The St. Louis suburb of Maplewood, Mo., has added commemorative Route 66 metal plaques along its historic downtown area, according to an article in the Maplewood-Brentwood Patch.
The markers are situated in the sidewalk in historic Maplewood, commemorating longtime and bygone sights from Route 66’s heyday, including six businesses from those days that endure to the present. The markers showcase the business’s name and description within the iconic Route 66 sign outline. […]
The businesses showcased are: Citizens National Bank, Saratoga Lanes, Empire Supply, Kalb Electric, Sunnen Products, and Scheidt True Value. […]
And the city isn’t done planning yet. The newsletter notes the city will add pamphlets, a web presence and an informational kiosk.
Manchester Road serves as the main drag through Maplewood, and the artery served as Route 66 from 1926 to 1933.
A close-up of one of the plaques can be seen here. They’re reminiscent of the St. Louis Walk of Fame stars seen in the west St. Louis suburb of University City, Mo. And downtown Maplewood does exude old-fashioned charm that’s worth visiting.
UPDATE: Here’s the city’s website about the Route 66 sidewalk program.
UPDATE 5/18/2011: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch published a story about the Maplewood plaques, with more details about each of the businesses honored.