The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society announced last week it received a $2,100 grant to help restore a trailer once used by the long-defunct Campbell 66 Express trucking firm.
The grant was provided by the Route 66 Preservation and Economic Development Program through the Route 66 Road Ahead initiative, according to the society in a Facebook post.
When the restoration is finished, the trailer will be installed at Boswell Park in Lebanon, Missouri, just off Route 66.
Campbell 66 Express was based out of Springfield, Missouri. A camel called Snortin’ Norton (with the motto “humpin’ to please”) was the mascot for the company for many years.
Franklin George Campbell started the company in 1933, and it served 26 states. The company declared bankruptcy in 1986. Its status as a corporation ended in 1997.
A few of the Campbell 66 Express trailers still exist, including a couple at the closed Rich Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Stanton, Illinois.
The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society made it clear, however, that the trailer due to be restored didn’t come from Henry’s place.
(image of a Campbell’s 66 Express trailer at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, by Conspiracy of Cartography via Flickr)