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Artist (and Webb City Mayor) John Biggs depicts Route 66 from Chicago to Webb City in this 15' X 32" mural on the Bruner Building, one block north of 66 on Main Street, in downtown Webb City, MO.

The mural includes the Chicago and St. Louis skylines along with the local Jasper County courthouse, the historic Webb home and the Praying Hands monument in Webb City.

Note the Route 66 Main Street America sign.

Located across the street from the mural, the Bradbury Bishop DeIi not only represents Webb City's past, it's a genuine part of it. And the "Good Ole Days" are still alive inside the Deli.

Featuring a working soda fountain installed in the second quarter of the last centuty, an atmosphere reminiscent of the 50' s and 60's, and the best breakfast and lunch in the entire area, Bradbury Bishop Deli is a unique Route 66 dining experience.

The Deli is open for breakfast and lunch from 6:00 am Monday through Saturday. Visitors from all over the country, traveling historic old Route 66, drop by regularly.

A highlight of every month from April through October is when classic cars, custom cars, muscle cars, and street rods line Main Street for Webb City Cruise Nights, sponsored by the Deli on the 2nd Saturday evening of the month. The Deli stays open until 8:30, the jukebox is playing, and the place is full of friends sharing good times and memories.

As you leave Webb City for Carterville, take a look to the north as you cross the railroad tracks for a "Route Rarity". No, it's not a mine structure as many believe.

Amidst the "leavings" from the mining days, the structure on the right is part of a trestle that carried the Trolly Car that linked Carthage, Carterville, Webb City, Joplin and points west.

The Trolly also ran alongside Route 66 and ON route 66 in some locations! You can see a restored trolly at the Chamber of Commerce at the south end of Main Street.

Left: Funeral trollys transported the deceased and the grieving family members to area cemeteries.

Below is a Joplin & Pittsburg (KS.) electric trolly that often travelled on parts of Route 66.

During "Mining Days" and other special celebrations, Webb City rolls-out the only remaining, and fully restored trolly. This late 1800's beauty travels around the lake and fairgrounds and is located at the Chamber of Commerce building at the south end of Main Street off Hwy. 171. The demise of the trolly service was speeded-up by the advent of affordable personal motorcars in the 1930's. (Below): "The Kneeling Miner" was recently re-bronzed and dedicated, and along with the giant "Praying Hands Monument, is also located on Hwy. 171. The Parade and other events were held the next day (photos below), along with many other events held at the Fairgrounds. Over 20 Marching Bands made this a big event on 66!

Above: A period corner gas station awaits restoration one block west of Main Street where 66 turns south.

Left: Webb City's Route 66 Movie Theater on Main Street.

(A neon delight!)

Offices of the popular VISIT 66 Website have moved to this old 1910 US Filling Station at the corner of Daugherty and Liberty Streets (across from the Post Office),

just 1 block off Old Route 66.

The historic 1910 U.S. Filling Station is across the street from the Aylor House, 2 blocks west of Webb City's Main Street, and is in the restoration process and is the homebase of the popular "Route 66 Advertiser" newspaper. Several classic automobiles are on display.

The historic "Aylor House" is owned by Jim Michalec, publisher of the Advertiser, and tours are available. Constructed in 1891, the home will be used as a Bed and Breakfast, and as a "Gathering" place for meetings, weddings, receptions and car shows. (LINK)