We headed south from Kansas City to Springfield to pick up the old sections of route 66 westbound to Joplin. What I am learning is that you have to do some work to actually find those roads that used to be part of the old 66. Most of the old road signs are gone; but some regions have capitalized on the historic interest by posting markers along the way like the one you see here. Along the way, we saw vestiges of old gas stations, motels, and even an old Desoto dealer.
We stayed overnight in Joplin, which we learned was a large lead and zinc mining town. We toured a museum where the curator spent a lot of time showing us around and explaining the mining operations and other historic items about the area.
In the evening, we ate at Wilders, a noted steak restaurant, and then went to the Boomtown Days Festival. I saw this 1973 Plymouth Satellite at a classic car display. The owner said she bought it new in 1973. They were only produced for 2 years. I had a 1974 Satellite Sebring model, bright yellow with a 3/4 vinyl roof like this one. Jeanne and I bought it used in 1975 with money we received as wedding gifts. A nice memory.
We are heading to Oklahoma City today.
