Gangsta Cars
by Cheri Randolph
Title
Gangsta Cars
Artist
Cheri Randolph
Medium
Photograph
Description
While traveling along Historic Route 66 Highway, I discovered several vintage automobiles parked behind the Route 66 Motel in Cuba, Missouri. What a step back in time to find these - relics of the early days of cross-country automobile travel. All were perfectly restored and the owners were traveling across the U.S. on the old highway.
Identified by its landmark neon sign, the Wagon Wheel Motel, Cafe and Station in Cuba offers contemporary travelers a glimpse of a well preserved, historic example of a locally owned and operated Route 66 tourist court and a place to sleep. After nearly three quarters of a century, the Wagon Wheel Motel is still in operation! The Wagon Wheel Motel started out along Route 66 in 1936 as a mom and pop food, fuel, and lodging establishment. Aside from the roadside cafe and gas station, the facility consisted of three stone lodging buildings set 200 feet back from the road. Known as the Wagon Wheel Cabins, each building housed three cabins with garages. This layout was unusual because the cabins were not the traditional, freestanding tourist court buildings typical at the time. Instead, the Wagon Wheel Cabins were similar to the multiple unit motel layout that was more common in the 1940s and 50s.
A 1939 AAA travel directory entry for the site illustrates the full service approach favored by many roadside businesses at the time:
Wagon Wheel Cabins on U.S. 66, the east side of town. 9 newly constructed stone cottages each with a private tub or shower bath. Very well furnished; gas heat; fans in summer; enclosed garages. Rates $2.50 to $3 per day for two persons. This is a home away from home. Splendid surroundings. Caf�; laundry services; rest rooms; super service station. One of the finest courts in the state. Very good.
Uploaded
March 8th, 2012
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Viewed 194 Times - Last Visitor from Wilmington, DE on 04/15/2024 at 2:24 PM
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Comments (26)
William Fields
Cheri, I'm back again. Congrats on your recent sale in Houston! This a lovely piece and I have voted for it again as well as made my favorite once more. I still love the picture and I'm counting on you coming for a visit the next time you "decide to motor West".
Cheri Randolph replied:
William, Thanks for your always positive input. You can count on me stopping for a visit and I would like to extend the same offer whenever you visit NOLA. Sure appreciate your v/f!
Cheri Randolph
Hi Randy, I almost did too - thus the title. However, it was a group of retired couples taking a tour of Route 66 in their restored vehicles. We were fortunately staying at the vintage motor court at the same time. Appreciate your v/f!
Randy Rosenberger
Lovely nighttime capture, Cheri, and it is awesome in its composition. I half way expect to see "John Dillinger" popping out of one of the awesome vehicles with a Thompson, in hand! lol Love it! fave and vote
Cheri Randolph
Thanks for the compliment, William. I didn't realize until today when I checked on the map to see how far away from you Cuba, Missouri is located. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip on Route 66 through your state. Appreciate your v/f!
William Fields
Outstanding capture Cheri! Do you realize you were less than an hour from my house! voted, favorite
Shirley Sirois
This ordinary scene was changed by the lighting to suit your title...nice image!...v.
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