Historic Route 66 Artifacts

The first Interstate Highway to run from the east coast to the west coast of the United States, famously known to us as Historic Route 66, is being remembered by artifacts being displayed in the Jasper County Courthouse near Joplin, Mo.  Some artifacts included in the display are an actual historic drive-thru from the 50's era, a gas pump, and an air pump from that era also. One famous spot on the Route was the Coral Courts Motel.  At the time the only artifacts from the Motel are displayed at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, in St. Louis, Mo.

Growing up I heard a lot about the famous Route 66.  I just knew that it was a highway that stretched across the country, but until I read this article, I didn't really know much history behind the famous highway.

Apparently the whole thing got started on behalf of America's love affair with the automobile. After the war, a new era of prosperity took place in roadside culture.  Several families in America would load up the car with whole family (no seat belts back then) and head off to go across the country all on easily traveled highway.  Businesses caught on to this marketing strategy very quickly.  There were all kinds of businesses, along with a few freak shows. Anything from motels that looked like wigwams to roadside zoos, and even a set up of tic-tac-toe playing chickens.

Right in the heart of St. Louis there was a little ice cream shop called Ted Drew's Frozen Custard, which apparently still stands and thrives.  Another St. Louis favorite was the famous and previously mentioned Coral Courts Motel, which was a pink porcelain motel and it was also known as the "no-tell motel".  Each room had its own parking garage so your stay was more discreet.  The motel was also known for a legend claiming a group of local gangsters hid money somewhere in the motel, although it was never found.

There were so many things to see on Route 66 back in the day.  Its pretty neat that such a famous highway runs right through Joplin, Mo., so close to home.  I'm fascinated by the old 50's and 60's era anyway, but I learned so much more history about this highway than I knew before.  For instance, the famous movie, "A Rebel Without A Cause", starring James Dean, took place on Route 66.  Also, the famous author John Steinbach, who wrote "The Grapes of Wrath", called Route 66 the Mother Road.  Then looking back to when my children were small, we have the Disney movie, Cars, which centers around a race car stuck in a small town right along Route 66.

On a sad note, On June 27th, 1985, US 66 was officially removed from the United States Highway System.  Parts of the highway are now known as "National Scenic Byway", and of course, around our area its just simply known as "Historic" Route 66. Although, at least Joplin and other towns along the route are dedicating museums to this fun part of America's history.  I personally would like to see the display, it would be a good, fun place for the whole family.