For many years, I’ve known about Route 66 but it was never a big interest to me til we moved to Nevada, MO and I was living so close to it. Now, almost no matter where I go if I’m heading to Joplin, which we seem to do daily, we cross Route 66 at least once.
Yesterday we were sitting at a red light waiting to turn onto Route 66 to come home and I snapped this photo (in the rain).
This is a short and interesting article about our area’s connection to Route 66.
The day I had my unsuccessful trip to get my driver’s license, Vince had gone into the courthouse for something and he was telling me about the elevator in the courthouse. Vince said there was a *real* elderly lady who was operating the elevator. He wasn’t needing to ride the elevator but he asked her for directions and she helped him.
Because we eat in Carthage a lot, we go to Lowe’s in Carthage, we use the library in Carthage, we pass Boots Court motel several times a week. I think the place is for sale. I found this article from about a year ago and I need to pay closer attention next time we pass to see if it is, in fact, for sale.
Every time we pass the hotel, I say to Vince “We should buy that place!” He says “WHY?” and I tell him our sweet kitty needs his own hotel! I’ve learned that a man named Mr. Boots built that hotel in 1939.
I love Route 66. I love that I have to cross over it as I’m heading to town and I love reading more and more about it.
Christina Coats says
Hi Ju
thanks for letting me know where in the world, USA, Missouri you live. Are you N, S, E, W of Joplin? Scary I googled Joplin and first of all, I wouldn’t want to drive around it.. Secondly there were images of Tornados and the devastation that was left by them in 2011. I think if I wasn’t able to stitch I would freak out with the worry that I may be in a Tornados path!. How often do you have tornados and is it only a certain time of year? Sorry for so many questions but living here in England seems very quiet.
Tee says
If you put “tornado” into the search box here on the blog (lower right on my browser “Looking for Something”), Judy has many posts about the tornado in Joplin. It is an interesting read.
Karen says
I was born in Joliet IL – all my cousins are still there – Route 66 was how we traveled between St Louis & Joliet before the days of Interstates. In those days the trip took over 6 hours because of all the small towns and two lane traffic – now it’s a 4 hour drive. To be honest I prefer the slower drive, less traffic and the small towns.
Kathleen Schwitzner says
My husband and I have each lived within 2 or 3 miles of Route 66 for our entire lives – both as children and as a married couple. Route 66 is indeed the mother road.
Sharon says
I grew up in Amarillo, Texas. Route 66 goes through there. It was just part of everyday life. The old Hwy has been replaced by interstate now though. I barely remember the old tv show called Route 66 and it’s theme song.
Dottie Newkirk says
I grew up in Amarillo, also….I remember the “business route” that took you through town as well as Route 66 (old NE 8th, LOL). I-40 (sometimes) is probably slower than the old Route 66 (especially with all the construction!
Sharon says
I don’t live there anymore but still have family there. Lot’s of construction the last time I was there though.
Dottie Newkirk says
We moved back to the area (hubby retired about 7 years ago) after living all over the U.S.
Donna in KS says
I learned more about Hyw 66 when we use to go to AZ for the winter. Our 1st day out we drove to Santa Rosa, NM, stayed at the same place and always ate at Joseph’s. Fabulous food, wonderful memories!
Donna in KS says
I forgot to mention the “standing on the corner in Winslow, AZ” statue! Am I showing my age?? LOL What I wouldn’t give to make that trip again!
Judy Laquidara says
I wish that when we lived in Texas we had taken a road trip to Arizona and New Mexico but . . we didn’t, and probably never will now.
Rebecca says
Donna, I got off a train for a moment in Winslow Arizona just so I could call my husband and tell him where I was. He responded with “such a fine sight to see.” <3
Andrea Nardi says
We just came back from Las Vegas a month ago. We spent two nights in Winslow, AZ so we could stand on the corner.