Tag: Missouri

New Wally’s in St. Louis Opens

During the weekend of March 12, 2022 a new giant gas station opened in Fenton, Missouri: Wally’s! Prior to the St. Louis location, the only other Wally’s location was in Pontiac, Illinois. Now there are two and there are plans for more locations to open in the Midwest in the next 2-3 years. Wally’s is themed after “The Great American Roadtrip.” There is a great deal of 1980s nostalgia throughout the location from the station wagon that sits out front to the old-school labels on the fountain sodas. Wally’s has a gift store, a popcorn store, a bakery, and more. They have some of the most impressive public bathrooms in a gas station or convenience store that I have ever seen. They even make their own beef jerky and sell it on site! Wally’s isn’t just a gas station, it’s a destination location for anyone visiting the St. Louis area. It’s located on part of the property of the old Fenton Chrysler Plant.

Final Visit to Historic Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge

The old Gasconade River Bridge in Missouri was first completed in 1924, two years before Route 66 came into existence. It was closed to traffic a few years ago and some historic preservation groups have attempted to save the old bridge and turn it into a pedestrian bridge. Unfortunately, due to not being able to meet insurance demands, the bridge is scheduled to be demolished during the summer of 2020. This video takes one final look back at the old bridge.

Farewell to Bob’s Gasoline Alley

A few weeks ago I drove Route 66 through parts of Missouri. I stopped and visited a lot of different sites. One of them was Bob’s Gasoline Alley. Bob Mullen passed away earlier this year and this wonderful collection of signage, gas pumps, and pieces of Americana will soon be no more as it’s all being auctioned off in July 2020. Thanks for collecting and sharing, Bob.