Route 66: Galena, Kansas

The hubby and I just returned from a road trip down Route 66, visiting three states along the The Mother Road. The state of Kansas boasts 13 miles of Route 66 at the far southeastern tip of the state. First stop:  Galena, Kansas.  (Click on images to see larger version of photos)

FOUR WOMEN ON THE ROUTE

The highlight of our stop in this old mining town was at a renovated service station on the north end of Main Street (Route 66). There were two beautifully restored gas pumps out front. The Kan-O-Tex name represents three states where the gasoline was once sold – Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Now called “Four Women on the Route”, this old service station had a retro facelift that transformed it to a gift shop and café. The name is the clue that it was renovated and now run by four women from Galena. Inside the store we met Melba “The Mouth” Rigg, a woman that my hubby, Monty, declared talked faster than he could hear. She was very friendly and happily shared a wealth of information about her town and this new venture that she and the three other ladies hope will revitalize their hometown of Galena.

Inside the gift shop are vintage relics of days gone by. On one wall was one of the first televisions purchased in Galena, on another sat an old cigarette machine that Mabel plans to sell post cards out of. There was an old top-loaded Coca Cola chest, vintage gas cans, an old wooden cash register, route 66 neon signs, and much more.

The café serves hamburgers or hot dogs, Frito Chili Pie, Ruebens, Phillies and other sandwiches. For the sweet tooth, the menu boasts funnel cakes, snow cones, and smoothies. The café is so spotless that it is hard to imagine that it is located in what was once the mechanic/garage area of the old service station.

GALENA'S FAMOUS HOMETOWN BOY

There is a big, rusty 1951 International tow truck parked out front that has obviously seen more than his fair share of towing.

The unlikely star of Galena is none other than the original old mining boom truck that inspired the animated character from Radiator Springs - "Tow Mater" - in the Disney/Pixar movie, Cars.  Once stardom hit, Tow Tater began spending leisurely days greeting Route 66 enthusiasts or starring in parades and other special events in the area.


After the movie came out, Disney contacted the Four Women and for copyright/trademark reasons asked them to rename their truck. The ladies held a contest and the winning name was “Tow Tater”.  Needless to say, Tow Tater is leading the good life now.


VIADUCT

Another stop in Galena is the old Viaduct just east of Four Women on Route 66. Built before Route 66 was commissioned, the old bridge now is in a state of disrepair and you can no longer drive over it. We went around the detour signs for a short distance and then walked up the road bed, which still has Route 66 emblems emblazoned on asphalt. The detour signs will take you onto a gravel road where can drive beside the Viaduct and enter Galena. The town is trying to accumulate enough donations to save the bridge from destruction and begin restoration. Drop your donation in the plastic jug inside Four Women.

HISTORICAL MINING MUSEUM

Further west on Route 66, be sure to stop at the Howard Litch Historical Mining Museum. This is an old train depot that houses many vintage items related to the town’s history. There are mineral samples, including galena which is a mineral composed mainly of lead. Inside the museum are old mining artifacts and equipment, vintage photographs, antiques, an old horse-drawn hearse, retro television station equipment, and more. Outside you will find a lovely park with restored train cars and a separate area for vintage military equipment.

On the day we were there, there was an old Ford Model T parked out front. Two of the volunteers working at the museum were nice enough to share some information about the old Ford and it proved to be a great photo opportunity.

NEXT BLOG STOP: Baxter Springs, Kansas