Days 13 & 14 Route 66 - Springfield, MO

Route 66, the first transcontinental highway in America, was created in the late 1920's at a time when Big Rigs had not yet been imagined.   But, whenever possible, our Adventure Caravans Route 66 tour takes us on the historic Route 66 highway.  Two lanes, narrow by today's standards, and little or no berm.  This photo shows the Tom and Pat Whittaker's RV traveling on one such section of The Mother Road in Missouri.  Unfortunately, they had some mechanical difficulties that day.  Once tail gunner Rick had assessed the situation, the Whittaker's drove very slowly to a Flying J, where they hoped to get repairs.  But little happens in repair shops on Sunday.  On Monday, they were able to get needed repairs in Rolla, MO.  

While Tom and Pat were in the repair shop, the rest of our group traveled Route 66 through Springfield, MO to see the sites with out the concerns for driving  big rigs in city traffic.  this fine motor coach was perfect for our day that included Bass Pro's flagship store, this history museum in the downtown square's Fox Theater, the Guilloz Theater and the Pythian Castle.  

First stop, Bass Pro's original store, the largest Bass Pro of all at nearly 500,000 square feet, which is just about enough to walk off the huge buffet we were about to eat!   There are so many water features in this store that they have 7 full time workers just to tend to the waterfalls, tanks, and water critters!  The store also includes the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum and the Archery Hall of Fame.  


We headed to Hemingway's Blue Water Cafe for an amazing breakfast buffet----sausage and gravy, pancakes, eggs, fried catfish, bacon, bread pudding, fruit, yogurt….and more!  No one left hungry!   

And then we went to see the Bass Pro wildlife!  One of those wild things is known as JW Hurdle.   




There were also eagles, deer, alligator gars, and more. 

Downtown Springfield is home to the Fox Theatre (1916-1982) and the HIstory Museum on the Square.  Our guide met us there to tell us the history of Springfield.  Apparently, Springfield was a wild west kind of town, with shoot outs on the square. 

The Gilloiz Theatre was built in 1926 by M. E. Gilloiz, a bridge builder.  Using his construction expertise, the theatre is built of steel and concrete --- which probably guaranteed its survival during the few years it became home to the homeless and their oil barrel heating.  In 1990, a group headed by Bass Pro founder John Morris began to form a preservation organization and the theatre has been returned to its former glory.  

Interestingly, the director tells us, when the theatre was built, there was insufficient land available on Route 66.  this was so important to Gilloiz that he bought one storefront on the new highway to serve as the narrow lobby for his magnificent theatre.  





Shake 'n Steak's first restaurant began on Route 66 in Springfield, MO in 1962.   Of course, we needed to check it out!  Good burgers and fries, but the shakes are GREAT! 

Actually, Steak 'n Shakes burgers are referred to as "steak burgers" by the company because their original burgers were made from a mixture of T-bone, sirloin, and round steaks.  I wonder if they are continuing that tradition?   





Next, our bus took us to the Pythian Castle.  It was built in 1913 to serve as a home for orphan children and widows of the members of the Knights of Pythias fraternal organization. Once social security began to provide for widows, there was reduced need for the home.  In the years since, the castle basement has served as quarters for Italian and German prisoners of war.  The US military occupied the building and used as offices.  The castle was then purchased by a family who lived in the castle but made little or no maintenance upgrades.  Today the castle is owned by two ladies who offer historical tours, wedding venues, and mystery dinner theater events.  We came for the Ghost Tour! 

It seems strange that the Pythians would build a castle type structure, complete with all the features of mythical castles (except, perhaps, a moat!). 

Returning orphans have reported that while living in the home, they were well cared for and that there were lessons in manners and how to properly set a dining table

The Ghost Tour was fun, and the castle really has been found to have paranormal activity present. This, however, is created by the owners in the castle's theatre.  

Before we had seen even the first "ghost",  Liz was biting her lip. Scared, Liz?  

After such a full day, Gunther began his (sugar-coma?) napping, even before we returned to the campground!  Thanks, Springfield, MO for a most interesting day!