Vega Texas - Prairie Town in the Panhandle

Vega, Texas

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Dot's Mini-Museum, November, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

Shoe Tree at Dot's Mini-Museum, November, 2008,

Amanda Gay.

Just to the north of where Old Route 66 ends, at the corner of West Main Street and 12th Street, is Dot's Mini-Museum. Once upon a time, this old homestead served as a business when Harold and Dot Levitt established the Vega Zero Lockers here in 1944. Back in those days, most folks didn't have freezers, and the business provided "freezer lockers" for rent. As Route 66 travelers passed through, they could stop here to pick up fresh fruits, meats, vegetables and canned goods to take along with them on their journey. As Vega moved into the future and the small town was bypassed by the interstate, Zero Lockers went out of business. But, Dot opened a small museum that featured an

eclectic collection gathered from decades of working on the Mother Road. For years, people stopped to take a look at western artifacts, memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66, dolls, antiques, and an endless array of "amazements." Sadly, Dot has passed away, but her daughter, Betty Carpenter, continues to maintain the tiny museum. She's also added to the collection a cowboy mini-museum, an Avon Bottle collection, yard-art and a couple of items that land the museum on our Quirky Texas category, including a "boot tree" and a tombstone for the Oldham County News, which evidently died on March 4, 1922.

November, 2008, Amanda Gay.

Return south to Vega Boulevard (I-40 Business Loop) where several vintage views of a more prosperous Route 66 can still be seen including an old Texaco Station east of the Bonanza Motel and the old Road Runner Drive-Inn across from the Vega Motel. The vintage Hickory Inn at 1004 Vega Boulevard still serves up some not so fancy, but good food, to Route 66 travelers and locals alike. A newcomer to town is the Boothill Saloon & Grill at Route 66 and Hwy 385, which will transport you back in time, in true Texas style.

Route 66 continues westward along the north frontage road of I-40 to Adrian, Texas.

ATTRACTIONS

Tascosa Texas Boothill Cal Farley's Boy's Ranch - Founded in 1939 on the site of Tascosa, formerly the county seat of Oldham County, Texas, Cal Farley's is one of America's largest privately-funded residential centers for young boys. Also here, are several historic landmarks including the Julian Bivins Museum in the original Oldham County Courthouse, a historic school house, and the old Tascosa Boothill Cemetery. The ranch and old Tascosa townsite are located about 22 miles northeast of Vega on U.S. Highway 385.

Dot's Mini Museum - Western artifacts and memorabilia from heyday of Route 66 and its travelers (Private Collection.) On the Old Ozark Trail that became Old Route 66 through early day Vega, 105 N 12th St.

Oldham County Heritage Farm & Ranch Museum - An outdoor display of antique farm and ranch equipment. Through dust bowls and trials this equipment has stood the test of time and use. Horse drawn and early motorized equipment, restored tractors, a 1929 threshing machine, and brands from early & current day ranchers. Free Admission, Located on Old Route 66, Vega, Texas.

Restored Magnolia Gas Station - Located at US Highway 385 and Main Street is the 1920s restored station that makes a great picnic stop and provides a peek into simpler times.

The 1947 Vega Motel still caters to Route 66 travelers today, November, 2008, Kathy Weiser

The Hickory Inn Cafe still serves it up Route 66 style, November, 2008, Amanda Gay.

Vintage Roadrunner Drive-In sign, but no burgers,

November, 2008, Kathy Weiser.

The Route 66 era Bonanza Motel also continues to cater to travelers today, November, 2008, Amanda Gay.

Return to Texas Route 66

Also See: Texas 66 Gallery

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To Adrian

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From the Rocky Mountain General Store

66 Package Deal - This Route 66 Package Deal includes both the EZ66 Guide For Travelers and the The Route 66 Map Series. The EZ 66 Guide includes up-to-date maps, attractions, tips and games. The map series includes a packaged set of eight fold-out roadmaps, one for each Route 66 state, providing clear, detailed driving directions. This set will provide you with the basic tools for providing an easier journey on what can sometimes be a confusing piece of pavement. Ships Priority Mail!

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