Paris Springs, Missouri – Revival on the Mother Road

Paris Springs Junction, Missouri.

Just three miles West of Halltown, Missouri, Route 66 travelers will make their way to Paris Springs Junction.

This area was first settled in the 1850s, and a village was established about a half-mile North of the junction. When the village gained a post office in 1872, it was called Chalybeate Springs, for the iron-rich healing waters flowing from Clover Creek. Two years later, the post office and town were renamed Paris Springs after Ely Paris, who bought about 200 acres in the area in 1868. While actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, Ely improved the land around the springs by erecting several buildings, including a hotel. The water’s health-giving qualities drew hundreds of people to the area, and the village became known as a summer resort. The mineral-rich springs also led to the sale of bottled water.

The town grew to include a sawmill and wool mill run by Oliver Johnson, a chair factory operated by E.L. Davis, and other businesses such as a blacksmith, a shoemaker, a wagon-maker, and an attorney. But despite its strong start, the town began to decline in the early 20th Century, and its post office closed in 1920.

Gay Parita gas station in Paris Springs Junction, Missouri, in the 1930s.

When Route 66 barreled through in 1926, it bypassed Paris Springs by ½ mile. Before long, a few businesses set up south to take advantage of the many travelers along the new highway. This small cluster of buildings soon took on the name of Paris Springs Junction.

A dome-shaped cobblestone garage was one of the first buildings to be built at the junction in 1926. Four years later, a Sinclair station was built next to the garage. Gay and Fred Mason owned the property. The couple also built three cabins, and a restaurant/store was built across the road around 1930. The Gay Parita Store/Restaurant was built in a Spanish Revival style and was much larger than what was typical at such a small crossroads community at the time.

Old Gay Parita Store at Paris Springs Junction by Kathy Alexander.

Taking advantage of the busiest road in America, the Masons did a brisk business fixing flat tires and selling gasoline, sodas, and sandwiches for the next 25 years. When Gay Mason died in 1953, Fred continued to operate the business, but tragedy struck again when the Sinclair station burned down in 1955. Fred then retired to his home behind the burned-out station. He died in 1960.

The next year, Route 66 was realigned to bypass Paris Springs and nearby Spencer. In 1965, I-44 bypassed this entire section of the road to the South.

Afterward, the Gay Parita Store was converted into a residence, which still stands today.

However, this small burg gained new life when Gary and Lena Turner purchased the Gay Parita property on the North side of the road. Working with his son, Steve, Gary rebuilt the old Sinclair Station, which today beckons a new generation of Route 66 travelers. While the “new” station isn’t a replica of its predecessor, its facade fits the 1930s.

The “station” doesn’t sell anything—no gas, no sundries, no gimmicks or tourist memorabilia—just memories and enthusiasm spilling from one of Route 66’s biggest fans, Gary Turner. He filled the old 1926 cobblestone garage with old vehicles and memorabilia. Sadly, Gary Turner passed away in January 2015, and his wife Lena just a few months later. Gary spent many years welcoming roadies from all over the world, sharing Route 66 history, and promoting the road. He will be missed, but life continues at the Gay Parita, as Gary’s daughter Barbara Turner took over in 2016.

Rebuilt Gay Parita Station, Missouri, by Kathy Alexander.

1926 Cobblestone garage in Paris Springs Junction by Kathy Alexander.

1944 Garage in Paris Springs Junction by Kathy Alexander.

A couple of other buildings also remain in Paris Junction, including Dot Mason’s Log Cabin Station, which later served as an auto sales building, and a 1944 slab stone garage.

As to the original Paris Springs, ½ mile North of the junction, the only remaining building is a small church.

Paris Springs Junction is located about 25 miles West of Springfield, Missouri, on Highway 266.

©Kathy Alexander, updated October 2026.

Also See:

Ghost Towns & Mining Camps Across America

Missouri Ghost Towns