Day 7: September 21, 2026 Presentation Day Comment via blog

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We're staying in Carthage with about a twenty minute drive to Joplin. We only had time for an Egg McMuffin yesterday, but timed things better today, and went next door to the Pancake Hut for a real breakfast and a shot of the restored and functioning Band Box.

We made it in plenty of time to get settled for JHA President Roger Bell's opening remarks. The big news in those remarks was the location of next year's conference: St. Cloud, MN, July 19-21.

The first speaker was Anthony Arno, the host of Route 66 Podcast. He did not attempt a "best of" or even a favorites selection from his podcasts, but presented excerpts from episodes that he thought we'd enjoy. I did. Daniel Hershberger gave an overview of travel accommodations that ran from the tents and cots he had talked about earlier through modern motel chains like Holiday Inn and Ramada. Cheryl Eichar Jett naturally shared some of the Route 66 related profiles in her latest book, Aprons Away, then slipped in a couple of ladies with Jefferson Highway connections. All three were presented with Jefferson Highway Association Medal of Merit awards, like those given out by the original JHA, by Roger Bell.

Tours of some local mansions and the Bonnie and Clyde hideout in Joplin were available in the afternoon, but Fred and I took a break instead. I used some of that time to finally take some pictures of our motel, Boots Court. This also seems like a good time to share some pictures of our room I'd taken earlier.

As soon as I entered Flat Creek Restaurant, I knew from the decor that I was going to like it. My overflowing catfish basket was quite good. And there was entertainment, too. Doug Harper performed his song On Jefferson Highway and a few other tunes as well. Then Bonnie and Clyde (sorry I failed to record their real names) delivered some entertaining duets. The room was filled with JHA folks, and a good time was had by all.

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