Nestled in Franklin County along the historic stretch of Route 66, Villa Ridge, Missouri, boasts a rich tapestry of history, from its early days as a vital wagon stop to its transformation into a bustling roadside attraction. This charming community, Villa Ridge, Missouri, has witnessed significant changes, evolving from a frontier settlement to a memorable waypoint on America’s Mother Road.
The story of Villa Ridge begins in the 1850s as a crucial stop on an old wagon road, connecting St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri. Its importance was further cemented when the Federal Government laid a military telegraph line through the area, linking St. Louis to Fort Smith, Arkansas. The region’s rich, fertile farmland, sustained by three local rivers, initially drew farmers, many of whom were tobacco plantation owners from Kentucky who settled here with their enslaved laborers.
Civil War Echoes in Villa Ridge
When the Civil War erupted, Missouri found itself in a precarious position, officially part of the Union but with many residents harboring Southern sympathies. This internal conflict led to several battles within the state, and Villa Ridge was not immune to the turmoil. One significant event involved Union troops storming the Coleman House in the area, seizing livestock, liberating enslaved people, and subsequently utilizing the property as a hospital for the remainder of the war. These actions underscore the profound impact of the conflict on the fledgling community.
The Naming of Villa Ridge and Early Development
The community officially received its name in the 1880s with the establishment of a railroad station. A railroad supervisor, inspired by the natural landscape, christened it Villa Ridge, a direct reference to the prominent ridge that gracefully divides the watersheds of the Meramec and Missouri Rivers. This period marked a new era of connectivity and growth for the area, tying it more firmly into the expanding national infrastructure.
Spencer Groff and the Birth of a Roadside Empire
Among the notable early settlers was Andrew Groff and his family, who prospered and steadily expanded their land holdings. Their property included the highest elevation for miles around, a strategic point that would eventually become a major crossroads where the Ozark Trail, the St. Louis Rock Road, and the Old Springfield Road converged. Recognizing the need for local education, the Groffs, along with two other families, generously donated land for a high school in the early 1890s. Altamont High School, named by its inaugural teacher, opened its doors in September 1894, with Andrew Groff’s son, Spencer, among its first students.
After graduating, Spencer attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, before returning to Villa Ridge to manage the family farm. His entrepreneurial spirit saw him excel not only as a farmer and rancher but also as President of the Villa Ridge Milling Company, actively participating in the Merchant Exchange. However, the economic fallout following World War I led to financial challenges. In response, Spencer Groff ingeniously opened a roadside stand in 1919, strategically positioned at the junction of the Ozark Trail (which later became Highway 100) and the Old Springfield Road (which evolved into the legendary Route 66). This humble stand initially sold fresh produce and refreshing sodas.
Groff’s roadside business flourished over the years, expanding from a simple stand into a more substantial, makeshift building. He installed a gas pump and diversified his offerings to include sandwiches, buttermilk, and even small evergreen trees that he personally dug. This steady growth helped him overcome his debts, solidifying his reputation as a shrewd businessman and a key figure in the local economy.
The Iconic Diamonds Restaurant
As road infrastructure improved with widespread paving and graveling in the 1910s and 1920s, the traffic volume along these routes surged. By 1926, the two converging highways were paved between St. Louis and Gray Summit, with work progressing towards St. Clair and Stanton. Capitalizing on this boom, Spencer Groff constructed the first Diamonds Restaurant in 1927. The unique name stemmed from the facility’s distinctive baseball diamond shape, an architectural marvel for its time.
As customer demand soared, Diamonds Restaurant began operating 24 hours a day, becoming a popular haven for truckers and travelers seeking rest and a hearty meal. It proudly advertised itself as the “World’s Largest Roadside Restaurant,” offering Phillips 66 gasoline and renting cabins directly across the street. The establishment eventually boasted two impressive swimming pools, collectively holding 180,000 gallons of water, providing a luxurious respite for weary travelers on Route 66 in Villa Ridge, Missouri.
Tragedy struck in early 1948 when the original Diamonds Restaurant was engulfed in a ferocious fire, blazing so intensely that Route 66 itself had to be temporarily closed. Undeterred, Groff and Louis Eckelkamp, who had joined as a partner in the Diamonds operation in the early 1930s, promptly rebuilt. The new, streamlined modern restaurant reopened in 1950, complete with a pool and 25 cabins that would later be known as the Mission Bell Motel. This resurgence demonstrated the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship that defined Villa Ridge.
However, progress soon dealt another blow. In 1967, Interstate 44 bypassed the facility, diverting much of its crucial highway traffic. Diamonds Restaurant continued to operate until 1969, when plans were made for relocation. In 1972, a new Diamonds opened along I-44, approximately two miles east of its original spot, with its iconic sign faithfully moved to the new premises. This iteration continued its legacy until its eventual closure and demolition in 1995, marking the end of an era for a true Route 66 landmark.
Meanwhile, the original 1950 site of the Diamonds Restaurant transitioned into the Tri-County Truck Stop (located west of exit 251), a bustling facility that served the needs of travelers until 2006. Though now abandoned and overgrown, the building still stands today at 144 Old Highway 66, a silent testament to its storied past.
Other Vintage Route 66 Gems
Villa Ridge, Missouri, is home to several other vintage Route 66 sites, each telling a piece of the Mother Road’s story. The old Sunset Motel, built by the Lovelace family, opened its doors in 1947. It featured 12 units, proudly advertising amenities like Panel Ray Heat and Beautyrest Mattresses, offering comfort to travelers. The motel was sold to Oliver and Loleta Krueger in 1971. Although the motel itself has long since closed, its historic neon sign was meticulously restored in 2009, continuing to glow as a beacon of nostalgia. The old motel can be found at 427 Missouri Highway AT.
A short distance further down the road, at 1238 Highway AT, stands an abandoned Zephyr Station and Cafe on the south side of the road. Now heavily overgrown with weeds and rapidly deteriorating, this site offers a glimpse into the once-thriving roadside service stations that dotted Route 66, serving countless motorists in their cross-country journeys.
The Indian Harvest Trading Post: A Modern Anomaly
Further east of exit 242, the Indian Harvest Trading Post presents a more contemporary, yet stylized, interpretation of Route 66 charm. While not a vintage icon, its unique architecture, featuring buildings resembling teepees, and extensive advertising aim to capture the “flavor” of old Route 66. Despite its inviting appearance, this retail operation has garnered significant criticism. It notably charges customers a $2 entry fee, which can be credited towards an in-store purchase. However, visitors frequently report limited, factory-made, and often imported merchandise, offered at high prices. Online reviews consistently describe negative experiences, citing aggressive, rude, and even foul-mouthed owners, an unfortunate contrast to the friendly service expected along historic routes.
Villa Ridge Today: A Legacy Preserved
Today, Villa Ridge, Missouri, maintains a population of approximately 2,600 residents, continuing its quiet existence amidst the echoes of its vibrant past. While the thunderous roar of Route 66 traffic may have shifted to the interstate, the spirit of the Mother Road endures in its historic buildings and the stories they tell. The journey along Route 66 from Villa Ridge continues for about 12 miles to St. Clair, offering more glimpses into America’s rich automotive and cultural heritage. Villa Ridge remains a poignant reminder of a bygone era, where small towns played a pivotal role in connecting a growing nation.
