#259 - Rockwood Motor Court

Missouri Filling Station 


Don and I got to experience our first overnight, in a Shell Oil filling station! 

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. 
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Rockwood Motor Court

The old station along with a motor court, was built in 1929, just 3 years after The Mother Road opened. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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. 

Had this one been a duplex, before renovation? I liked the sweet double glider and planters with flowers... and pillows!

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)

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

The tables were empty at 6. It seemed that all the other guests had gone off for dinner. 

Bamboo Table
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Don and I took the prize table, in the shade. Cushions and pillows made our bamboo swivel chairs, pretty festive!  

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!

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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!