02/21/2026
This is the earliest real photo postcard we have seen of "U.S. Highway 66, Waynesville MO, In The Ozarks" eastbound. We considered doing a "then & now" but couldn't be certain of the photo comparison. We estimate the date of the photo that was taken for this card to be late 1926 or in 1927. Route 66 was established in 1926. The road is still dirt & gravel, lots of great, early autos, and you can actually make out the words & names on some of the business signs. The autos appear to be roadsters and touring cars. Solid metal roofs weren't commonplace until the late '20s and early '30s.
This postcard is courtesy of Dale Seyler. He says in his comment, "Back in the day, two great Aunts of mine (Helen and Mildred Burch) drove through this town on Highway 66." Thank you, sir!
