We live 3-1/2 miles from Route 66. If we leave our house to go to Joplin, we drive 3-1/2 miles and cross over Route 66. If we go to Carthage, which is where we go more than Joplin, we drive a good portion of the trip on Route 66. It’s only 12 miles from here to Carthage so it isn’t like we’re driving for hours on Route 66.
There’s a drive-in theater on Route 66 and almost every time we pass by there, even in the rain, there’s someone stopped taking a picture. Yesterday, it was a man and lady with Florida plates. Vince said “They’re probably driving across the country on Route 66.
It makes me proud to live here – so close to the “Mother Road”. There are so many old buildings that have been restored or semi-restored, and there are many in disrepair and beyond saving, and you have to wonder what life was like back then for folks traveling that highway. It was “established” in 1926 and is said to have been the main route for people heading west. I think about the hopes and dreams of folks traveling that road back then. I think of families left behind in the eastern part of the country as their loved ones headed west to parts unknown . . to start a new life with so many unknowns of their own.
I would imagine that as some reached this point, they were having second thoughts and wanting to go back home; hopefully most were still excited about the journey ahead.
Yesterday I told Vince “I want to live on Route 66.” He looked at me and said “Start knocking on doors and see if anyone needs a wife!” Nope . . don’t want to do that much!
Dot says
Oh, Vince! What a good comeback!
Sibyl says
You know you mention that road Route 66 I now have that song by Bobby Troupe in my head and can’t get it out. Getting my kicks on Route 66.
Cheryl Behning says
There is an interesting museum in Kingman AZ (I think that is the town) with displays of what it was like on the “mother road”. It was so glamorized in the sixties! As a teenager we took a vacation along Rt 66 and as a retired couple we’ve been all over New Mexico and Arizona following Rt 66. Brings back great memories, although it is sad to watch the decline. My favorite stopping place now is Winslow AZ, the corner the Eagles made famous with “Take it Easy”. Great Photo stop. Nice brew pub across the street. We try and stop once a year.
Cilla says
Vince cracks me up.
Barbara Yarnell says
Oh, I love Route 66! I’m going to Springfield to babysit my granddaughter every week and I drive on 66 to avoid a lot of the stupid “improvements”. Stoplights and 45 mph don’t bother me at all ?