Newburg, MO --- A roadside and Route 66 landmark, John's Modern
Cabins faces an uncertain future.
John's Modern Cabins
Newburg, MO
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Despite the efforts of Route 66 fans and the Friends of the Mother Road
preservation group, John's Modern Cabins just west of the Missouri town
of Rolla faces a potentially bleak future. Located a bit down the road
from Vernelle's Motel, the six cabins and other buildings on site are
in various states of condition. The old formerly neon sign for the cabins
still appears intact, though faded. The cars on the interstate whiz by,
many in their haste oblivious to the history sitting right along the side
of the road.
Please contact the Friends
of the Mother Road for more information on the status of this historic
site and how you can help save John's Modern Cabins from becoming a lost
treasure. Many thanks to Ron Warnick of the Friends of the Mother Road preservation
organization for this update.
John's Modern Cabins
Newburg, MO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A faded sign, a handful of old cabins, and a quiet stretch of Route 66 are all that's left of John's Modern Cabins near Newburg. The interstate roars by just a short distance away, and most travelers never realize they're passing one of the Mother Road's longtime survivors. The old neon sign no longer shines, but it still does its job by making people slow down for a closer look.
The property began life in 1938 as Bill and Bess's Place before becoming John's Modern Cabins in the early 1950s. For years it offered Route 66 travelers a place to spend the night in a row of rustic log cabins tucked alongside the highway. Like so many independent tourist courts, business faded after Interstate 44 diverted traffic away, and the cabins eventually fell silent.
Burma Shave signs
Newburg, MO Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
For a long time, the future looked bleak. The cabins slowly deteriorated, despite the efforts of Route 66 enthusiasts and preservation groups that hoped to save them. Years of weather and neglect took their toll, and one by one the cabins disappeared until only a single original cabin remained standing.
Thankfully, the story didn't end there. In 2024, new owners purchased the property along with neighboring Vernelle's Motel, announcing plans to preserve the remaining cabin, restore the vintage roadside sign, and incorporate the site into a new Route 66 campground. It's encouraging to see someone investing in a place that so many had nearly given up on.
UPDATE: John's Modern Cabins remains closed, but the property's future looks much brighter than it did just a few years ago. Only one original cabin survives today, but plans are underway to preserve it and restore the historic roadside sign as part of the new Vernelle's Route 66 RV Park & Campground. Hopefully this old Route 66 landmark has many more years ahead of it. 07-26
John's Modern Cabins
Despite the efforts of Route 66 fans and the Friends of the Mother Road
preservation group, John's Modern Cabins just west of the Missouri town
of Rolla faces a potentially bleak future. Located a bit down the road
from Vernelle's Motel, the six cabins and other buildings on site are
in various states of condition. The old formerly neon sign for the cabins
still appears intact, though faded. The cars on the interstate whiz by,
many in their haste oblivious to the history sitting right along the side
of the road.
John's Modern Cabins
Burma Shave signs
