Though I’ve written on this website for a long time (next year will be 15 years), I still occasionally discover things that I apparently have overlooked.
Casper’s diner in Springfield, Missouri, is one of those I’ve overlooked. And there may be a good reason for that.
According to a recent article in The Standard, Casper’s is 110 years old and claims on its website to be the “oldest diner on Route 66.”
The article also contains this excerpt:
“As a business, it’s the oldest thing on Route 66, the oldest in the four states,” Shawn Kraft, the current owner of the diner, said.
Here’s the problem: Casper’s sits at 601 W. Walnut St. in Springfield. That’s not on Route 66; no reference work to the Mother Road I’ve consulted states it went there. It sits two blocks south of the St. Louis Street/College Street alignment of 66 in that part of town. Since the restaurant isn’t on Route 66, nor even rock-throwing distance from it, that’s probably the reason I haven’t heard about it.
So the connection to Route 66 is tenuous, at best.
Even if one initially accepts the “oldest thing on Route 66” of “oldest diner on Route 66” claims, those aren’t right, either.
Ike’s Chili, which has operated on at least two alignments of Route 66 in Tulsa during its history, started in 1908 — a year earlier than Casper’s. And Casper’s has operated at its current location since 1985; it’s moved two other times in that century-plus span, which isn’t unusual for a long-running restaurant.
Then you have the Sycamore Inn in Rancho Cucamonga, California, which has operated on the same spot of Foothill Boulevard (aka Route 66) since 1848.
Once those facts are clarified, it seems Casper’s still is a restaurant worth celebrating. It occupies a Quonset hut, which is a fast-disappearing structure on the American architectural landscape. Then there’s this:
From the walls to the shelves, nearly every surface is covered. The curved walls are plastered with miscellanea — framed artwork, foreign money and family photos. Some are prints of iconic artwork, some are originals. A painting of Casper’s in the style of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” hangs directly above the door.
The shelves are lined with trinkets, each more unexpected than the last. Antique statuettes, old soda bottles and a lava lamp rest on the counter while marionette puppets hang from the ceiling.
“The atmosphere is like the art hut at a summer camp,” Kraft said.
Casper’s diner also boasts a secret-recipe chili that even ardent chiliheads haven’t sussed out.
More about Casper’s can be found on its Facebook page.
(Image of Casper’s diner in Springfield, Missouri, via Facebook)
Nice find. I’d try it. Anyplace that has “Hamm’s (beer) and beans Friday” can’t be all bad.
But maybe not while I’m traveling.
Back in the 60’s, in Missouri,,, before they rerouted it,,,,, somewhere near Rolla, there was a silver, like stainless diner, that sat high on a bluff, right on Rte 66.. anybody remember?
Also, near Devils Elbow between Rolla and Waynseboro, there was a private park,,, something with concrete shapes and such,, it was still thee about five years ago….can’t remember much more than that.
The reason Ron, that you have never heard of Casper’s, is that us locals do not like to share the place. It is small, usually standing room only, and is not open during tourist season. Generally it closes the Friday before Memorial Day and reopens the Tuesday after Labor Day – unless the new owner has changed that. Some gems are just not things you share because you want to be able to enjoy them when you’re ready to go there! Gailey’s Breakfast Counter is another “just off 66” place in Springfield that we do not usually tell outsiders about either. Both are long-time establishments with charm you have to experience to understand and appreciate.
And Ken, I don’t know about the diner you are talking about. But I imagine the park with the concrete statues you are asking about is the Larry Baggett’s Trail of Tears Memorial at Jerome. It was bought a couple years back by a retired military lady who is slowly, painstakingly restoring it as it had been badly vandalized and neglected after Mr. Baggett’s death. She had a grand reopening a year or so ago, and last I knew was working on trying to get the restaurant that was once there back up and running as well. Ron has reported on it on this website in the past.