We took a little "field trip" Saturday to enjoy the Route 66 exhibit at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, St. Louis. Free admission and open through July 16 of this year, Route 66: Main Street Through St. Louis focuses on how the famous road impacted our local history. It is well done!
As it is at the Route 66 state park in Eureka, MO, this exhibit provides visitors the opportunity to see real artifacts as they learn about the iconic Main Street of America. We had fun poking through the Eureka museum one hot day last August (click on Get Your Kicks on Route 66 ). Wouldn't it be fun to travel Route 66 in its entirety, from IL to CA?
As Route 66 wound its way across America, it changed the way people lived. With the influx of cars and people came the demand for additional restaurants, lodging, "filling stations" and vacations attractions/destinations. Not only were these additional establishments needed, they had to be designed for convenience. Travelers wanted to eat quickly and have a place to stay that was an easy in and easy out. As a result, fast food and motels (combination of the words motor and hotel) began dotting Route 66.
Fast food allowed travelers to eat their meals quickly and get back on the road. Carhops, in uniforms as shown above, delivered hot food directly to your car!
Motels provided the comforts of home to weary visitors!
Some people took their "motels" with them by pulling travel trailers. This authentic Airstream was nicely appointed with a kitchen and bedroom.
The demand for gas stations grew.
Numerous new attractions were designed for people to visit and it's interesting that some are in existence today. Although this St. Louis amusement park is long-gone, it was very popular it its day. In fact, it was at Chain of Rocks Park that my husband learned to swim! My in-laws spent happy times there and at the close of the school year, the kids would walk the mile from their elementary to the park for an end-of-the-year celebration!
I'm sure those traversing Route 66 were pleased to find the occasional payphone! We wouldn't know how to make any trip today with our trusty cell phones, would we?
These pictures don't do justice to the display and what's shown here is just a "tease". If you're local, you may want to consider enjoying this exhibit to get your kicks on Route 66!
