US Route 66 Will Rogers Highway

— Chicago to Los Angeles —

Joplin's original industries were lead and zinc mining, smelting and associated manufacturing. Joplin became the center of one of the most important mining fields in the world.

In 1906 and 1907 the Connor Hotel was built to provide accommodations for parties and banquets. The 4th and Main St. area was the center of Joplin's social life for Camp Crowder's soldiers, the area's industries and visitors. This eight story French Renaissance building had carved Arabesques, a roof garden penthouse ballroom, and a glassed-in room on top with a view of the skyline. The canopied entrance led guests into a spacious and ornate lobby richly draped with lace, satins and velvet. The rotunda and grand stairway was finished entirely in white Italian marble with immense newel posts.

Despite the dream of the last owners, Burl M. and Ceola Garvin, to refurbish the hotel, the last business in the hotel closed in 1977. The Connor Hotel was listed on the National Historic Register.

1926 - Main St. became part of U.S. Highway 66.
1935 - U.S. Highway 66 was dedicated to the noble statesman Will Rogers.

"We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
Will Rogers

The year 2001 marks the 75th anniversary of U.S. Highway 66

This historic memorial is given to the community and dedicated in memory of
Burl M. Garvin
A loving father and grandfather [by]
Phil, Janet, Neely, [and] Tyson Garvin

A memorial to the Grand Lady of Joplin
The Connor Hotel, 4th and Main Street

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[Memorial nearby in library garden]

In memory of Carolyn Ann Ball Blair (1915-1995) and Judge Clay Cowgill Blair, Jr. (1914-1979), lifelong Jasper County residents.
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The power of books expands the mind and the imagination to dream, to create, to enjoy and to achieve, inspiring ordinary people to become extraordinary.

Donated by the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Judge and Mrs. Blair.
1996

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Show me all markers in:  Joplin, MO  |  Jasper County  |  64801  |  Missouri  |  United States of America

Quinby Building
Swartz & Malsbury Building
Jasper County Courthouse
Joplin World War II Memorial
Joplin Korean War and Vietnam War Memorial
Butterfly Garden and Overlook
Joplin Tornado Memorial, Volunteer Tribute and Children's Memorial
St. John's Regional Medical Center
The Butterfly People
Tornado Statistics - May 22, 2011 - Joplin, MO

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