Missori Route 66 - John's Modern Cabins

John's "Modern" Cabins. Hard to believe from this video that they are not all that far from the interstate.

Missouri Route 66 - Rolla

     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.    

Missouri Route 66 - Cuba

      The Wagon Wheel Motel, the top 66 attraction in Cuba, is a classic 1930's tourist court, with cabins that originally included rooms for touring vacationers and garages for their touring automobiles. (Grandma may have had to sleep on the couch, but the car was nice and comfy all night.) The vintage sign was the reason for my first quick stop at the Wheel in 2006, but on a subsequent trip, I took a walk around the complex and came away amazed at how the old buildings had endured since the motel was built in 1934. A wonderfully restored section now faces the old road, with mandatory old Chevy parked nearby. Besides the classic Route 66 accommodations, another reason to spend the night here in Cuba is the BBQ joint next to the motel, the Missouri Hick, which boasts "the Ozarks finest smoked meats". The lunch specials are listed, above. 

     While wandering around town, check out the World's Largest Rocking Chair, the Route 66 Fudge Shop, and some wonderful murals painted on the downtown buildings. Cuba is also home to the McGinnis Wood Products Company, proud makers of Bourbon and whiskey barrels. Somehow, this sounds like a company I would enjoy working for. Log Book: 376 miles motored on old 66.

Missouri Route 66 - Stanton

     Approaching Stanton, Missouri, old 66 crisscrosses I-44 a number of times. Driving this stretch, one can sort of appreciate the modern interstate, with its multiple wide lanes, more direct route, and less hilly grade. A lot less hilly, it occurred to me, as my car roller coasted up and down the Missouri hills in sight of the smooth freeway. And one has to concentrate a bit more on the two-lane, with cars coming at you at 60 mph.

     Stanton is a fun stop, with some old-fashioned roadside attractions. If you like this sort of stuff, visit the side-by-side Jesse James and Toy Museums. (If you don't like this sort of stuff, why are you traveling Route 66 anyway?) Another popular 66 destination, the Meramec Caverns, where it is alleged Jesse James actually had a hideout, is also nearby. Just shoot down Highway W. Log Book: 362 miles motored on old 66.

Missouri Route 66 - Gray Summit

Gray Summit, a community of less than 3,000 Missourians, was actually founded by a New Yorker, Daniel Gray, who decided to build a hotel there in 1845. One hundred and sixty one years later, I found this wonderful old sign in Daniel's town, squeezed in between old Route 66 and Interstate 44. The Gardenway Motel, per the sign, is located nearby and is still in operation. As for the Diamonds Restaurant, one of the classic Route 66 landmarks that opened way back 1927, well, I just had no idea where to find it. According to my 66 sources and guides, it was or wasn't originally built in nearby Villa Ridge, was or wasn't moved to a spot near this sign in 1948 or 1967, burned to the ground at some point, turned magically one day into the Tri-County Truck Stop which may or may not have closed down since the transformation, or is located on the moon. At the time, I was just happy to get a great photo of the sign, got back in the car, and headed west. Getting in the car and heading west on Route 66 solves a lot of life's little problems. Log Book: 324 miles motored on old 66. 

Missouri Route 66 - Pacific

     The Red Cedar Inn is the main 66 attraction in Pacific, Missouri. It opened in 1934, with the original owners having the good sense to wait for the arrival of Route 66 in 1932, and, more importantly, the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. I'm sure good times were had by all in those early years, whether townsfolk or 66 traveler. The Inn stayed in operation as a restaurant until 1972, when the son of one of the original owners retired. It was reopened in 1987 by a grandson, but closed for good in 2005. It is now some kind of business center, but its listing in the National Register of Historic Places will keep the building available for future 66'ers. Also of interest is downtown Pacific, where many of its 19th century buildings have been restored.
     Roadside businesses sprang up in Pacific with the new highway in the 1930's, and contributed to the local economy until the interstate arrived. The recent Route 66 revival has brought some of that traffic back. Silica, used in making glassware and for other industrial proposes, has been mined in Pacific since the early 20th century. Route 66 runs right by the U.S. Silica plant, and the mining caves from the old days can be seen from the old road. The town has probably always had its share of St. Louis commuters, who commute today, no doubt, on the modern interstate. Log Book: 320 miles motored on old 66.

Missouri Route 66 - St. Louis

     Here's the plan for St. Louis: Walk across the Mississippi River on the Chain of Rocks Bridge (see previous entry), the original crossing for Route 66 which is now a pedestrian walkway and bike path. After a quick car ride downtown, ride to the top of the Gateway Arch in a little egg shaped pod, where you wonder if the oxygen inside the pod will run out before you arrive. Once up there, you can peer through tiny windows to the city below. (I happened to be visiting the Arch during a thunderstorm, inside the biggest lightning rod in the world!) A Cardinals game is a must see, at almost brand new Busch Stadium, as is the Old Courthouse, where parts of the Dred Scott case were held. 
     The most important stop can be made as you head out of town heading west, for custard (known locally with all due respect as "concrete") or a shake at Ted Drewes. Ask them to hold the cup upside down for you. Nothing will spill out, I assure you.