Sorry to Hear About the Passing of Ramona Lehman

Just recently I came across mention of the death of Ramona Lehman, who with her husband Bob operated the famed Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri for so many years last August.

I was off line completely from May to December last year so did not hear anything about her death.

Of all the great old-timers Liz and I met on Route 66 over the years, we liked Ramona and Bob the best and looked forward to our nearly every year trip to stay with them at that neat motel.  I especially enjoyed the morning coffee inn the lobby when we would talk about all sorts if things and , of course with visitors checking out.

I doubt that she ever met someone she didn't like.  But, never tell her that Illinois has better Route 66 signage than Missouri as that could get you on her bad side quickly.  I did that once.

I was looking forward to visiting her again this year, but guess not.  It will also be different as Liz won't be with me either.

So Long Ramona, Old Friend.  --RoadDog

Sad News About Ramona Lehman and the Munger Moss Motel

I was catching up with the Route 66 News blog and came across  the entry for February 14 which announced that the Munger Moss Motel has been sold and that long-term owner Ramona Lehman is in an assisted living facility in Lebanon, Missouri.

I knew she was having health issues because of her age and needed to find someone who would take over the motel and run it.

We have stayed there many times over the years and have had nice talks with Ramona and her late husband Bob.  I especially liked the morning coffee in the offce as Route 66 travelers checked out.  All sorts of good 66 discussion then.

She and Bob were some of the folks we met that hooked us into Route 66, many of them now gone, sadly.

Hopefully, the new owners will live up to their promise to keep the motel much as it is.

Like Ramona and Bob used to say, "It's your home away from home."

Thanks for the Memories Bob and Ramona.  --RoadSad

Along66, Nov. 2022: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and Ramona Lehman

I get these posts from the Route 66 News blog site.   If you want to know what is going on along our favorite road, this is where you want to go.  There is a new post most every day.  I just pick out the ones where I have the most interest.  

The site gives more information and has pictures and videos.  Plus, I am usually a month or more behind as you can see.

NOVEMBER 1

Groundbreaking was held for improvements to the Missouri side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis.

This is being run by the Great Rivers Greenway.  They will also install restrooms, drinking fountains, local artwork and a pavilion.

Probably the biggest thing is increased security.  All kinds of damage was done to vehicles when their owners left them to walk the bridge.

NOVEMBER 9

Munger Moss Motel (in Lebanon, Missouri) owner Ramona Lehman received the Lebanon Community Achievement Award during the 21st annual Wall of Honor banquet.  She and her late husband Bob have owned the vintage motel for over fifty years.

A well-deserved honor.  

Ramona is truly the Spirit of Route 66.

--RoadDog

Along66, September 2022: Ramona Lehman of the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon Receives the Community Achievement Award

Well, I finally made it to my goal of being just one month behind the source of these posts, the Route 66 News.  I use this site a lot as it is by far your best source for what's going on along our Mother Road.  There are posts every day, sometimes more than one and pictures as well.  I just pick the ones I am most interested in and write about them.  My posts are usually shorter than the one in the News. 

SEPTEMBER 3

Longtime owner of the Munger-Moss Motel to receive the Lebanon Community Achievement Award.

Ramona Lehman will be honored November 3 at the Chamber's annual Wall of Honor banquet.

She has owned the Munger-Moss for 52 years, most of them with husband Bob, who died several years ago.

Ramona is a friend of ours and before the pandemic, we used to see her every year.  I can think of no one more deserving of honors.

She is the Spirit and Face of Route 66.

What a Person.  --RoadDog

Getaway to Lebanon, Missouri-- Part 2: And Don't Forget the Munger-Moss

**  Hike at Bennett Springs State Park

**  Nostalgic eats at  Swiss Inn Drive In.  Everything is essentially the way it was 55 years ago.

**  Antiquing along the Antique Trail to places like the Vintage Flower Market, Route 66  Antique Mall and  Marketplace or The Rooster Marketplace and then grab a  brown bag lunch special and a side at Wrink's Market.

**  Make it a weekend and stay at the Manor House Inn, formerly the Lenz HoMoTel with six  memorable rooms to stay in.  (I imagine a B&B.)

***************************

Of course, they didn't say anything about what I consider the #1 attraction in town and that would be the Munger-Moss Motel.

--RoadDog

Along66, Dec.2021: The Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame in Missouri

DECEMBER 13

The inaugural class for the Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame has been announced, and includes two people we had the fortune to meet.

**  Bob and Ramona Lehman of the Munger-Moss Motel  We were so sorry we couldn't get there last year for their anniversary party.  COVID, you know.

**  Frank and Dorothy Nelson, creators of Nelson's Dream Village and Nelson Tavern.  I sure wish these two places were still around, but at least they have the fountain at the new Route 66 park in Lebanon.

**  Charles and Lida Spears and Emis and Lois Spears of Camp Joy in Lebanon.  Again, wish that was still there.

**  Bill Wheeler the organizer of the Lebanon Route 66 Festival and the Lebanon-Laclede Society.

**  Glenn Wrinkle of Wrink's Market.  We spent several visits talking with him.  What a character.

--RoadDog

Along 66, Feb. 2021: Will Summer 2021 Be Better?

FEBRUARY 11

Should tourism on Route 66 be up or down for 2021?

I know tourism had to have been bad last year.  Even Liz and I did not go out on it.  Not so much from fear of getting it, but if I make the effort to drive somewhere I want to enjoy it on my own terms.

But, I'm hoping that this year will be better as it seems the virus is dying down some, plus the vaccines should definitely help.

Liz and I are planning to be out for Ramona's 50th anniversary at the Munger Moss in June, plus, I'm ready for several days or more in Springfield, Illinois.   Ready for some Route 66 Hotel, Curve Inn and Motorheads.

Chompin' At the Bit, You Know.  --RoadDog

Along 66, Feb. 2021: Ramona Lehman's 50th Anniversary at the Munger Moss Motel This June

FEBRUARY 5

The Munger Moss Motel is holding a celebration for its big anniversary in June.  And, I am talking about the 50th year that Ramona Lehman has owned it.  It will be held June 18-19.

Her husband Bob died in 2019.

If there are two more people than these two who sum up the Route 66 experience I don't know who'd they be.  Sadly, we called a few days after we heard about it and the place is already sold out, but we will be there, even if we have to stay elsewhere that weekend and then get a room afterwards.

One of my absolute favorite Route 66 things to do is go to the office in the morning and talk with Ramona and Bob.  There are always other 66ers there as well.

The name of the motel refers to  the name of a former sandwich shop in Devil's Elbow, Missouri, built in 1936 by Nellie Munger and her husband Emmitt Moss.  The building still exists as the Elbow Inn (but is currently closed while undergoing renovations.  To say that it is/was rustic would be an understatement.)  This is another one of Liz and my favorite stops for a cold brew after a hard day's cruise.

They relocated to Lebanon, Missouri after Route 66 bypassed Devil's Elbow and the Munger Moss Motel was built in 1946.

Plus, this is the 75th anniversary of the Munger Moss Motel.

--RoadMoss

In Case You're Wondering What the Ten Best Roadside Motels Are

 The USA Today newspaper just concluded their contest to choose the 10 Best Roadside Motels.  People were able to vote from a list of twenty motels (see my October   posts for the complete list) and Friday they announced the winners.  Three of the motels were on Route 66 and one was on the Lincoln Highway.

Here is the list of the Top Ten Motels:

1.  Coachman Motel in South Lake Tahoe, California

2.  Lincoln Motor Court in McMann's Choice, Pennsylvania (or is it McManns Choice?)

3.  The Sunset Motel in Brevard, North Carolina

4.  Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona

5.  Roadrunner Lodge, Tucumcari, New Mexico

6.  The Vagabond Motel in Miami

7.  Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico

8.  Hotel Palms in Atlantic Beach, Florida

9.  Astro Motel in Santa Rosa, California

10.  Sandman in Santa Rosa, California

But, Wait, Munger-Moss, Boots Court and the Wagon Wheel weren't even in the original twenty.  

Something Wrong Here.  --RoadMoss

20 Photos of Motels on Route 66 That Would Be Good Choices to Stay

From Feb. 9, 2020 The Travel  "Planning a Road Trip?  20 Photos of Motels That Look (Surprisingly) Cozy" by Bri Thomas.

All the motels have a retro vibe and comfortable rooms.  Text and some wonderful pictures also accompany the article.

**  Liz and I have stayed in these.  Staying at one of these places gives more credence to a Route 66 trip.  Much netter choice than one of the chains.

ROUTE 66 MOTEL  in Barstow, California

WIGWAM MOTELS San Bernardino, California and Holbrook, Arizona  (I stayed in the one in Cave City, Kentucky)

EL RANCHO MOTEL  in Gallup, New Mexico **

BLUE SWALLOW MOTEL in Tucumcai, New Mexico  **

BIG TEXAN MOTEL in Amarillo, Texas

CAMPBELL HOTEL in Tulsa, Oklahoma

BOOTS COURT MOTEL  in Carthage, Missouri  **

MUNGER MOSS MOTEL in Lebanon, Missouri  **

WAGON WHEEL MOTEL in Cuba, Missouri  **

ROUTE 66 HOTEL in Springfield, Illinois  **

--RoadDog

It's Been A Bit of a Strange Summer for Us So Far (Or, the 20.4-Mile Road Trip)

Usually by this time of the summer, we would have been on several drives along Route 66 in Illinois and even out as far as the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, and not mention at least once out to the Mississippi River.

But, not so this year and you know why.  We're sticking close to home.  I don't care to go anywhere when I can't just do what I want to do.  Might as well just stay home and that is what we're doing.  We haven't been away overnight since early March and don't plan on doing that for the remainder of this year (and who knows how long in the future).

This was brought to mind with a jolt this past Saturday, when I drove from Spring Grove to Algonquin, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting (our first one since February).  It came to me that this was the farthest I had been away from home since early March.

I looked it up, and it was a whopping 20.4 miles.

Well, at least gasoline expenses have been negligible since March.

Gas, What Gas?

Little Old Homebody Me.  --RoadHouse

Along 66, September 2019: Tulsa Neon and Worrisome Elbow News

SEPTEMBER 6--  First neon sign restored with a Tulsa Route 66 grant program.  Billy Ray's BBQ and Catfish neon sign.  It has been dark for about fifteen years.  The program has gotten a lot of applications for this worthy project.

My idea is that you can never have too much neon.

SEPTEMBER 7--  Elbow Inn operators lose lease; owners will restore the place to its 1950s appearance.

The people operating it right now have had it since 2006, but the owners want the place to move in a different direction and it will reopen after a face lift.  They do say that it won't be a winery.  What would they do with those hundreds of bras on the ceiling?

I am a bit concerned about this news.  Other than the bathrooms, I like everything just the way it is.  Not only is the place rustic, but it really puts the dive in Dive Bar. It is a must-stop every time heading for the Munger-Moss.

Keep It Real.  --RoadElbow

Just Got Back from Route 66 in the Ozarks

Liz and I returned home this past Wednesday from an eight day cruise of 1,100 miles through Illinois and Missouri.  The object was to attend  the Lebanon, Missouri, Route 66 Festival, and, of course, a 4-day stay at the Munger-Moss Motel and visit with Ramona Lehman.

We stayed in three historic motels:  Munger-Moss, Wagon Wheel in Cuba and the Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield.

Friday we had a block party on the east end of Lebanon with a classic car show at Munger-Moss and entertainment at Wrink's.  Saturday was the classic car parade (and Ramona was the grand marshal), a band and the dedication of the sole remaining tourist cabin from Camp Joy.

We also enjoyed partying at the Curve Inn, George Ranks and Motorheads in Springfield, the VFW and American Legion in Lebanon, Elbow Inn in Devil's Elbow and Rock Fair and East Office in Cuba.

We interacted with tourists from Germany, Japan and the Czech Republic.

Always a Great Time Out on Ol' 66.  --RoadDog

Route 66 Roadies Heading to Lebanon, Missouri for 66 Festival This Weekend

From Lebanon 66 Organization.  Gary Sosniecki.

"Celebrating Cap Joy" is this year's theme as the sole remaining cabin has been restored and will be dedicated at Boswell Park.

This is the 12th annual festival since 2001.

Friday the party will be at Route 66 businesses on the east side of town and Saturday at Boswell Park, downtown.  All events are free and open to the public.

Camp Joy was one of Lebanon's first tourist courts, founded by the Spears family in 1927.

Friday, the celebration is called the Route 66 Block Party.  Festivities will be around Wrink's Market and the Munger-Moss Motel.  There will also be a cruise-in according to Munger-Moss Motel owner Ramona Lehman.   Phat Mike and the Bartenders will play.

Saturday there will be a parade and the Bucket Band from Kansas will perform.

Sounds Like A Lot of Fun.  --RoadDog

Bob Lehman (October 11, 1937-February 28, 2019)

From the Laclede (Missouri) Record.

Robert  "Bob" Lehman.  Born Oct. 11, 1937, in Postville, Iowa.  Married Ramona Jean Hopperworth in Iowa November 15, 1957.

They have owned and operated the popular Route 66 icon, the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, since June 1971.

Funeral service will be Monday, March 4 at Shadel's Colonial Chapel.

I am going to miss our morning coffee talks in the motel lobby and seeing Bob zipping around on that golf cart.  he was some character and a great guy.

We'll sure miss him, Ramona.

So Long Bob Lehman of the Munger-Moss

I just heard that Bob Lehman, owner of the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri, died.

Another of the wonderful Route 66 folk who are no longer with us.

But, Liz and I were able to meet with and talk with him many times over our Route 66 days so we are thankful for that.

Our condolences to his wife Ramona.

Lots Happening On Route 66 in Illinois and Missouri Last Weekend and This One

Last week, Liz and I went to Lebanon, Missouri and stayed at the Munger-Moss Motel for three days.  We hit all the Route 66 places from Pacific to there.  Lebanon and LaClede County have a really great booklet out that has every Route 66 place on it (and there are a lot).

We were out that way because of the Illinois Route 66 Motor Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10.  The Munger Moss and Lebanon are having their own Route 66 celebration tonight and Saturday.  Tonight, the party will be at the Munger-Moss and Saturday it will be downtown.

Last Saturday was the Illinois Route 66 Blue Carpet festival with a lot of towns between Litchfield and Edwardsville participating, as well as Edwardsville's 21st annual Route 66 Festival.  Also, the annual Illinois Route 66 Association Motor Tour took place, with a double crossing of the old Chain of Rocks Bridge as a highlight.

And, the Tropics sign in Lincoln, Illinois, will be turned on this month!!!

Sure Wish We Could Have Gone to the Munger-Moss/Lebanon Parties.  RoadDog

2018 Route 66 Trip: Just Got Back

We just hot back a few minutes ago from a trip on Route 66 from Dwight, Illinois, to Lebanon Missouri.

The trip covered 1,156 miles, three cities and three motels:  Route 66 Hotel in Springfield, Illinois, Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon,  Missouri and Super 8 in Pontoon Beach, Illinois.  The last two days included the Illinois Route 66 Motor Tour.

We saw a lot of stuff we'd seen before as well as many things that were new.

We ate and drank lots and lots.

I had  no posts over the last six days as we had really big problems with our laptops.

Major Fun for Us.  --RoadDog

Along 66, May 2018: Illinois' Red Carpet Corridor and Lebanon's Murals

MAY 5--  The Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival was held this Saturday.  The event covers a 90 mile stretch of the famous road from Joliet to Towanda (by Bloomington-Normal).  This year it is to be just one day instead of Sat-Sun..

And, they promise to have more collectibles in each town.  You get a collectible in each town.  Last year we went on it and by Sunday, every place we went was out of them.

MAY 8--  The Nelson family unveiled the latest mural in Lebanon, Missouri.  It is in Boswell Park and this mural shows the long-gone Nelson Tavern and Nelson's Dream Village Motel.

We'll be seeing it this week while staying at the Munger-Moss Motel.

--RoadDog

Along 66, February 2018: Video, Joliet Prison and Lebanon

These are taken from the Route 66 News and are the stories of special interest to me.  The Route 66 News site has more information on each of these along with pictures as well as a lot more stories.  Check it out.

JANUARY 23--  Emma Lee, a Canadian singer-songwriter has a video out featuring a whole lot of western Route 66 sites.  Good song as well.  Her song is called "Drivin'.  Well worth a watch.

FEBRUARY  2--  The Old Joliet Prison (Illinois) will be a haunted house this October.  Make sure to go in your Blues Brothers costume.

FEBRUARY 5--  There is some fear about the proposed homeless shelter in the former Forest Manor Motel in Lebanon, Missouri.  Especially from people and businesses who are close by it.  That would include the Munger-Moss Motel and Starlite Bowl.

--RoadDog