Two classic Route 66 attractions only a short walk from each other in Newburg, Missouri. Built in the 1930's, Vernelle's Motel is still in business. First know as Gasser Tourist Court, it originally had cabins, a gas station and a souvenir shop. A restaurant was added later. The motel and classic sign are all that remain today, but that is quite enough to justify a visit. The modest, hand painted sign was just the right size to attract the leisurely Route 66 traveler of the 1940's and 50's, but for the interstate traffic that now whizzes past nearby, a much larger version had to be installed behind it. If you spend the night, bring your own phone, your own internet connection, even your own remote control - only an old TV is provided. This bit of marketing genius (or lack of funds) forces you to sit outside your room instead, where you can meet your neighbors. And I think they keep the old phone booth around just in case Superman stops by.
As rustic as any accommodations get, even when they were newly built in the 1930's, Johns Modern Cabins are quickly deteriorating in a wooded area nearby. As close as they are to Vernelle's, the cabins still take a bit of searching to flush out, and you better hurry if you want to see them before the site is nothing but a woodpile. Originally known as Bill and Bessie's Place, the "complex" was renamed in the 1950's when sold to new owners from Chicago, John and Lillian Dausch. I'd like to know how the new owners explained to guests about the outhouse at back (that little white building, above), after they had just checked into Johns "Modern" Cabins. Log Book: 419 miles motored on old 66.
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