A longtime columnist at the daily newspaper in Springfield, Missouri, proclaimed the History Museum on the Square‘s upcoming new exhibits — including Route 66 — this summer will be “spectacular.”
Steve Pokin, the Answer Man at the Springfield News-Leader, received a sneak peek of the exhibits under construction at the downtown museum from its executive director, John Sellars.
Sellars, executive director of the museum, made it happen — but only with the understanding that photographer Drew Jansen not reveal too much.
Sellars wants to save the drama for the opening this summer.
So you’ll have to take it from me — it’s going to be spectacular.
And if I didn’t think so, I’d take a page from the playbook of our theater reviewer, Larry T. Collins, and instead tell you in all honesty that it’s going to be really, really “OK.”
Veteran newspaper men aren’t prone to hyperbole. So that declaration by Pokin should be taken seriously.
Pokin revealed some details about the Route 66 exhibit, including a section about John T. Woodruff, a good-roads advocate and local booster who played a crucial role in the certification of U.S. 66:
The expansion includes a 66-foot-long wall. On one side will be a map of the legendary Chicago to Los Angeles route; on the other is a timeline of the byway. […]
In addition, you’ll find neon signs for Rail Haven Inn, Red’s Giant Hamburg and Sunset Drive-in, which was on Springfield’s west side.
Not only that, the museum has an original Red’s menu — as well as a menu from the historic Graham’s Rib Station, owned and operated by a black family.
Other sections of the museum will include a streetcar “time machine,” a replica steam engine, a large tepee and an Old West exhibit that will test your gun marksmanship.
Admission for the revamped museum will be $20 for adults and less for children.
(Excerpted image of History Museum on the Square in Springfield, Missouri, from Google Street View)
That is a steep entrance fee.
Fred from The Netherlands