2002-10-04

Joplin - A Rainbow Curve, a Crapduster and a rusty conquistador

It takes me a minute to make out the lettering on the old sign, "Bill's Station." Abandoned gas stations, hotels and restaurants are becoming more common along this stretch of Route 66. It's a little depressing to see once healthy communities disintegrate as the interstate highway system bypasses them.

Just three old men sitting in the park, swapping stories of glory days long since past. I wonder what stories they could me.

The abandoned Avon Court Motel.

It's the mutant half airplane, half tractor, "Crapduster!" A new addition to Route 66 kitsch shows its spirit is still alive.

The Vend-A-Bait machine.

One dozen Canadian nightcrawlers: $1.75
15 live minnows: $1.50
Three floats, six hooks & twelve sinkers: $2.00

Bait available any time day or night: Priceless

So what exactly is the lesson here?

The Rainbow Curve bridge over Brush Creek. Constructed in 1923 and the only remaining concrete arch bridge on Route 66.

At the Little Tin Barn. Don't feed the bear!

And don't feed that rusty cymbal-playing conquistador either!

Drove through Carthage and Miami today. I used to think I knew something about geography.