Joplin in Jasper County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Connor Hotel
U.S. 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.
Phil, Janet, Neely, 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.
Erected 2001 by the Garvin Family, Will Rogers Heritage Trust, and C.P.G.-J. Darrell Ray.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 37° 5.299′ N, 94° 30.817′ W. Marker is in Joplin, Missouri, in Jasper County. Marker is on South Main Street (Missouri Route 43) south of 3rd Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in front of the building where Joplin Public Library was (a new library opened in 2017 and is now at 1901 East 20th Street in Joplin). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 S Main St, Joplin MO 64801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Joplin (within shouting distance of this marker); Quinby Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Swartz & Malsbury Building (about 500 feet away); Jasper County Courthouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); Birds Eye View of Joplin 1877 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Discovery of Lead (approx. 0.4 miles away); Joplin World War II Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Joplin Korean War and Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Joplin.
Regarding The Connor Hotel. U.S. Route 66 was well-known as the Main Street of America, or the Mother Road, but not Will Rogers Highway. A congressional resolution to name Route 66 in honor of Will Rogers was considered in 1935 but was not finalized. In 1952, a number of bronze markers were placed to promote the Warner Brothers film "The Will Rogers Story". The U.S. 66 Highway Associaton, Ford Motor Company, and Warner Brothers took part in the promotion. A caravan drove along Route 66 from St. Louis to Santa Monica placing markers at each state line declaring the name Will Rogers Highway. It was only a movie promotion, not an actual re-naming of the highway.
Also see . . .
1. Historic Joplin Highlights: Connor Hotel’s legacy, collapse, story of man buried alive. KSN Fourstates website entry (Submitted on April 7, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Historic Route 66 in Missouri. Legends of America website entry (Submitted on August 21, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,475 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 21, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.