Yes, Rolla, Missouri, is a happening place, and no, I have no idea how to correctly pronounce its name. (There are countless theories on that subject, mostly found in more scholarly Route 66 articles and guidebooks.) Rolla was and is a transportation center, with U.S. highways 63, 66 & 72 running through town for many years. I-44 was added to that mix later on, thanks to President Eisenhower and his new highway system. First the federal roads, and then the interstate, supported the many filling stations, motels, and restaurants that still line up waiting for customers on the western side of town. (Jack Rittenhouse reported that there was a Trav-L-Odge tourist court located in Rolla during his 1946 trip. I imagine Jack meticulously recorded that name on his yellow legal pad for the exact spelling.) Rolla has always been an ideal location in regards to old 66, positioned halfway between St. Louis and Springfield. As for the Railroads, the original terminus of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad was located in Rolla, and the BNSF Railway still runs through town. (The BNSF Railway was originally known as the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad, but they shortened that officially down to just the initials. Tell me folks, why shorten such a classic brand name?)
Rolla is also a college town, with Missouri University of Science and Technology churning out graduates there since 1870. (The school was originally known as the Missouri School of Mines, and again, why make such a change? The old name sounds much more down to earth.) Royal Canin, the dog food people, have production facilities in Rolla, and Briggs and Stratton had a manufacturing plant in town from 1996 to 2007. Senator Clair McCaskill was born in Rolla, and former Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan lived and practiced law there.
The traveling 66er can park the car and take a walking tour of downtown Rolla, or jump in and out of his conveyance while visiting the attractions located right on the two-lane. The Mule Trading Post (pics 1 & 2) is a fun stop, with a colorful curios shop located on a dead end portion of old 66. I spent so much time taking in the buildings and memorabilia around the shop that I don't remember if I actually went inside. The old Mobil Oil Pegasus sign can be found at Route 66 Motors, a place I can't really report on because even after half a dozen tries, I have never seen it open for business. Zeno's Motel and Steak House, in business since 1956, closed down just a few days ago. I hope someone saves that sign. Log Book: 410 miles motored on old 66.
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