Along 66, October, 2020: Shamrock Court Cleanup Planned

OCTOBER 8

Cleanup day scheduled for next month at Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri.  The good folks at the Missouri Route 66 Association are planning it for the weekend of Nov. 7-8.

The long-closed motel is listed for $125,000, but the price is negotiable.  It was built 1947-1948 and owned by the family of John and Rose Weiland since 1953.

In the late 1970s, it was converted into efficiency apartments and living quarters for the owners.

What I like the best about it is that the outside is covered with that really distinctive giraffe stonework so common in the Ozarks.  When I first saw it was for sale and at that price, I must admit I was more than a bit interested in it.  But, I am retired and ownership of that would entail a whole lot of work.

I would envision it used for small businesses, offices and maybe  several motel rooms for folks wanting a real Route 66 motel experience.  Maybe even a small craft beer place.  Part of it could be a visitors center as well.

And, importantly, Sullivan is the last place heading west on Route 66 in Missouri where you can stop at a Jack in the Box (well, I see at their site that there is now one in Cuba).  I love those Jumbo Jacks and especially their tacos.)

A while back, when I saw that the Blue Swallow in Tucumcari was for sale for $170,000, I also thought about that one.  But again, way too much work for a retired person.

The Shamrock Court looks a lot like the famous Sunset Motel in Villa Ridge, Missouri which was built in 1945.

--RoadJack

Warm Here We Come-- Part 1: Radioing Through Illinois

We just returned from Panama City Beach, Florida.

We found warm...mostly.  But, anyway, even the quite cool mornings warmed up and overall, temps were mostly in the 60s.  During that time, back in Spring Grove, Illinois, averaged in the 20s most of the time, and with 12 inches of snow.

All-in-all, much nicer in PCB.

AUGUST 31, WEDNESDAY

Went through e-mails, watered plants and packed for the trip.

We listened to the radio much of the way through Illinois.

Took our usual Chicago bypass, Illinois Highway 47 from Woodstock to Mahomet by I-74.

We got gas in Morris for $2.36 and stopped at the Burger King there which was recently remodeled.  They are the only Burger King we know of that still sells the tacos.  Their tacos are the closest to Jack-in-the-Box's and we really love those.  Always a stop for us in Litchfield, Illinois, when we're doing Route 66.  It is the closest Jack's that we know.    (We have found out that the Jack's restaurants in Alabama are not Jack-in-the-Box.)

--RoadTravel

Cuba to Springfield on Route 66

Yesterday, we left the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri, and drove to Springfield, Illinois.  It rained off and on all the way through Missouri.  We drove Route 66 most of the way except between Litchfield and Springfield.

Took I-270 around St. Louis because of my boycott of that city because of its disgraceful removal of the Confederate statue in Forest Park.    I-270 is partly built on the old 66 bypass.

Once in Illinois, we got off and drove past the Luna and Edwardsville, Hamel, Staunton (where we stopped and talked awhile with Rich Henry) Mt. Olive and into Litchfield where we toured that excellent welcome center and extremely friendly docent (the Decent Docent).  Then stopped at Jack-in-the-Box for our taco fix and then on I-55 to Springfield.

Got a room at the Route 66 Hotel and went to George Ranks for a couple and to the Curve Inn and finally back to our hotel bar.

--  RoadDog

Sitting Here At the Munger-Moss Motel-- Part 12: Eating Our Way Across Route 66

APRIL 25, MONDAY

**  Back on I-44 and drove to Rolla and got off to do Route 66 through it.  This city has a whole lot, I mean a whole lot of stoplights to go with lots of traffic.  Don't know that I am going to do this again.

**  Of course, another stop at the Jack-in-the-Box (Jack's) in Sullivan (even though we weren't hungry after the Chester's Chicken back at St. Robert's.

**  Back on I-44 and decided to take I-270 around St. Louis so we could see the Chain of Rocks Bridge.  I was getting tired so we took a break at a McDonald's in Florissant, a suburb in the northwest side of St. Louis.  I decided to buy three of their cookies for $1.

I was told I had to wait as they were just baking them.  In the future I will be very happy to wait for the cookies as they were some of the best I've ever eaten.  The chocolate chips were gooey.  One of Liz's cookies fell apart.

**  Drove by the Chain of Rocks Bridge on the I-270 Bridge, a great way to get a true glimpse of the grandeur of the Chain Bridge.

**  Into Illinois on I-270 and got off on I-55.

Cookie Monster Would Love This.  --RoadDog

Sitting Here at the Munger-Moss-- Part 2: We Arrive

Highlights of the Second Day, April 22, 2016.

**  A stop in Litchfield, Illinois, for our taco fix at Jack's (used to be Jack-in-the-Box).  The Jack's in Litchfield is the closest one to Chicago.  We are so happy they have the jumbo tacos back.

**  Being very careful not to get off in East St. Louis and got across the river, but then got lost in some less-than-safe areas in St. Louis.(It is so sad that we have to have less-than-safe areas of cities for tourists.)

**  Cruising Route 66 from Pacific to Sullivan.

**  Had lunch at the Jack's in Sullivan, which,of course, included some more TACOS!!

**  I-44 to St. Robert's and backtrack to Hooker Cut, my absolute favorite stretch of Route 66.  I can hear the ghosts of 66 going through there.  Had a brew at the Devil's Elbow outside with some real crazy ladies.

**  Arrived at Munger-Moss and checked in.  Had a short talk with the very busy, but friendly as ever, Ramona.

**  Went over to Senor Pepper's on Mo-5 and enjoyed the $3 happy hour pitchers and talked with some very friendly people.

**  Stopped at Applebee's on the way back to the motel.

--RoadDog

2014 Illinois Rt. 66 Motor Tour-- Part 2: 'Dem Monster Tacos

Just a fast-forward through it.

JUNE 11TH, 2014:

MONSTER TACOS ARE BACK!!!  We spent last night at the Super 8 in Sullivan, Missouri and this morning had lunch at Jack's, formerly-known as Jack-In-the-Box.  We love their tacos (2 for $1).  Sullivan is the farthest west from St. Louis that there are Jack's, so it is always a stop.

And, we were even happier to find that their late-great Monster Tacos ($1 each) are back!!!  That is by far Liz's favorite.  They also have a Monster Breakfast Taco for $1.49 which is also very tasty.

Well, that sure made our day.

NATIONAL FAST FOOD CHAINS:  Now, we usually like eating at local and mom and pop restaurants, but when there is a national chain that we like and which doesn't have stores near us, it is ok to go there, hence Jack's.

MOTHER ROADING IT AGAIN:  What we were really looking forward to today was actually cruising Route 66 from Sullivan to Lebanon in Missouri.  If we had to pick a favorite Route 66 state, it would be Missouri (followed closely by Illinois).  Yesterday was almost all interstate.

But Today the Fun Starts.  --RoadDog.

Throwed Rolls, 586 Miles, That Close

Yesterday, was a major driving day for us, with 586 miles under the tires, all superslab on I-55.  We had to make some time after getting only 220 the day before.  Actually, it would have been less miles yesterday, except we missed the exit at Grenada, Mississippi, and had to drive to just shy of Jackson before finding a motel.

We had our Lambert's fix in Sikeston, of course, with several "caught rolls," none dropped.  Called Cajun to let him know we were there, a little tradition we have when either of us are at a Lambert's.  Had my favorite pork streak and found a new favorite item, the cucumbers and onions.

Only problem after pigging out, is staying awake, especially of importance when driving.

After the Springfield shock yesterday, we were happy to find gas in Litchfield, Illinois, at $3,30 when we stopped for our Jack-in-the-Box taco fix.  The only problem was we had to "limit" ourselves to two apiece because of the planned stop at Lambert's.

Keeping an eye on gas prices.  Most places in Missouri, usually the cheapest gas in the US, were at $3.25.  However, we did find one place south of Sikeston at $3.10 so filled up there. 


I WAS JUST A LITTLE LATE

Upon arriving at Canton, Mississippi, where we spent the night, I saw the Love's station at $3.10.  On the other side of I-55, while looking for a  motel, I saw the stations with $3.20 prices.  I drove back as quickly as I could, GAS GOUGE WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!!  The big interstate sign still read $3.10.  Got to the gas pump, inserted card and it read $3.20.  DARN!!

On the way out, I saw that the interstate sign now read $3.20.

A Moment Late and a Dollar Short (I Had to Put in Ten Gallons).  --RoadDog

Did Our 66 Thing-- Part 8-- Shaw's

Back in March, I reported on a day and a half trip along Route 66 from Dwight, Illinois, to the Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Still continuing with it.

We're now in Litchfield, but TOO full of Cozy Dogs and fries to get our taco fix and the local Jack in the Box.

We did have a thirst needing to be slaked, and what better place to do that than at the old Route 66 watering hole called Shaw's.

Before the last Route 66 festival in Litchfield this last June, we'd seen the place many times, but it is far enough away from the Best Value Inn to make it a car trip, not something I like to do when visiting a different town and drinking stuff stronger than pop. We were (now that the Gardens is no longer there) walking over to the Passport Lounge near the Ariston. However, now that the Shaw owners have embraced Route 66, this is the place to drink in town.

The place has been on Route 66 since the 20s, originally as a gas station and restaurant. The bar itself is in the old gas station.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Jack in the Box

I'm using the book I was talking about yesterday, "Fast Food" by John A. Jakle and Keith A. Sculle, as a source for a little history of a favorite hamburger joint of Liz and myself, Jack in the Box.

The first one was in San Diego in 1950, which the authors refer to as one of America's primary hamburger "hearths." Its store design and signs were designed to draw attention of the driving public.

The 870 unit chain was bought by Ralston Purina in 1968. Expansion to 1,100 units, though caused a loss of identity and the chain divested itself in the Midwest and east.

Liz and I are particularly fond of the Monster Tacos, but I understand they are dropping them. Personally, I like the regular tacos just as well, then there's that great hamburger.

Nearest one to here is in Litchfield, Illinois, on Route 66.

Having a Jack Attack. --RoadDog

No More Monster Tacos

Two items from yesterday's drive.

We had been wondering whether several signs for places called Jack's located along I-65, might have had something to do with one of our favorite places to eat, Jack in the Box. Liz is particularly fond of their Monster Tacos and I also like the Jumbo Jacks.

A SHORT JUMBO JACK HISTORY

We got to talking about how, while a Delta Sig at Northern Illinois University, my roommate, George, got a job at the new Jack in the Box located at Village Commons. His return from the evening shift was always anxiously awaited at the fraternity house on Greenbrier Road, as he would bring any items left over. He's be met at the door by more than a few hungry frat rats. Hey, free food, more money for beer!!!

This got me hooked on Jumbo Jacks. Naturally, as THE ROOMMATE, I got first choice.

A VISIT WITH DA TACO AND JACK

Shortly after getting onto I-24 (and we hit Nashville at the evening rush hour and didn't have too bad of a time), we saw a sign for Jack in the Box. We didn't know they had them in Tennessee.

We weren't too happy to see that the Jack in the Box was 2.7 miles off the road. I wish they could let you know that bit of information before you exit. But, we were hungry enough that we decided to drive on to it.

Upon arriving, we searched the menu board looking for Monster Tacos and couldn't find it. We saw a two tacos for 99 cents deal, but no Monsters. Asked the manager who said they were discontinuing them, but he had a few left in the freezer. We ordered five. I'm not sure why they would discontinue them. They are quite popular, and even when the Chicago Tribune ran an article on nearest fast food chains to Chicago (nearest Jack in the Box in Litchfield, Illinois), they mentioned people liking that Mexican creation.

We bought the two smaller tacos to compare them to the Monster, and they're essentially the same, but not to Liz's taste.

I think Jack in the Box is making a mistake doing away with MONSTER TACOS.

I, by the way, did have a Jumbo Jack.

Playing Taps for a Great American tradition. --RoadDog