Exploring Johns Modern Cabins - 2016
John's Modern Cabins near Arlington, MO were once a Route 66 roadside attraction that drew visitors for miles. However, Route 66 was bypassed here in the early 1960s leaving John’s Modern Cabins to slowly fade over the next 5 decades. Luckily, Roamin Rich captured a glimpse of this historic location back in 2016 before its untimely demise. In this blog post, we will be exploring Rich's video and discussing the most notable aspects of John's Modern Cabins.
The first thing that stands out in Rich's video is the size of the cabins. These small, native cedar structures were a unique and eye-catching sight for travelers passing through the area. As Rich notes, they were likely intended as a budget lodging option for families or groups of friends on a road trip. Of course, today these cabins would be considered quite rustic, but back in the day they were likely a welcome respite from the monotony of driving.
Another aspect of John's Modern Cabins that Rich highlights is the old neon sign that still remains. The sign would have been a beacon for weary travelers searching for a place to rest their heads. The vintage charm of the sign serves as a reminder of a bygone era when road trips were a much-loved pastime.
Perhaps the most interesting part of Rich's video is the discussion of the relocation of the interstate highway (I-44). As he points out, the site of John's Modern Cabins used to be directly adjacent to the highway, but now has been moved to the north a considerable distance. This change in location made it difficult for Route 66 explorers to find the site over the years.
As Rich explores the ruins of John's Modern Cabins, one thing becomes clear: this site was once a vibrant and bustling place that played an important role in the history of this area. While it is sad to see it in its current state of disrepair, Rich's video serves as a valuable window into the past. We can only hope that more efforts are made to preserve roadside attractions like this in the future.
Roamin Rich's video of John's Modern Cabins is a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of American travel. From the colorful cabins to the vintage neon sign, the site is a reminder of a time when road trips were a beloved pastime and roadside attractions were a major draw for travelers. While it's unfortunate that much of the site has been destroyed, Rich's video serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of preserving these historic locations for future generations to enjoy.