Wagon Wheel Motel kicks off 75th Anniversary Celebration

Cuba, Mo. – With rooms rented to Route 66ers for the1930s price of $3.50 a night and ‘30s food prices, the historic landmark Wagon Wheel Motel, in Cuba, Missouri, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in style, on August 20-21. As the oldest motel on Route 66, the Wagon Wheel Café building, gas station, and motel earned its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

Connie Echols, who bought the old motel in 2009, finished a “hands-on” restoration this spring by redoing all the rooms, adding two decks and a bike shelter/pavilion. Each room has an authentic feel of a Route 66 motel, but with updates of Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Rooms are of various sizes and amenities; details are listed on the Wagon Wheel website: WagonWheel66Cuba.com.

Now, Echols is ready to celebrate the history of the Wagon Wheel with a 1930s Bonnie and Clyde themed Open House and Celebration. Car Clubs have been invited to bring cars of the era for the two-day event which begins with lunch on Saturday, August 20. Vintage dress is encouraged if you would like to get with participate in the spirit of the event.

During the two-day Open House Celebration, there are room tours, games, food, music, book signings by Route 66 enthusiast Joe Sonderman and Wagon Wheel historian Riva Echols, as well as an explanation of the Route 66 GPS program, by its creator, River Pilot. Employees of the Wagon Wheel and families associated with the Wagon Wheel are invited to meet and reminisce on Sunday afternoon. There may be a few other surprises in store for attendees.

“It’s been a long journey getting the Wagon Wheel Motel and Connie’s Shoppe to this point,” stated Echols. “Now it’s time to share the results with friends, family, and the Route 66 community. I’m eager to show off all the progress that we have made and to have a good time.”

Saturday:
1-3 p.m.; Room tours
2-6 p.m.: Wine tasting
All day: Croquet /horseshoes
Evening: Chipping contest
8 p.m.: Band concert
Sunday:
11 a.m.: Joe Sonderman, Route 66 author, book signing
1-3 p.m.: Room tours
1 p.m.: Riva Echols, The Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66 History, book signing
2-4 p.m.: Wine tasting
2 p.m.: Croquet tournament

River Pilot, the creator of the Route 66 GPS program, is available all weekend to explain his GPS system.

Riva Echols will host the social gathering for employees and families connected to the Wagon Wheel history, and anyone else who might be interested in Wagon Wheel history.

Visit the Wagon Wheel Motel’s 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday and Sunday. Bring your cameras to record another historic event at this Historic Landmark on Route 66.

Contact:
Connie Echols
901 East Washington (Old Route 66)
Cuba, Missouri 65453
Motel: 573-885-3411
Cell: 573-241-5143
Website: WagonWheel66Cuba.com