The Beth Lists
  • Homepage
  • Little Bear's Adventures
  • Diverse Dining List
  • 90 Notable Nights
  • Happy List
  • Quilt Adventure Blog
  • Not So Happy List
  • The Texas Twenty List
  • Mom's Picnic List
  • 18+ Dance Adventures
  • 55 Strangers
  • The Barbie Bucket List
  • 60 Celebrations
  • 57 Celebrations of the Fifties!
 90 Notable Nights

#259 - Rockwood Motor Court

7/13/2021

2 Comments

 

Missouri Filling Station 


Don and I got to experience our first overnight, in a Shell Oil filling station! 
Picture
Back in the day, it was more than a gas station. This charming little building was a filling station, right on Route 66, just west of Springfield, Missouri. 
​
Rockwood Motor Court

The old station along with a motor court, was built in 1929, just 3 years after The Mother Road opened. 
Picture
Today, the buildings may be over 9 decades old, but the 2 signs are very new. Phyllis and Tim purchased the property a couple years ago and opened in 2020.

​Tubby's Diner in 2016

This wasn't the first time Don and I visited the property. Five years ago, the gas station and house was a diner. The sign didn't exactly attract us, but we were intrigued with the old stone buildings.
Picture
I remember little about our lunch, but I have photos. I looked back at these photos when I read an article a year ago, about a couple renovating a motor court on Rt 66. I was giddy to recognize the sandstone buildings!

Arriving in June

I called and made reservations with Phyllis for a Thursday in June.
Picture
We avoided the weekend, since Route 66 attracts lots of motorcycles. The sweet cottages looked very inviting!

Duplex?

This sweet building held rooms 1 and 2. Was it once a cottage with garage? The red chairs and Dutch figures were pretty sweet! The brick building next door was part of a Baptist Church, so no worries of noise.
Picture
This photo shows off the Ozark sandstone and the red brick trim. I should have taken a close up, to show how the sawed sandstone gave a "wood grain" appearance.

House and Office

The cottage next to the green building was where we checked in with Phyllis. What a delight. She seemed as eager to have us and we were to be there!
Picture
The green building was Tubby's Diner, in 2016. Long before that, the rock and stucco building was home to the original owners, who operated "Rockwood Court" as a Tourist Camp. 

Garages

After many changes in ownership, the business became Rockwood Motor Court, in 1948.
Picture
The term motor court came into use in the late 1930's. They were designed for people traveling by automobile. Motels don't have garages, but some motor courts do! Rockwood had some garages and one remains. Phyllis pointed it out.

Photo-time, Near the Garage

We had a great conversation with our host about the kinds of guests who appreciate the history of Route 66. 
Picture
We also talked about the pandemic and our shared concerns about the spiking cases in Springfield. We were both happy to be vaccinated and  hopeful that more would get the vaccine.

6 Cottages

Don and I peeked around at the other cottages. All were a little different on the outside. The insides had different themes as well. 
Picture
Had this one been a duplex, before renovation? I liked the sweet double glider and planters with flowers... and pillows!
Picture
This one had a bit of a garden in front. The rock pattern reminded me of a gingerbread house... or maybe one of those yummy windmill cookies.

​Rockwood Station

​Phyllis took us to our room in the old filling station. Our building was the only one that faced Rt 66. (now College Street)
Picture
Picture
The glassed-in entry, would have been nice on a chilly winter day. On a warm day in June it was just an extra door, that made us feel a little less vulnerable to the people who might try to walk in. I'm not sure if that ever happens, but some could think it was the motor court office.  

Filling Station Theme

Phyllis showed us around and I asked lots of important questions. "Who's the deer?"  "Oh, that's Stanley."

I didn't have to ask about the cost for a bottle of Coca-Cola. "Insert penny and nickel in slot" was written above the handle. No ICE COLD cokes were inside, but it brought back some memories.
Picture
Picture
Our comfy space luckily had more than a filling station interior. There were themed goodies in absolutely every nook and cranny, but there was a comfy sitting area and a nice TV, as well. The braided rug and most furniture had a vintage feel.

More Space

We could have gotten a themed guest room for $69. But, we went all out and paid $115. for our studio with kitchenette.
Picture
It felt wonderful to spread out after 5 days in small hotel/motel rooms.

So Many Beds

​We had a lot of beds for 2 people. 
Picture
Picture
The single beds made me wish it was 1995, traveling with our young kids. They would have loved the little desk and and games. The "Kid in Don" loved the hubcaps and Shell sign.

A Stage Play

The kitchen corner, reminded me of a set for a play. I think Phyllis and Tim  had a fun time collecting the "props" and decor for this wonderful space.
Picture
The table just seemed to invite us to play cards into the night... with beers from the Philco fridge. Phyllis apologized for not defrosting the freezer. The frosty freezer was a funny sight. Should have snapped a pic.

Restroom Key

Luckily the sign on the bathroom door was just for laughs. We didn't really have to obtain a key from the station attendant. 
Picture
Picture
My photo with the black toilet seat and "automotive products" shelf, really looks like a gas station restroom. But in person, the bathroom looked absolutely fresh and spotless. I've never seen a station restroom this clean.

Treasures

Phyllis didn't stay long, but I'm glad she saw some good reactions from us. Don and I both love a theme and they did it well.
Picture
Picture
Even the black tile floor seemed perfect. Don was amused by the fan belt and radiator guide. 

I loved the use of red and yellow! The colors were perfect for matching the Shell Oil signs, but also good for making me crave a hotdog with catsup and mustard.
Picture
Picture
I asked Phyllis if she ever worried about people running off with some of the treasures. She said the Shell cigarette lighter from Tucumcari, was her favorite. She said they had such nice guests, she couldn't imagine... then she laughed. "But I do have addresses, to track people down!"

More Time

We only had one night, so we didn't get to spend much time looking through the "Filler Up"  or the "Route 66" books. 
Picture
Picture
The "Filler 'er Up!" game was probably for kiddos, but I'd have played if we had more time. The Sinclair puzzle hadn't even been opened, but it was 1000 pieces, so I wasn't tempted. I smiled to recognize the very Sinclair station, that we've seen in Missouri.

Happy Hour

Don and I love a little Hotel Happy Hour, on a porch or deck. We had lots of options on Rockwood's property.
Picture
Picture
It was a little too warm with hot evening sun, to sit in front of our station. The yellow Adirondack chairs were also in the sun, but there was a bubbling fountain nearby.

Shady Patio

Earlier we had chatted with some older travelers, playing cards under the patio roof. 
Picture
The tables were empty at 6. It seemed that all the other guests had gone off for dinner. 

Bamboo Table
​

Don and I took the prize table, in the shade. Cushions and pillows made our bamboo swivel chairs, pretty festive!  
Picture
We raised our wine for a toast, just as Phyllis stepped out of the office. She greeted us, then handed us a sealed bag of Kettle Corn. Oh Lord! I was in heaven!
Picture
Don and I sat in the shade with a nice breeze and studied the cozy cottages... and the creative light fixtures above our heads. Were they upside down, plastic planters?
Picture
Eventually, we saw a few other guests and chatted a bit. A cyclist prepared her bike and headed off on a ride. One woman was traveling home from her 103 year old mother's funeral. A nurse was doing temporary work at a Springfield hospital... treating Covid patients. Such nice people, staying nearby.

Sun Setting

When the sun got lower, we moved to the wooden seating in front. 
Picture
We never want to ignore a chance to sit on old Route 66. There weren't many cars or people, but we waved to a few. The highlight was when we spotted 2 men crossing the road, in their motorized wheelchairs. They puffed on cigarettes as they traveled on down the road.
Picture
The lights came on and temps dropped. We decided to stay put, instead of heading out for dinner. After the sun was down, we made sandwiches in our kitchenette and watched a little TV. It seemed just right.

Breakfast Down the Road

In the morning we walked down 66, before 8:00. We had some fun people encounters, while eating breakfast at the College Street Cafe.
The photos above show some of the curious buildings within a half mile of the motor court. Some might not find this as fun as me, but I was a happy tourist!

What's Notable?

Don and I have stayed in about 10 motels on Route 66. Some of them have been renovated and some have become sad and worn. This property was brought back to life with new paint and tons of treasures. None of the old charm has been scrubbed away.
Picture
Our timing was perfect at Rockwood Motor Court. It hasn't been open for very long, so the enthusiasm and renovations are fresh! I'm predicting that before long, it might be hard to book our special studio room. Glad we got to spend our very first night in a filling station!
2 Comments
Phyllis Ferguson link
2/5/2022 10:09:39 pm

Beth,
So much fun to read this wonderfully descriptive story of your and Don’s night at the Rockwood. Your photos are so cheerful and nicely composed. You’ve done such a beautiful job of showcasing our 1929 Route 66 court. It was a real pleasure to meet you two and have you stay in “Fill ‘Er Up!”. Stop in and see us again.😊

Reply
Beth
2/6/2022 09:20:14 am

Hi Phyllis!
What a great surprise to see your message today! We've been thinking about our visit to Rockwood recently. We haven't been back to Springfield since our visit, but this is a nice reminder that we need to! Thanks so much for connecting!
Happy New Year and hope to see you before too long!
Beth

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Ninety Notable

    ​       Nights


    My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains.    

    I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth.  Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years.

    ​The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures.  I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding!

    Archives

    May 2025
    March 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    September 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    000 Unusual!
    00 The Blog's Beginning
    0 Foreign Bermuda
    0 Foreign Chile
    0 Foreign Curacao
    0 Foreign France
    0 Foreign - Guatemala
    0 Foreign Italy
    0 Foreign Japan
    0 Foreign Mexico
    0 Foreign Roatan
    0 Foreign Thailand
    0 Switzerland
    Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Colorado
    Florida
    Georgia
    Hawaii
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Iowa
    *Lodges
    Louisiana
    Michigan
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Montana
    Nevada
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    South Dakota
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Vermont
    Washington
    Wyoming

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Homepage
  • Little Bear's Adventures
  • Diverse Dining List
  • 90 Notable Nights
  • Happy List
  • Quilt Adventure Blog
  • Not So Happy List
  • The Texas Twenty List
  • Mom's Picnic List
  • 18+ Dance Adventures
  • 55 Strangers
  • The Barbie Bucket List
  • 60 Celebrations
  • 57 Celebrations of the Fifties!