13 Oct Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba Missouri
For Route 66 fans, the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri is a must-see historical landmark, as it is one of the oldest motels on the route. Originally built by Robert and Margaret Martin in 1935, it also had a filling station and a cafe as part of the attraction. The 14 cabins were constructed of stone carried to the site by local farmers. Back in those days it cost $2.50-3.00 for two people to spend the night! After WWII John and Winifred Mathis bought the cabins and William and Sadie Mae Pratt took over the cafe. John designed the famed Wagon Wheel Motel neon sign at his kitchen table, which helped bring notoriety to the place all up and down the route.
Pauline and Harold Armstrong ran the motel for 40 years continuing the establishment’s great reputation for kind hospitality. They both passed away in the early 2000’s. Thanks to the preservation efforts of Connie Echols, who purchased the inn in 2009, the rooms have been completely renovated with modern amenities and you can still sleep in one of the stone cabins that has sheltered many a Route 66 traveler over the last 75 years. Once again, I’m so touched by the passion and financial commitment of folks like this. Bravo Connie!
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