM May 18,2006 (Thursday) 7 p.m. STATEWIDE OKLAHOMA ROUTE 66 IARAIE SALE Wayne Glenn of Nixa, Missouri, presents "Ozarks June 3, 2006 (Saturday) Musicians" based on his new book of the same subject. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association, in conjunction with Come learn about Carthage musicians featured in the Chambers of Commerce along Oklahoma's section of book as well as other musicians of all genres from the Route 66, is having a statewide garage sale. If there are Ozarks region. Mr. Glenn will bring books to sell (and any questions, inquire at each town's Chamber of autograph). FREE admission. Commerce office or contact Marilyn Emde at the Also on view for International Museum Day and Mr. Oklahoma Route 66 Association's office at 405-258- Glenn's program (through May 30th) will be a display of 0008 or at the email address of music memorabilia from Marian Wright Power's career [email protected] as a coloratura soprano in this region. June 3, 2006 (Saturday) Noon to 4 p.m. ROUTE 66 STATE PARK Celebrate the Powers Museum's 18th Anniversary with June 17,2006 --12 pm to 6 pm refreshments, music, special video presentations and Come on out to Route 66 State Park's "Old Tyme Picnic". register for door prizes given on the hour. Enjoy live music from the Meramec Jets and the Stringtown String Band. See demonstrations from the June 1O,2006(Saturday)--10a.m. to 10p.m. World Bird Sanctuary, Wild Canid Center, Missouri The Carthage Acoustic Festival. Open Stage from 10 Stream Team, as well as the ancient art of the spinning am until 1 pm. Scheduled stage performance begins at 1 wheel. Be amazed by the chainsaw art of Laura Reichert, pm until 10 pm. This all takes place on the eastside of the thrill to Whip Guy and Guinness Book record setter Chris Carthage Courthouse lawn and people should bring their Camp's amazing bullwhip show and participate in Roy own lawn chairs. Bring instruments if you want to jam White's kite making demonstrations. For the automobile with performers on other areas ofthe lawn/square. enthusiast, check out the display of vintage, antique and Sponsored by the Powers Museum with funding historical cars, trucks and motorcycles and stop at the assistance from the Helen S. Boylan Foundation. Other Route 66 Association of Missouri's table. Children will considerations provided by the City of Carthage, the have fun playing in the Games area. There will also be Jasper County Commission and the Mornin' Mail. Rain food and beverages available for purchase. (All proceeds Site: Private Events building,136 W 4th Street (former benefiting the MEAAA-Route 66 Senior Center Home Burlingame and Chaffee Opera House, built c. 1878-79). Delivered Meals program for the Elderly). Please call No charge. 636-938-7198 or email THE IIORWEIIAIIS ARE COMIIII TO "CRUISE 66" [email protected] for more information, or if you have a vehicle you would like to display. We are June 6 - 26, 2006 at I-44 exit 266 (Lewis Rd.) near Eureka, Mo. What is "Cruise66"? "Cruise66" is the name of a 4 week For more detailed directions, please visit long cruising event taking place on Historic Route 66 www.mostateparks.com/route66.htm. See ya there! during the month of June 2006. The plan is to ship 15-25 pristine classic American automobiles ranging from June -- August, 2006 1946-1966 models from their native homes in Norway Route 66 Photo Exhibit by Jerry Benner at the Route 66 and drive the 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. State Park Visitor's Center. Call 636-938-7198 or email The cars will be shipped from Gothenburg Sweden in the Route. 66. [email protected] for more information. beginning of May 2006, to reach an on-time departure from Chicago on June 06, 2006. Closer descriptions of RETURII TO ROUTE 66 the automobiles and the cruising schedule can be found April 30 - June 25, 2006 under "The Cars " and "The Route" on the web site Shellee Graham's photography exhibition "Return to www.cruise66.com. We are very interested in Route 66" will be at the Center for History, 808 West establishing contact with other car and Route 66 Washington, South Bend, IN 46601 enthusiast which we will pass by during our cruise adventure. If you have ideas on what we should do and visit during our cruise, or if you represent a car club or foundation along Route 66, please contact our Cruise66 President and Cruise Organizer: [email protected] 25 Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 DEDICATIOII FOR MISSOURI HISTORIC ROUTE66 at the Historic Harvey House Casa del Desierto in Barstow, STATESCEIIIC BYWAY CA. For information: www.route66museum.orgorcall May 5, 2006 (Friday) 11a.m. 760-2556-1890 or Eddie Cordova at 760-255-\691 Kearney and Glenstone (Historic Route 66), Springfield, THE OFFICIAL "ROUTE 66 80TH AIIIIIVERSARY MO.Missouri Department of Transportation and The FESTIVAL" Route 66 Association of Missouri will hold a dedication .June 23-25, 2006 "ribbon cutting" for the new State Scenic Byway-Historic Held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Call \-888-344-9330 Route 66. for more information or see the VALLEY OF FLOWERSCAR SHOW www.2006route66festival.com May 6, 2006 (Saturday) "HEADLIGHTS Oil THE MOTHER ROAD" 9th annual car show, in historic Florissant, MO. Enjoy rides June 30 - July 2, 2006 games and hundreds of cars from all over Missouri, three ew Mexico celebrates the 80th anniversary of Route 66. trophies per class, 50 classes. Call 314-537-3425 for details. For more information contact EXPO ew Mexico at 505- IIATIOIIAL ROUTE66 AIID MAIII STREETUSA PAGEAIITS 265-EXPO. June 15-17,2006 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) 6TH AIIIIUAL "BEST LlnLE FESTIVAL Oil ROUTE 66" Pageants for Miss, Ms and Mrs divisions, in Baxter July 6-9, 2006 Springs, Kansas. For more details, visit the web site at Held in Tucumcari, NM. For more information contact the www.route66pageant.org. Tucumcari / Quay County Chamber of Commerce. 6TH AIIIIIVERSARY CELEBRATIOII CLASSIC CAR SHOW June 17,2006 (Saturday) -- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. :t0nsored by the Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum • I ff. LOUI{ ~((,.AL.fGI{LMIV.f ~.f(.f.pTI0n By Glenda Pike The Route 66 Association of Missouri was honored with an invitation from the St. Louis Region Chamber & Growth Association (RCGA) to participate with an information table in their 2006 Missouri Legislative Reception held Thursday, January 17thin the Capitol Plaza ballroom, Jefferson City, Missouri. This reception is for all members of the Missouri General Assembly, Executive Offices and regulatory agencies, and is a way to express appreciation for the work they do on behalf of the St. Louis region. This year's theme was "All Roads Lead to St. Louis" to The Route 66 Association information table. Tommy Pike, Dialle Warhover, tie in with the RCGA's new branding initiative: St. Louis Glenda Pike, Robert Gelll - Photo by Jerry Benner -Perfectly Centered, Remarkably Connected. The RCGA considered Route 66 important in the development of the St. Louis area. Robert Gehl, Jerry Benner and Diane Warhover, along with Tommy and I, attended the reception. Our usual information table was enhanced by a photo display provided by Jerry Benner. We talked with many people--some very familiar with Route 66 and some who were not so familiar with Route 66. We handed out Association brochures and our new flyer on our recently acquired status as a Missouri State Scenic Byway. For our efforts, we feel that we gained several new supporters interested in helping our Association preserve and promote Historic Route 66 in Missouri. We were in good company. Among other groups represented that had Tommy Pike explaining our Association purpose. display tables were Trailnet, Missouri Department of Transportation, Photo by Jerry Benner Regional Arts Commission, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2005-06 St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders, Cultural Festivals, Mardi Gras Inc., Blues Festival/Laclede's Landing and the St. Louis Convention and Visitor's Commission. The event was festive, the ice sculpture was impressive and the food provided for the attendees wonderful. The Route 66 Association of Missouri appreciated the opportunity extended by the RCGA to be a Robert Gelll explaining our art of this event and to visit with those attending the reception. Association purpose. P Photo by Jerry Benner 26
By James Thole Picture the End of the Mother Road My wife and I recently attended the National Federation's where Santa Monica Boulevard dead-ends at Ocean Avenue. annual John Steinbeck Awards program in September 2005, Somehow the Spirit of 66 requires that we be taken to the Pacific held in conjunction with the 16th Annual Ocean in order to fully complete the Mother Road experience. Route 66 Thirdly, the story-book ending (photo 3) at the Santa Monica Rendezvous Pier,just two blocks south of Santa Monica Boulevard, at the comer in San of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. It is often pictured as Bernardino. the end of the Mother Road -- probably for the simple reason that it Following makes for a good "photo op". It satisfies our desire for a climactic those events, and fantastic end to a long, fab led journey. we took the Last, but not least, a photo of the Will Rogers Highway opportunity dedication plaque (photo 4) in Palisades Park at the end of Santa to drive the Monica Boulevard is the fourth essential picture since it officially only marks the end of "this Main Street of America, Highway 66." rerna.irn ng I, for one, was also seeking the traditional brown Historic portion of Route sign with END above it, in order to complement my BEGIN Photo I - Official end of Route 66 the sign in Chicago. But, alas, there was none to be found -- at any of at Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards. Mother the above locations. Perhaps they have been mounted and, R 0 a d unfortunately, removed by people unauthorized to do so. Or which I perhaps none have ever been mounted so that highway commission had never officials do not have to deal with the dilemma of choosing which of traveled the above comers to identify as the end. In any event, don't bother before -- to look for one.(Nor are there any BEGIN Historic Route signs if from San you turn around and face East at any ofthe above comers.) Bernardino to Santa Monica -- a distance of about 80 miles, give or take a few Photo 2 - Popular end of Route 66 where depending Photo 3 - Story-book end of Route 66 Santa Monica Boulevard dead ends on which at Santa Monica Pier at Ocean Avenue. alignments you choose to follow, especially in the Arroyo Seco section We actually stayed in Santa Monica for a between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles. Driving these couple of nights, right on Ocean Avenue in between Colorado and last 80 miles does require a fair measure of patience and Santa Monica Boulevards. There was something rather special in endurance as you proceed through 20 different communities, just lingering there and reveling in the accomplishment of finally which essentially form one contiguous city for the entire having arrived at "the End of the Mother Road." distance. In fact, it took me a full day to drive it, with photo Of course, it's always nice to be able to share such moments stops at all the significant icons along the road. However, for with friends; and fortunately such was the case, as fellow the intrepid Route 66 roadie, it is an interesting journey with a Missouri Route 66 Association most rewarding feeling of accomplishment at the end. members Of course,"the end" is actually comprised of several Jane Dippel different places. So it seems to me that any Route 66 traveler and Diane WIL who is attempting to "picture the end of the Mother Road" Warhover should include at least these four photos in his collection. had also First, the actual, official end (photo 1) at the comer of come down to Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards. As explained in Scott say on Ocean Piotrowski's book, Finding the End of the Mother Road: Route Avenue after 66 in Los Angeles County, his research concludes that Route 66 the Route 66 really ended here at what was then US 10lA (now Interstate 10) Rendezvous, --just three blocks west of Santa Monica Boulevard on Lincoln just as we had th Boulevard (the equivalent of 8 Street) -- when it was done. Photo 4 - Will Rogers Highway dedication plaque decertified in Los Angeles County in 1964. in Palisades Park at the end of Secondly, the commonly accepted, popular end (photo 2) Santa Monica Boulevard 27 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 171 NUMBER 1 L()()I\ 134.£1\ I~ TI,"~ Continuing our series ofRoute 66 articles written by John M. McGuire, reporter/or the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, is "A Love Affair With Route 66". This article featured James R. Powell.founder 0/ The Route 66 Association 0/Missouri. The story is printed as it appeared in the August 20, 1989, Post-Dispatch. Powell provided the pictures/or this article
~_--=-;4 t-C(JQ.;466alJ' roU/' 7CcutQ. 66 By John M. McGuire
Sunday, August 20, 1989 race from Los Angeles to New York, using Route 66 to Chicago. It was won by Andrew Payne of Claremore, Okla. JAMES R. POWELL is in love with this old highway. The old roadside attractions and most of the highway are Powell, a vice president of internal auditing at Ralston still there, much of it now hidden from easy view. What Purina Co., shows his affection for Route 66 in a tumble remains of 66 meanders southwesterly from Chicago to the of historical statistics and wonderful anecdotes, stories West Coast. about roadside mirrors and illuminated crosses. If you don't believe people are serious about this road, Years ago, so the story goes, the Illinois Department of consider what they've done in Arizona. Seven segments of Transportation put up large mirrors old Route 66 have been designated a alongside a hill on a two-lane section national historic landmarks. And a 165- of 66, in the curious belief that the mile section, from Seligman to Topock, mirrors would make passing safer. "Needless to say, the experiment didn't work," Powell said. At St. Paul's Lutheran Church near Hamel, the edifice with the blue neon cross, the parking lot once emptied onto the highway. Here, the lighted cross certainly marked the spot. This became a classic symbol for the need to separate church and state. Countless churchgoers leaving in their autos collided with southbound travelers, before that section of 66 became a service road, separated from the interstate by a fence. Highway engineers had what they considered another nifty idea for 66. They designed rounded curbs for the highway on its course through Missouri and Oklahoma. The curbs, it was theorized, would keep At the Gardenway Motel, Villa Ridge, Missouri. vehicles from jumping the banks of the highway and going off the road. They kept vehicles on the road, all has been preserved by Arizona and named State 66. right, flipped over and upside down. This is the very same road that runs past the front door of Route 66 was constructed between 1926 and 1937. Ernie Edwards'Pig-Hip restaurant in Broadwell, Ill., the Some of its 2,448 miles had concrete with a distinctive same pavement that took a city-route course in St. Louis pinkish cast to it. And no one could tell that better than through Calvary Cemetery. the 249 participants in the 1928 Bunion Derby, a foot The first parts to be paved were in Illinois and SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1 28
were finished in 1926. The second paved section was a 1933, two years after the westward waves of autos began 12-mile stretch in Kansas. The Missouri portion, the traveling Route 66. A pioneer of the roadside attraction, Dill third link and what was known as "the old wire road," helped start the National 66 Association in 1936, formed to was dedicated on March 15, 1931. promote Route 66 amusement sites, besides advancing its The highway lost its 66 designation and its federal nickname as the Main Street of America. highway status in January 1977, although sizable For Powell, there is the same litany of odd names and old chunks of it clung tenaciously to its 66 label well into places along remnants of 66 through Illinois: Earnie's the '80s. After a terrific fight, Williams,Ariz., failed in Roadhouse in Hamel; Russell Soulsby's tiny, white-frame its efforts to keep its 66 signs, achieving the distinction Shell station in Mount Olive - "he was there when they were of being the last part of the highway to be bypassed. laying the pavement,"Powell said - and the Ariston Cafe in Contrary to popular notion, Route 66's first westward Litchfield, which, like the Pig-Hip, has a front door facing route out of St. Louis was along Manchester Road to the old two-lane 66 and its backside looking to the remains Gray Summit, not Watson Road. Some years later, ofthe four-lane highway and, beyond that, Interstate 55. Watson Road was built to handle Route 66 traffic, and And perhaps the most garish 66 leftover is Mort's that section included such local landmarks as the Coral Roadhouse, just off the interstate near the Glenarm exit, Courts Motel. Ted Drewes frozen custard stand was south of Springfield. Going north over the Lake Springfield along t he Chippewa branch, which, besides Watson, interstate bridge, the ghost of 66 runs nearby, to the east, included Chouteau Avenue, 12th (now Tucker), and submerged at the bottom ofthe lake, its good as Gravois Avenue. new, says Powell. Powell knows Edwards and his Pig-Hip, and many of the other longtime 66 businesses that haunt stretches of service roads and state and county highways, once part of the Chicago to Santa Monica Boulevard and Ocean Avenue highway known in its heyday as "The Main Street of America. " In Missouri, there is DJ's Cafe in Pacific; the Munger Moss Motel and Diner in Lebanon; the ghostly remains of John's Modem Cabins, not far from the abandoned-highway ghost town of Arlington; McShane's Cafe in Conway, home of the little round pie; ~ the Rail Haven Motel, Pearl & Vern's and the r rhe 7;.,~c Silver Saddle, all in Springfield; the Whitehall O",,{p 7;." Mercantile in Halltown, where Thelma and Jerry White ckSroPQ "r/~ sell Route 66 memorabilia; and west through Spencer, e'%'L" Q"r. Albatross, Phelps, Rescue, Plew, Avilla, Carthage, ' t;//Q~. Carterville, Webb City, Joplin and onto Galena, Kan., ''W~IIftss. Oq". "the town that both 66 and life bypassed." (In Joplin, "I. Powell recommends a visit to such 66 landmarks as Over the years, Route 66 has been the backdrop Dolly's Chili and the Tophat Diner. And while in not only for songs but numerous books, not the least of them Carthage, a look at the Boot's Motel is in order. There is John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath." A former newspaper also the Mule Trading Post near Rolla and the original reporter from St. Louis now living in Chicago, Susan Croce Zeno's Steak House at Martin Springs.) Kelly, and a local photographer, Quinta Scott, began And who can forget the late Lester Dill of Stanton, the collaborating in 1978 on "Route 66, the Highway and Its P.T.Barnum of Route 667 The major-domo ofMeramec People." Caverns and Onondaga Cave, Dill, who died in 1980, Still another book is in the works, "Route 66 - the Mother lined the highway with billboards, most ofthem with a Road."Written by Michael Wallis of Tulsa, Okla., and Route 66 shield in the comer - "Jesse James Hideout"; published by St. Martin's Press, "The Mother Road" is "Daniel Boone's Discovery"; and "The Greatest Show scheduled for release next year. Under the Earth." Dill opened Meramec Caverns in 29 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1
of these areas in order to develop a Missouri Route 66 Powell, a regional vice president Association," he said. "Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma of the Route 66Association, is and, mostly recently, Illinois are doing very well in about to act out a long-held revitalizing their segments of old Route 66." fantasy involving a red sports car and travel along authentic "Reprinted with Permission of the St. stretches of Route 66. Louis-Post Dispatch, copyright With his brother from 1989" Gainesville, Fla., Don, who owns the car, they plan to hit the road in a bright-red '60 Corvette and live a fantasy as Tod and Buzz from the early '60s television adventure show, "Route 66." "I told my brother I'm going to be Tod. He was the intellectual one 4111t with money," Powell said. (The real TV characters e cO/"ql C O~//"/ t» were played by Martin Millner and George Maharis.) '0/ c O~/is. ~. Beyond this nostalgic journey, Powell would like to see ISSOL1/"i Missouri have a strong Route 66 Association "working to preserve, restore and promote the old highway." "We're eager to hear from and begin working with people from each
Crawford County Historieal Soeiety and Museum. 308 N. Smith St., Cuba, MO 65453 \J-~~Oi 'N7}. 573-885-6099 HISTORICAL -'.~SOCIETY 2:V~ The museum is located in a two- MUSEUM story rock building circa 1934. Built 308 'Smllh S\ as part of the Cuba School com- plex. This area is now called Recklein Commons.
N Cuba, MISSOURI Come enjoy History with us And take a step back in time. HOURS Wednesday - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Recklien Museum Library Three Floors of History Saturday _ 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. A genealogy Department with Sunday - 12 a.m. - 4 p.m. iii Crawford County Tax records from 1864 s:• • Private tours available E And Census Indexes from 1840 to 1880 E w -+-+"'-~=+Old 66c Was==,-;:;-hington St. Displays • Civil War Artifacts Circa 1900 Parlor • Circa 1890's School Room The Crawford County Historical Society and Museum Is located at 308 N. Smith SI. Ami Much More Many officers, board members and individual May 2005 members of The Route 66 Association of Missouri , Attended Urban District Alliance and Missouri Humanities Council "Route 66 Charette", Springfield, MO. were involved in varied activities throughout 2005. I Attended the refurbishment by Hampton Inn employees of the am not going to list names for the fear of leaving Admiral Twin Drive-In Theater, Tulsa, OK. someone out and if! left out a project or activity, it was June 2005 purely an oversight on my part. Everyone who helped Maintained information and membership table at "66 Days" in and participated in the activities as well as members, Rolla, MO. Maintained information and membership table at Old Tyme Picnic at who attended the meetings and events, are greatly Route 66 State Park, Eureka, MO. appreciated. If it were not for our "labors of love" our Additional meetings with Urban District Alliance and CVB Association could not exist. Following is a recap of concerning Route 66 Charette and plans for Springfield, MO. known activities for the past year. Recording Oral History, Webb City, MO. July 2005 Maintained information and membership table at Summer Fest and On Going Projects: Cruise ight, Pacific, MO. Mailing of Packets of Requested Information Association Meeting and Board Meeting, St. Louis, MO. Membership Contacts and Updating Membership List Additional meetings with Urban District Alliance and CVB Soliciting new business and individual members. concerning Route 66 Charette and plans for Springfield, MO. Mailing New Member Packets. Maintained information and membership table at P TCruisers Car Preservation Issues Show and Cruise. Scenic Byway Project including many individual meetings with MoDOT and various Cities and Individuals Aueust 2005 Recording Oral History, Springfield, Joplin and Halltown, MO. Preparing and Mailing Meeting Notices Judges for Miss Route 66 Pageant in Lebanon, MO. Show-Me Route 66 Magazine Editing and Publication Meeting in Springfield, MO with Henning and Harry Kjensli, Annual Motor Tour Planning and Committee Meetings Coordinating Sign Replacement and Maintenance issues with orway, discussing 2006 cruise on route 66. Meeting with MO Net News etwork. MoDOT Meeting with Michael Taylor and Kaisa Barthuli, ational Park Telephone and Email Inquires Meeting with Route 66 travelers. Service, in Springfield, MO. September 2005 Media Interviews and working with the Springfield, MO, PBS th television station KOZK to produce a documentary on Route Held Route 66 Association of Missouri's 16 Annual Motor Tour. 66 in Missouri. Maintained Membership and Information table at Route 66 Festival Working with Cuba, MO Tourism Tax Commission. Lebanon, MO ' January 2005 Maintained information and membership booth (3 days) at San Annual Association Meeting and Board Meeting, Rolla, MO. Bernardino Rendezvous and Route 66 Festival, San Bernardino, CA. February 2005 Attended John Steinbeck Awards Brunch held in connection with the Attended and provided program at Salem Lutheran Church, San Bernardino Festival. Afton, MO. Maintained Route 66 photo display and membership table at March 2005 Manchester 2005 Homecoming, Manchester, MO. Meeting with Prof. David Dunaway and others at SMSU October 2005 Maintained information and membership table at Cuba Fest Cuba Library discussing the housing and preservation of oral MO. ', histories. April 2005 Attended Missouri Statewide Historic Preservation Conference (2 Association and Board Meeting, Cuba, MO. days), Springfield, MO. Attended and provided program AARP meeting, Sullivan, MO. Attended open house at Route 66 State Park. November 2005 Association Meeting and Board Meeting, Joplin, MO. 31 SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1 Verne,(ful s ~te,l By Kenny Storie
cut off.Furthermore, the immediate access to Vemelle's from West bound 66 would be cut off as well. The nearest access to Vemelle's for travelers along 1-44 would be the Vemelle's Motel was built in the mid 1950's on a sound Sugar Tree Road exit (exit 176), nearly a half mile from the business principle; you do your best business on Main motel. West bound 66 would be reduced to an outer road Street. Fred Gasser built the 12 room motel with a that would carry travelers from the exit to Vemelle's. restaurant and named it after his wife, Vemelle, when Route To make matters worse, 1-44 construction required the 66 was in its heyday and travelers needed pleasant, clean, restaurant to be tom down. A maj or portion of revenue for and convenient accommodations. the Vemelle's operation, as well as a popular Route 66 In the early 1960's, Ed Goodridge bought Vemelle's. Ed eating establishment, would soon be gone forever. and his family were living in Fenton, Missouri, while Ed After 1-44 was completed, motel occupancy was reduced made a living driving a dump truck for Winter Brothers. to an average of five rooms per night (a 42% occupancy Tired of the city life, Ed and his family liked the rural rate), a 25% decrease in the motel's average occupancy location ofVemelle's and settled down to run the successful before 1-44. That decrease was on top of the loss of the motel and restaurant. revenue that was no longer being generated by the Route 66 was a four-lane highway when Ed purchased the restaurant. However, the motel survived and Ed continued motel. Travel along the highway was increasing and to make a living along what used to be America's Main business was good.At least eight ofthe twelve Street. With the restaurant gone and motel occupancy reduced, Ed took a building that was on the property before the motel and restaurant was built, and opened a small snack shop. The snack shop offered a variety of items including picnic supplies, deli sandwiches, sodas, beer, and souvenirs. The shop operated successfully until 1985 . Over the years, Vemelle's continued to draw travelers looking for a friendly welcome and a clean room for the night. A large billboard in front of the motel notified 1-44
o{Vernell's Motel 60' postcar d Early 19 s d Restaurallt. all rooms in the motel were occupied each night, (a 67% occupancy rate), and the restaurant, which had a maximum capacity of 90, satisfied many travelers with real home cooking.Four-lane Route 66 was not a limited access highway, which allowed for two "crossovers" to permit travelers from East bound 66 to cross over West bound 66 to eat and/or stay at Vemelle's. With such an ideal situation, Route 66 provided the lifeline necessary to sustain Vemelle's Motel and the restaurant. However in 1967, four-lane Highway 66 became Vernell's Motel office Interstate 44 (1-44). 1-44, due to federal highway travelers ofthe motel, and the renewed interest in Route 66 guidelines, would be a limited access highway. The limited in the 1990's brought guests as well. access designation meant the "crossovers" that allowed The stretch of! -44 that ran outside Vemelle's, and west for East bound 66 travelers to cross over to Vemelle's would be SHOW ME ROUTE 66 VOLUME 171 NUMBER 1 32
experience, Vemelle' is the ideal place to tay. An original stretch of Route 66 still run outside the motel and the infamous John's Modem Cabins is less than an eighth of a mile down the road (although it is recommended that you only look from the road). Behind the motel is a 1957 double-decker Southwest mobile home that Ed lived in for several years. Still in terrific condition, it demands a look- over. A few more mile down the road are the Little Piney River and the Ga conade River. Both are known for great floating and fishing. For anyone wanting a river adventure, Vemelle's is an ideal place to stay if the nearby campgrounds are full or if you just want a clean room and a comfortable bed. Although the roads outside his door have left him, Ed has
Vernelle's Motel rooms enjoyed life along the road and has enjoyed greeting his approximately two miles, was one of the worst stretche of guests and talking with them, including an Elvis inter tate highway in Missouri. Being curvy and somewhat impersonator that stayed in 2004.Ed him elf is a genuine hilly, it proved dangerous for motorist and trucker, and Mother Road survivor who has many interesting and cau ed numerou accidents over the years. fa cinating storie to tell. He would like to see some Eventually, the highway department began looking into bu ine s come back to the motel now that 1-44 has all but what could be done to make the tretch of interstate highway forgotten him. Out front, where 1-44 used to run, the afer. Several options seemed available, including simply pavement has been tom up and seeded with gras, making it traightening out the curves along the dangerous stretch, hard to imagine that millions of traveler u ed to pa by which was welcomed warmly by Ed. over the year. However, Vemelle' i till open for However, in 2004 the highway department announced that business and Ed is still eager to welcome gue t and provide it would not attempt to straighten out the stretch of inter tate them with a place to stay for the night. Ju t a turn off ofl-44 highway that ran in front of Vemelle'. In tead in would at exit 176 and a few miles We t, on what is now Arlington build a new section of highway that would run behind Road, will provide you with something that no modem day Vemelle's and mostly cut offI-44 traffic from the motel. Ed motel can; a trip to the past along the Mother Road and a true knew that this would be yet another hard hit to his business. Route 66 experience! Finally, in late-summer 2005, the 1-44 traffic that Ed had ********* grown so used-to, could no longer be heard. The sounds of NOTE: Vernelle's Motel is located on Arlington Rd. (old Route 66),8 tires roaring along the pavement and eighteen-wheelers miles west of Rolla, MO 1-44, Exit 176. Phone: (573)762-2798. They adverti e clean roOIl1S,reasonable rates (weekly-monthly) with military u ing their "jake breaks" to slow down for the curvy section - senior discounts. of interstate were gone. So were many of the travelers that he u ed to welcome into hi motel. After the 2005 bypass of the interstate, occupancy at the motel dropped to an average of 4 rooms per night, (a 33% occupancy rate), a 20% decrea e from the days when 1-44 ran outside Ed's door and a 50% decrease from the days when Route 66 carried travelers to the motel. Today, Ed still greets his guests with a warm welcome; omething 1 experienced myself as 1 went to visit him and witne ed as 1 aw him greet a guest who stopped by for a room.And Vemelle' Motel till has clean, comfortable, and inviting rooms available. Single and double are offered each with a color TV heat, and air-conditioning. Vernelle's has never had phones in the rooms and, to this day, till doesn't. As Ed pointed out, everyone has cell phones now anyway so the need for in-room phones has been eliminat d. Owner Ed Goodridge showing a room. For Route 66 travelers looking for an authentic Route 66 33 Show Me Route 66 I Volume 17, Number 1 SAN BRRNARDINO By Fran Eickhoff ROUTE: SS RENDEZVOUS Several members of the Route 66 Association of . Missouri recently attended the 2005 San Bernardino Route 66 Rendezvous which was held September 15 ROUTE ASSOCIATION through September 18, 2005. They participated by setting up and staffing an informational booth. The M·~~o" purpose was distribution of materials concerning the Missouri Association and promoting Route 66 in Missouri as a tourist attraction and vacation destination.
Pictured are members who attended the event. . From left to right, Jane Dipple, Fran Eickoff, Diane Warhovwer, Jim Thole and Carolyn Hasenfratz.
"" ~ "" ---- DON'T DELAY! MAIL YOUR RENEWAL TODAY! ---- MEMBERSHIP NOTICE Membership in the non-profit Route 66 Association of Missouri entitles you to quarterly issues of Show Me Route 66 magazine, a map of Historic Route 66 in Missouri, a membership certificate and card, and a 66 window decal. Dues are tax-deductible. Name CATEGORY & DUES Address --::------=,.,------r;----=c--- Student (w/valid student ID copy) $15.00 Annually [ ] Street City State Zip Mature Adult (66 yrs or over) $15.00 Annually [] Business Name ------Individual $25.00 Annually [] or $250.00 Life [] Address Family $30.00 Annually [] or $300.00 Life [ ] ---"S=-t-----re-e:-:t:Clc-·ty----"'St:-cat-e --Z=ip--- Business, Assn., Club, Gov't., $50.00 Annually [] (Permits use of our Assn. name & logo) Home Phone Bus. Phone ------Foreign Individual $35.00 Annually [ ] Add $20.00 For Air Mail Postage [ 1 Email Address NOTE: Returned check My area of inte-re---;st~"lIs-I'---w-o: -u"IdrTt'-o"h--'eI-p-;'-th-e"A-l!"k-e '-ss-oc~la--'-t~lo-n'--by-:-- Make check payable to: Jee$1500 Route 66 Association of Missouri, P.O.Box 8117, St. Louis, MO 63156