Lebanon, Missouri - Trails Through the Ozarks

Lebanon, Missouri - Page 2

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Nelsonville, as the locals called it was one of the best-known spots along Route 66

In 1931 Arthur T. Nelson built his 24-room hotel at the intersection of Route 66 and Missouri Highway 5. The Nelson Hotel and Dream Village soon became one of the best-known spots along Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. Each room featured a private bath and kitchen facilities, renting for $2-$3 a night. Across the street from the hotel, Nelson built his "Dream Village,” so named because the layout appeared to him in a dream. Twelve units of native Ozark stone surrounded a courtyard which featured a very special fountain. In the evenings it became the centerpiece of a light and music show. Cars would be lined up for blocks to see it. Nelsonville, as it was called by the locals, passed into history when Route 66 became I-44.

The Munger-Moss Motel was built in 1946 and still stands today as a Route 66 icon welcoming Mother Road history buffs. The complex originally consisted of seven buildings and provided garages next to the units for the customers’ convenience. Later the garages were made into additional rooms. The vintage motel has been owned by Bob and Ramona Lehman since 1971 and you will be hard pressed to find more true Route 66 enthusiasts than this friendly pair.

The Munger Moss Motel, October, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Route 66 in Lebanon was also was the site of some interesting restaurants. Perhaps the most unique was Andy’s Street Car Grill. It was housed in an actual street car, brought in from St. Louis, and its featured dish was "Andy’s Famous Fried Domestic Rabbit.” Alas, Andy's is long gone. Up until just recently you could still get a great plate of home fixins from the Bell Restaurant; but, unfortunately, it too has closed..

Andy's Street Car Grill.

Wrink's Market today has been transformed into a Cowboy Emporium

and Chuck Wagon Museum. Kathy Weiser, August, 2011.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Another Lebanon landmark along Route 66 is Wrink’s Market, which opened in June, 1950 and continued to operate up until owner, Glenn Wrinkle's death in March, 2005. This was a one of kind vintage market, where you would not only see groceries, but also collectibles, dry goods, and Route 66 memorabilia. However, the main attraction was always Glenn Wrinkle himself, who could astound the Route 66 traveler with his stories covering more than a half a century along the Mother Road. Alas, the road lost yet another paragraph in its history when Mr. Wrinkle died in March, 2005 and the family auctioned the contents of the store. His son briefly resurrected the market as a convenience store, but, alas it closed in 2009.

Today; however, it has been reborn as D.C. Decker’s Cowboy Emporium and Chuck Wagon Museum. It is filled with

Old West memorabilia, including a genuine 1896 Hickory chuck wagon, and western-themed art. While stopping for a peek and a visit, visitors can also partake of genuine Old West Arbuckle coffee and fried pies. Don Decker, better known as D.C., has been riding the range for more than half a century and is an expert on Old West and Native American culture and history. He is also a genuine chuck wagon "coosie," or cook and periodically provides "real" cowboy cookin' at his place as well as special events.

Glenn Wrinkle was at the helm of the market for more than 50 years.

Kathy Weiser, October, 2004.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Munger Moss Motel Neon Sign, Dave Alexander, August, 2011.

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

Located in south-central Missouri on the edge of the Ozarks, Lebanon straddles Interstate 44. Today this small town of some 12,000 souls, though nestled among flowering trees, cool streams, and rolling hills, is growing quickly. Still though, wonderful peeks of vintage America can still be found among the thriving franchise operated strip malls and hotels.

If you’re coming from the west to Lebanon on I-44, take Exit #127 to get onto Route 66. For the next five miles, you’ll get a taste of how Route 66 wound its way from Chicago to Los Angeles. (If you’re coming from the east on I-44, exit at #135 and follow the signs for old Route 66.)

Book your lodging in Lebanon HERE!

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