A Route 66-themed park in the middle of Springfield, Mo., will feature a replica of the Red’s Giant Hamburg restaurant sign, reported KSPR-TV in Springfield.
The Hy-Vee grocery chain is holding a fundraiser through May 12 for the sign project, including a car show on May 11.
Details about the park:
The City-owned West Meadows area (on College just east of Fort Avenue) will include a Route 66 roadside park, including a plaza, sculptures, a picnic area, a gateway and more.
One feature at the park would be a replica of the Red’s Giant Hamburg sign. Red’s, owned and operated by Sheldon “Red” Chaney and his wife Julia, was a roadside café on West Chestnut Expressway that is recognized for opening the world’s first drive-through window.
The café’s name was supposed to be Red’s Giant Hamburger, but Chaney measured the sign incorrectly and dropped the “er.” Red’s opened in 1947 and closed in 1984. The building was torn down in 1997.
One of the best ways to experience what Red’s was like is a music video, “Red’s,” by The Morells from the early 1980s.
An interview with one of the restaurant’s principals, Julia Chaney, also was placed online a few months ago.
UPDATE: Tonya Pike emailed a few photos from the Hy-Vee:
The store is located at 1720 W. Battlefield in Springfield.
UPDATE2: KY3 in Springfield posted a good report, including old vintage of Red Chaney and his restaurant.