KOAM-TV reports that the 60-year-old Capri Motel — known for its huge and distinctive neon sign — on Route 66 in Joplin, Mo., has been sold, and its residents are being evicted by its new owners this week.
One problem with the report — research reveals that the Capri never was on Route 66.
This seems to be a common error. Google the terms “Capri Motel, Route 66, Joplin,” and you’ll find thousands of results. But the closest alignment of Route 66 is East Seventh and South Main — more than two miles north of the Capri’s location at 3401 S. Hearnes Blvd.
There are two reasons the Capri may be associated with Route 66. First, it’s on the Interstate 44 Business Loop. Many towns use their old Route 66 corridor as an interstate business loop. However, based on my research, this part of the loop in Joplin never became 66.
Second, the Capri’s porcelain neon sign is such a classic, many people assumed it was on Route 66. It wasn’t, but due to its unique look and relative proximity to the road, it was strongly associated to 66 anyway. I’m fine with that, but the facts should be duly noted.
The Joplin Globe — which avoided the Route 66 mistake — reported the new owner said there were no immediate plans for the property. But former owner Terri Selsor told the newspaper the motel would be “bulldozed.” She said she hoped the 30-foot-tall sign would be donated to someone who would preserve it.
KOAM-TV’s report also contained this curious excerpt:
The Capri Motel sign has become an icon itself for Joplin and is said to be in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest porcelain neon sign.
Selsor says she is donating it to a Route 66 sign preservation group.
The Guinness World Records site contains no listing for the largest porcelain neon sign or largest neon sign.
Debra Jane Seltzer of RoadsideArchitecture.com told me it’s one of the biggest she’s seen. Given that her website contains more than 200 pages of signs, that’s an impressive statement.
Second, I’m not sure what Route 66 preservation group Selsor is referring. The Route 66 Association of Missouri has a preservation fund, but I doubt it holds enough money to take down, transport, and restore the sign.
I tried to contact Selsor by phone and email to clarify some things, but no luck so far.
So … does anyone know anything about this?
(Photo courtesy of RoadsideArchitecture.com)
I was born and raised in Joplin. Back in the day, The Capri had the reputation of being the first place to serve pizza for the first time in Joplin. My parents took us to enjoy this slice of heaven and we never regretted that experience. I suppose that was important to me since Joplin is home, but could be of equal interest to avid Route 66ers.