Relighting ceremony for Boots Motel sign is July 19

The Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., has set an official relighting ceremony for its restored neon sign for 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, according to a news release from the motel.

At that time, the anonymous donor who supplied the funds to refurbish the sign will reveal himself or herself by throwing the switch. Refreshments will be served before the big moment.

More from the news release:

Members of the local Carthage and Route 66 communities are welcome to attend and see the  rooms and the new flat-roofs that have been lovingly and faithfully restored to the 1949 era, both inside and out! The sign no longer says BOOTS MOTEL, but BOOTS COURT as it originally read.

Restoration on the iconic art-deco structure began in 2011 and the rear 1946 annex was completed and opened to guests in May of 2012. The original eight-room building is now in the early stages of restoration, including room six where actor Clark Gable stayed during World War ll.  These rooms and the exterior are also being restored to their original 1940s appearance, making the Boots Court one of the most unique lodging experiences on the Mother Road, and an economic asset to the community of Carthage. An application to have the “Boots” placed on the National Register of Historic Places is  also in progress, and more details will be announced soon.  In the meantime, the owners of the Boots Court continue to offer free tours of the property to Route 66 visitors and locals alike.

The sign itself has been lit nightly for about a week now — mainly to let travelers know the once-endangered motel is operating.

(Image courtesy of Ron Hart)

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