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Tower Station
The U-Drop Inn (2018)
Tower Station is located in Texas
Tower Station
Tower Station
Tower Station is located in the United States
Tower Station
Tower Station
Location101 E. 12th Street, Shamrock, Wheeler County, Texas
Coordinates35°13′37″N 100°14′52″W / 35.22694°N 100.24778°W / 35.22694; -100.24778
Arealess than one acre
Built1936 (1936)
Architectmultiple
Architectural styleArt Deco
NRHP reference No.97001160[1]
RTHL No.5513
Significant dates
Added to NRHPSeptember 18, 1997
Designated RTHL1994

The U-Drop Inn, also known as Tower Station and U-Drop Inn and Tower Café, was built in 1936 in Shamrock, Texas along the historic Route 66 highway in Wheeler County. Inspired by the image of a nail stuck in soil, the building was designed by J. C. Berry. An unusual example of art deco architecture applied to a gas station and restaurant, the building features two flared towers with geometric detailing, curvilinear massing, glazed ceramic tile walls, and neon light accents. It has traditionally held two separate business: "Tower Station," a gas station on the western side, and the "U-Drop Inn," a café on the eastern side. Though it has passed hands several times in its history, the building has consistently housed the same types of businesses it was originally constructed for.

Once considered a beautiful and impressive example of Route 66 architecture in Texas, the U-Drop Inn fell into disrepair with the decommissioning of Route 66. It closed for business in the late 1990s. After it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 1997, the building was purchased by the First National Bank of Shamrock, which then gave it to the city. Primarily funded by a US$1.7 million federal grant, the city hired a firm specializing in historical renovation to restore the building to its original glory and adapt it into a museum, visitors' center, gift shop, and the city's chamber of commerce. In the 2006 animated film Cars, the fictional town of Radiator Springs was based on multiple real U.S. Route 66 landmarks from Peach Springs to Baxter Springs; the U-Drop Inn's distinctive architecture appears as Ramone's automotive body and paint shop.

History

[edit]

Early days

[edit]

Opened on April 1, 1936, the U-Drop Inn was built by J.M. Tindall using a design created by his friend, John Nunn, who scratched the design on a patch of dirt in the driveway of a nearby motel.[2][3] Tindall had Pampa architect J.C. Berry draw up the blueprints for the art deco structure, and construction began at the busy intersection of Route 66 and U.S. Route 83.[3] Nunn, whose family owned and ran the business, sponsored a contest to decide the name of the new building. An eight-year-old boy won a week's worth of waitressing pay (approximately $50.00 at the time) with his entry of "U-Drop Inn."[3] In addition to a café, the building housed a gas station that sold Conoco brand fuel and a store.[4] The store was never actually opened as a store, and became a ballroom and overflow dining area for the café.[5]

When the business opened, the local newspaper called it "the most up-to-date edifice of its kind on U.S. Highway 66 between Oklahoma City and Amarillo," with the café considered "the swankiest of the swank eating places."[6] At the time of opening, the U-Drop was the only café within 100 miles (160 km) of Shamrock, enjoying brisk business and becoming a successful establishment.[7] Nunn sold the Inn after several years, but purchased it back in 1950 and renamed it Nunn's Café. In 1957, John Nunn died and his wife Bebe sold the café to Grace Brunner who again renamed it, this time to Tower Café, and added a Greyhound bus station.[7]

Decline

[edit]

After Nunn's death, the building passed through the hands of a few more owners and the station sold gasoline from various other companies.[7][8] In the 1970s, Fina took over the building, painting it red, white, and blue.[5] In the early 1980s, James R. Tindall, Sr. purchased the building, the construction of which his father had originally financed, repainted it to its original colors, and changed the name back to the original name of U-Drop Inn.[7] In the mid-1990s, the building was repossessed by the bank and closed completely in 1997.[6][8] Up through its closing, the café at the U-Drop was praised for its low-priced and tasty "home cooking".[9]

With signing of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, Route 66 fell into decline, with segments being bypassed via turnpikes and newer highways. With the opening of Interstate 40, Shamrock became one of the bypassed towns and the U-Drop Inn, which once served thousands of travelers fell into disrepair due to neglect.[10] In 1984, Route 66 was decommissioned by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, seeming to seal the fate of the town and the U-Drop Inn.[11] In 1990, several state and local historical associations began efforts to preserve the architectural landmarks along the old route, particularly the many derelict or abandoned motels.[11]

Restoration

[edit]
In 2006

Called "one of the most impressive examples" of Route 66 architecture by the Texas Historical Commission,[12] the U-Drop Inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 1997.[1][13][14] In May 1999, the First National Bank of Shamrock purchased the U-Drop Inn, then gave it to the city of Shamrock.[4][10]

The city of Shamrock began taking measures to revive the neglected structure as a tourist attraction.[15] In 2000, the city hired Phillips Swager Associates of Dallas and Architexas, a firm specializing in historical preservation, to begin implementing a phased restoration plan.[10][16]

The company adapted the old gas station and café to act as the community's chamber of commerce and visitor center while preserving the building's architectural features and historical authenticity.[16] Old photographs and interviews with residents were used to aid the company in uncovering the buildings original details. They peeled away decades of paint layers and fabric to find the original interior and exterior colors. One of the more difficult aspects was in restoring the neon accents. While historical photographs showed where neon existed, they had all been taken during the daytime when the neon lights were off, making it difficult to determine what color the lights originally were.[10]

The restoration also included turning the building into a museum of its own history, giving it the authentic appearance of a working 1940 gas station.[5] With $1.7 million in funding by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, the restoration was completed in July 2003.[2][10][16]

In May 2013, the neon lighting of the restored U-Drop Inn was damaged by a hailstorm; the damaged elements were replaced by LEDs in February 2014.[17] The café will serve fountain drinks, coffee and floats in 2014 after many years with no food or beverage service.[18] The U Drop Inn cafe has opened with new ownership February 15, 2025 and offers a selection of classic American flavors with a side of Route 66 nostalgia. A favorite sitting area in the cafe is where the late Elvis Presley sat during his time here in Shamrock Texas.

Architecture

[edit]

With its glazed brick, "zigzag" motif, strong vertical elements, and the decorative structure, particularly the metal "tulip," the building is considered to be an excellent example of the Art Deco style. Art Deco was most commonly seen in large commercial and public buildings, so its use in a gas station and roadside restaurant was a rare sight.[14] The U-Drop is one of the few Art Deco cafés built in the 1930s, and it stands out architecturally from its peers, as most depression-era cafés had simpler and similar wood-frame and clapboard designs or followed the Streamline Moderne offshoot of Art Deco.[19]

The original building was designed by John Nunn and architect J. C. Berry.[2][3] The 1-story concrete and brick building has a modified rectangular layout with a flat roof.[14] It features a flared tower over the gas station, and two canopies, one facing Route 66 and one facing Highway 83 over the front of the gas station office. In the rear, a second, shorter tower contained the restaurant.[19] The main buildings were built of structural clay tile with terra-cotta glazed brick.[7][10] The two towers are clad in stucco with decorative green and gold glazed terra-cotta tiles and cast concrete stepped forms.[14] Designed to attract the attention of the passing motorists, the towers also feature geometric detailing, curvilinear massing, and are outlined with neon lighting added additional character and uniqueness to the building's design.[7][10][14]

Historically, the U-Drop Inn held two separate businesses that shared a single interior wall. The west side, commonly called "Tower Station" "is dominated by a large four-sided obelisk rising from the flat roof and topped by a metal "tulip."[14] The tower displayed the station name, Conoco, in all capital letters on each side, with neon lighting on the corners. Vertical-rubbed detailing goes along the base of both towers, as well as two canopies that extend south and west from the western tower. The posts of the canopies were originally encased in decorative glazed tile and vintage metal signs. Between the canopy posts are fuel islands designed to hold three fuel pumps each. 1960s-vintage pumps are situated on the islands, with three on the western canopy and two on the southern. A chamfered corner separates the two canopies. Multiple-pane windows surround the glass doors of the office station, as well as dominating much of the southern side of the building. Situated between the office and the café are two service station bays with roll-up style overhead doors.[14]

The east side of the building, commonly called the "U-Drop Inn café" has a similarly designed, three-sided, shorter version of the main tower. Mirroring the "Conoco" wording, it has "Café" written in the same green paint with drop shadowed lettering, and a small ornamental metal sphere perched at its top. Just below the tower, an outstretched metal and wooden sign, added in 1950, displays the name of the building and points towards the recessed entrance. This side mirrors the tiled detail found in the station side, and once had a neon "starburst" around the sign and entryway. Inside the café, the eastern and southern interior walls are lined with booths. The northern wall holds two small restrooms, with the kitchen once located in the northeastern corner. On the southern wall, a recessed doorway flanked by large single-paned windows led into the café's main dining room. The building's exterior is painted beige with dark green accents. On the northern facade, the original brick remains unpainted.[14]

[edit]
Ramone's House of Body Art from the film Cars was inspired by the U-Drop Inn.

The 2006 Pixar animated film Cars is set in the cartoon village of Radiator Springs, which was created as a composite of real landmarks and personalities encountered by Pixar artists on multiple research trips on 1,200 miles (1,900 km) of the former U.S. Route 66. Among the buildings and structures based on Route 66 landmarks is a version of Tower Station. U-Drop Inn's unique design and architecture is portrayed as an automotive body shop owned by the character Ramone, a Chevrolet Impala lowrider.[20]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

U-Drop Inn

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The U-Drop Inn, also known as the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café, is a historic roadside structure in , built in 1936 as a gas station and café along U.S. Route 66. Designed by architect J.C. Berry based on a concept by local resident , the building features distinctive twin towers, glazed terracotta tiles, and neon signage, making it one of the most iconic examples of architecture on the Mother Road. It served travelers with fuel, meals, and even as a bus stop until closing in 1995, after which it fell into disrepair before a full restoration by the City of Shamrock in the early . Constructed at a cost of $23,000 by businessmen J.M. Tindall and R.C. Lewis on land leased from L.R. "Lack" Randall, the U-Drop Inn opened in 1937 and quickly became Shamrock's first commercial enterprise on Route 66, capitalizing on the highway's boom in cross-country travel. The café's name originated from a local naming contest won by a schoolboy, reflecting its playful appeal to motorists, while the adjacent service station dispensed gasoline (later Fina) and offered tire services. Over the decades, it hosted diverse operations, including and a , but declined with Route 66's decommissioning in and the rise of interstate travel. Listed on the in 1997 under Criteria A and C for its commerce and architectural significance, the site underscores the cultural and economic role of Route 66 landmarks in small-town America. Restored through a combination of federal grants, local fundraising, and community efforts starting in 2003, the U-Drop Inn reopened as a , Chamber of Commerce office, and event space, drawing thousands of annually. The portion relaunched in 2021 but closed in late 2024 before reopening on February 15, 2025, under new ownership, offering classic American fare such as and milkshakes to seat 33 patrons indoors, further boosting Shamrock's economy in a town of about 1,700 residents (as of 2023). A 2023 grant of $40,000 from the and funded ADA-compliant outdoor seating and amenities near an adjacent Tesla charging station, enhancing accessibility ahead of Route 66's 2026 centennial. The building gained widespread fame as the primary inspiration for "Ramone's House of Body Art" in Pixar's 2006 animated film Cars, amplifying its status as a pop culture icon and pilgrimage site for fans.

History

Construction and opening

The U-Drop Inn was constructed in 1936 in , as the first commercial building along in the area, serving as a combined gas station and café to cater to passing motorists. The project was initiated by local resident , who conceived the design by sketching a vision of the structure—reportedly using an old nail to draw it in the dirt outside a nearby —emphasizing its dual function to attract travelers. This initial concept was then formalized into architectural plans by Joseph Champ Berry, a prominent architect from , incorporating elements to create a visually striking landmark. The structure was built by J.M. Tindall and R.C. Lewis at a total cost of $23,000 on land initially leased from L.R. "Lack" Randall, with the building completed to capitalize on traffic along Route 66. The structure featured concrete, brick, stucco, and glazed terra-cotta tiles, designed for durability and appeal in the dusty plains environment. The western portion opened as a gas station operated initially by W.C. Tennison and later as a station, while the eastern half was operated by Nunn as the café. The facility opened officially on April 1, 1936, quickly gaining popularity among Route 66 drivers for its convenient services and eye-catching appearance, with business boosted when Route 66 was paved through in 1937. The name "U-Drop Inn" was selected through a public contest sponsored by Nunn to evoke a sense of and invitation for weary travelers to stop and rest. The winning entry came from a local schoolboy, whose playful suggestion captured the welcoming essence of the café without implying overnight lodging, as the building housed only a service station and dining area. This early success established the U-Drop Inn as an immediate Route 66 icon, drawing steady business from the highway's cross-country traffic in its inaugural year.

Operation and changes

The U-Drop Inn initially operated as a gas station and café, opening in 1936 to serve motorists traveling along Route 66 in . The western portion functioned as the gas station, while the eastern half housed the café, which featured booths and a counter with stools for diners. As the only eating establishment within 100 miles along Route 66 after its paving through the area in 1937, it quickly became a vital stop for travelers seeking fuel, meals, and rest. During the 1940s, the U-Drop Inn reached its peak popularity, earning a reputation as one of the most upscale dining spots along the "Mother Road" due to the surge in cross-country tourism and its distinctive appeal that drew in passersby. To accommodate evolving travel patterns, the business diversified by incorporating a bus station, allowing it to serve intercity passengers alongside auto travelers and expanding its utility as a transportation hub. Menu offerings focused on classic roadside fare such as sandwiches, coffee, and homemade pies, reflecting the era's diner culture and catering to the needs of long-haul drivers. The café was operated by John and Bebe Nunn until they sold their interest after a few years of operation. John Nunn repurchased the café in 1950, renaming it Nunn's Café to reflect family involvement. Following John's death in 1957, Bebe sold the business to Grace Brunner, who renamed it the Tower Café around that time to emphasize the tower-like architectural feature. Throughout its active years, the U-Drop Inn played a key role in the Shamrock community by providing employment to local residents and serving as a gathering point for social events tied to highway traffic.

Decline and closure

The construction of in the 1960s significantly impacted the U-Drop Inn by bypassing and diverting traffic away from Route 66, leading to a sharp decline in visitors and revenue for local businesses including the café and gas station. During the and , the U-Drop Inn faced mounting economic challenges as travel habits shifted toward faster interstate routes, resulting in fewer customers and ongoing maintenance issues that caused the building to fall into disrepair, such as repainting efforts that failed to reverse the downturn. By the mid-1990s, financial struggles under the previous owners culminated in repossession by the First National Bank of Shamrock due to unpaid debts and unsustainable operations. The business closed completely in November 1995, with the site remaining vacant and further deteriorating through the late 1990s amid the broader decommissioning of Route 66 in 1985. In the 1990s, early preservation discussions emerged from local historical interest, including a failed 1995 proposal to convert the site into a tourist information center and its recognition for listing in 1997, where its architectural uniqueness played a key role in highlighting its value.

Architecture and design

Art Deco features

The U-Drop Inn exemplifies architecture applied to a roadside eatery and service station, a style uncommon for such commercial structures during , incorporating streamlined Moderne influences through curvilinear massing and vertical emphasis to attract motorists along Route 66. The building's one-story design features a modified rectangular footprint on foundations, with elements supporting the overall construction, creating a flat-roofed form that integrates functional spaces efficiently. Designed by J.C. Berry based on a concept provided by local resident , blending aesthetic appeal with practical roadside needs. Prominent Art Deco elements include two flared towers at the corners: a larger four-sided over the gas station topped with a metal "tulip" and "" signage, and a smaller three-sided tower over the with an ornamental sphere and "CAFE" accents, both enhanced by cast-concrete fluting for dynamic verticality. The exterior cladding consists of glazed green ceramic tiles in geometric patterns on the parapets and accents, combined with on the south and west facades and on the north, providing a light-colored, modern appearance. Additional details feature round porthole windows, zigzag motifs, and curved canopy elements over the fuel islands with embossed metal ceilings and tiled pilasters, all originally outlined by neon signage for nighttime visibility. The interior layout supports traveler efficiency, with the café space including booths along the east and south walls, a former counter area, a northeast kitchen, storage room, and restrooms, while the adjacent service bays housed a hydraulic lift for repairs. Multi-paned windows in the station office, awning-covered café windows, and large plate-glass windows further emphasize the geometric and modernistic aesthetic, allowing natural light to enhance the functional yet stylish environment.

Historic preservation status

The U-Drop Inn, also known as the Tower Station, was listed on the on September 18, 1997, under reference number 97001160. This designation recognizes its significance under Criterion A for its association with important events in the history of commerce, particularly as one of the first commercial structures built along the newly paved in , reflecting the highway's role in fostering 1930s roadside economic development. It also qualifies under Criterion C as an exemplary embodiment of distinctive characteristics in small-town roadside architecture, with its geometric towers and signage serving as key elements in the nomination's architectural merit assessment. The property contributes to the broader historic commercial context of , where Route 66's alignment spurred a new district of early 20th-century one- and two-story buildings along and adjacent routes, highlighting the town's evolution as a key stop for travelers. Complementing its federal recognition, the U-Drop Inn was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission, affirming its statewide architectural and historical value. This dual status has provided the U-Drop Inn with legal protections against federally funded alterations or demolitions and eligibility for incentives, including federal and state tax credits, grants from the , and funding through programs to support maintenance and rehabilitation efforts.

Restoration and current use

Restoration process

In 1999, the First National Bank of Shamrock purchased the deteriorating U-Drop Inn property and donated it to the City of Shamrock, initiating efforts to revive the long-vacant Route 66 . This acquisition marked the beginning of a coordinated preservation project aimed at addressing the building's structural decline after decades of neglect. In 2000, the city hired architectural firms Phillips Swager Associates of and Architexas to develop a phased restoration master plan and provide consulting services through . These firms conducted assessments using historical photographs and local recollections to guide rehabilitation efforts. Funding was secured through a $1.7 million federal grant under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), which supported along transportation corridors; the site's 1997 listing on the had qualified it for this eligibility. Local fundraising supplemented the grant to cover additional costs. The restoration, completed in July 2003, involved extensive structural repairs to stabilize the aging framework, façade restoration to revive the original elements such as light pink concrete, green paint accents, and terra cotta tiles, and interior reconfiguration to adapt spaces for future public use while preserving original features. Key challenges included combating deterioration from prolonged exposure to harsh weather, which had caused grime buildup, material degradation, and other environmental damage accumulated since the building's closure in 1995. Throughout the process, all work adhered strictly to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Properties to ensure historical accuracy and integrity.

Modern functions and recent developments

Following its 2003 reopening, the U-Drop Inn has served as a key for Route 66 travelers in , providing information on local attractions and highway . It also functions as a small dedicated to the site's own history, featuring exhibits on its Art Deco origins and cultural significance, alongside a gift shop offering Route 66-themed souvenirs and memorabilia. Additionally, the building houses the Shamrock Chamber of Commerce office, supporting community events and economic development initiatives. The on-site café, a nod to the building's original 1936 purpose, initially reopened in summer under local operators after decades of closure, offering basic refreshments to complement the visitor experience. It temporarily closed in late 2024 due to operational changes but underwent a grand reopening on February 15, 2025, with new owners Lianne and Aldo Halpern, who introduced a full menu of classic American fare including smoked , , , roasted chicken, scratch-made sides, salads, and breakfast items like homemade and baked goods. In May 2023, the U-Drop Inn received a $50,000 grant from the for Historic Preservation's Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, in partnership with , to fund ADA-compliant improvements including outdoor seating, a new accessible door, and a watering station. These enhancements, completed in late 2023, improve accessibility near an adjacent Tesla charging station. In May 2013, a severe hailstorm damaged the iconic signage, prompting the City of Shamrock to replace it in February 2014 with energy-efficient LED tubing designed to replicate the original glow while improving durability and reducing maintenance costs. The City of Shamrock continues to oversee ongoing maintenance of the property, including regular upkeep of its restored elements and the addition of visitor amenities such as interpretive displays highlighting the site's Route 66 heritage, free restrooms, coffee, tea, and Wi-Fi access. As of November 2025, the U-Drop Inn remains a fully operational tourist site, emphasizing historical through its exhibits and resources while drawing travelers for its café and nostalgic atmosphere.

Cultural impact

The U-Drop Inn gained widespread recognition as the primary visual inspiration for Ramone's House of Body Art, the customization shop in the fictional town of Springs in Pixar's 2006 animated film . The building's distinctive architecture, including its asymmetrical towers and neon signage, directly influenced the design of Ramone's establishment, capturing the essence of mid-20th-century roadside aesthetics along Route 66. Beyond the film, the U-Drop Inn has appeared in various travel documentaries highlighting Route 66 landmarks. A notable feature came in a 2017 episode of the television series The Texas Bucket List (Season 8, Episode 10), where host Shane McAuliffe explored the site's history and restoration as a key stop in . The Cars connection significantly amplified the U-Drop Inn's media profile, sparking interest in Route 66-themed merchandise such as custom snow globes depicting the structure alongside vintage , which nod to its cinematic legacy. This exposure has drawn fan pilgrimages from movie enthusiasts, further embedding the site in through local news coverage, including a 2025 NewsChannel 10 feature on its enduring appeal to new generations of visitors inspired by the film.

Significance to Route 66

The U-Drop Inn stands as an exemplar of roadside architecture along the "Mother Road," embodying the era's burgeoning auto tourism culture with its distinctive design featuring twin towers and a prominent . Built in at the intersection of historic Route 66 and U.S. Highway 83 in , it served as the first commercial establishment for travelers entering the town from the east, offering fuel, dining, and retail services that catered to the influx of motorists during the highway's peak years. This structure symbolized the optimism and innovation of Route 66's golden age, when roadside amenities evolved from simple stops to elaborate attractions designed to lure drivers with visual appeal and convenience. In , the U-Drop Inn has been pivotal to establishing the town's identity as a quintessential Route 66 stopover, complementing other local attractions such as the Pioneer West Museum and annual celebrations that highlight the community's Irish heritage. As one of the most photographed and recognizable landmarks in the , it draws Route 66 enthusiasts year-round, reinforcing Shamrock's place on the historic corridor despite its small population of around 1,700. The inn's presence has helped preserve the narrative of small-town America along the route, where such icons provided essential respite amid vast landscapes. The U-Drop Inn plays a key role in national preservation efforts for Route 66, notably through its inclusion in the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which provided cost-share grants supporting its restoration and related projects in . Listed on the since 1997, the building benefited from a Federal Transportation Enhancements Grant in the early 2000s, enabling the city of to rehabilitate it as a community asset rather than allowing decay following the highway's decommissioning in 1985. These initiatives underscore its contribution to broader efforts to safeguard the cultural and historical integrity of the Route 66 corridor. Through its function as the , the U-Drop Inn offers educational value by housing exhibits and interpretive materials on Route 66's , including the inn's own story from construction to revival, allowing visitors to engage with artifacts, photographs, and narratives of the highway's impact on local life. These displays emphasize themes of migration, commerce, and architectural evolution during the and post-World War II eras. Its inspiration for the Ramone's House of Body Art in the 2006 Pixar film has further amplified its iconic status, introducing generations to Route 66's legacy. The café reopened under new ownership on February 15, 2025, offering classic American fare and enhancing its role in sustaining . The inn's preservation has fostered long-term economic benefits for via , attracting up to 15,000 visitors per day during peak seasons and stimulating related businesses without relying on its daily operational revenue. This influx supports the local economy through sales, guided tours, and tied to the Route 66 centennial in 2026, demonstrating how such landmarks sustain rural communities decades after the highway's decline.

References

  1. https://www.nps.gov/places/tower-station-and-u-drop-inn-cafe.htm
  2. https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/preserve/survey/highway/Tower%20Station%20UDropInn%20NR%201997.pdf
  3. https://www.route66news.com/2025/02/06/u-drop-inn-cafe-in-shamrock-to-hold-grand-reopening-on-feb-15/
  4. https://www.newschannel10.com/2023/06/05/historic-u-drop-inn-cafe-shamrock-awarded-40000/
  5. https://savingplaces.org/stories/a-grant-for-the-u-drop-inn-helps-a-town-feel-lucky
  6. https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/17372
  7. https://issuu.com/routemagazine/docs/route_oct_nov_2021
  8. https://npshistory.com/publications/transportation/route-66-economic-impact-study-v2.pdf
  9. https://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-shamrock/
  10. https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/ryan-on-the-road-exploring-shamrocks-u-drop-inn
  11. https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/07/02/u-drop-inn/
  12. https://www.savingplaces.org/stories/a-grant-for-the-u-drop-inn-helps-a-town-feel-lucky
  13. https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/TX-02-TP18
  14. https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/opastorage/live/61/9739/40973961/content/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_TX/97001160.pdf
  15. https://www.theroute-66.com/shamrock.html
  16. https://ladailypost.com/posts-from-the-road-tower-station-and-u-drop-inn-cafe/
  17. https://architexas.com/projects/tower-station-u-drop-inn/
  18. https://route66roadmap.com/attractions/conoco-tower-station-and-u-drop-inn-cafe-in-shamrock-texas/
  19. https://www.route66news.com/2013/08/09/u-drop-inn-will-swap-out-neon-lighting-for-leds/
  20. https://www.route66roadtrip.com/cars-pixar-disney-movie-route66-inspirations.htm
  21. https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/route-66-locations-pixar-cars/
  22. https://thetexasbucketlist.com/2017/05/the-texas-bucket-list-tower-station-and-u-drop-inn-in-shamrock/
  23. https://www.queenofsnowglobes.com/portfolio/u-drop-inn-texas-custom-snow-globes/
  24. https://www.shamrocktexas.net/historic-route-66
  25. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/route-66-texas.htm
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