Down Da 66-- Vernelle's Motel

In a blog by Kendal entry, I found out some information on Vernelle's Motel in Missouri, a short distance west of Rolla.

It was built in the late 1930s by E. P. Gasser and originally called Gasser Tourist Court. It consisted of six cabins, a gas station, and novelty shop.

In the early 50's, his nephew Fred bought it and expanded. Fred named it after his wife, Vernelle. They added a restaurant and even a petting zoo. In 1957 the restaurant was torn down and the motel moved a few feet north to accommodate the widening of Route 66 to four lanes.

The original sign and motel remain.

I had always thought the place was named after the family's name.

One of these days I am going to have to stay here before it is too late. Unfortunately, it is close enough to Lebanon, and we like to stay at the Munger-Moss and visit with Ramona and Bob Lehman. I figure its days are numbered. It probably will be joining the ruins of the lamented John's Modern Cabins which is close by.

A lot of Route 66 businesses died when the interstates cut them off. Vernelle's was greatly hurt when I-44 was built in front of it without an exit. Then a few years ago, I-44 was realigned behind the place, one again isolating them. This time, you can't even see them from the road.

I understand the place is currently for sale. How much more bad luck can a place have.

The Saga of Vernelle's Continues. --RoadDog