The historic Totem Pole Trading Post along Route 66 on the west side of Rolla, Missouri, will close in September after the retirement of longtime operator Tim Jones and his wife Alice.
The State Historical Society of Missouri recently posted this reel of Jones on Facebook:
The society stated:
Tim’s father bought the shop from Harry Cochran in 1957 when Tim was 10 years old. It’s the oldest business on Rt. 66 in Missouri, operating since 1933.
Tim will miss seeing the travelers from all over the world who visit the shop, but hopes to join them on the road. Happy retirement Tim and Alice!
Jones said recently to another roadie he wasn’t sure what the new owner would do with the property.
The business once stood further west, closer to the ghost town of Arlington, Missouri.
The business moved to Rolla in the late 1960s when it became apparent the construction of coming Interstate 44 would cripple the business. It moved again in 1977 to its present location on Martin Spring Drive (aka Route 66).
The Totem Pole has endured many other changes over the years, including the fact the former Shell station no longer offers fuel. It closed its restaurant. It’s managed to hang on with the sales of souvenirs — including corn whiskey in Mason jars — and antiques.
(Hat tip to Roamin’ Rich Dinkela; image of the Totem Pole Trading Post sign in Rolla, Missouri, by Adam Jones via Flickr)
Very sad. I liked stopping there. Tim was always a great host.