The caravan will form at NOON Monday, June 2 in Joplin MO in the rear parking lot behind the former Joplin Library (now being developed into the Schroeder Family Explorium) located at 300 South Main Street. This facility occupies the entire block surrounded by Main, 3rd, Joplin (one way south only) and 4th. Enter the parking lot from Third Street. A maroon Ford Fusion will be parked in lot and it will have a JH pole marker banner hanging from the rear end.
This block is the site of the former Connor Hotel that was often advertised in the original Jefferson Highway Declaration. Two limestone panels from the hotel can be seen from the parking lot on the back of the building. The brick and limestone building opposite the parking lot is Joplin's former Federal Building (1904). The five-story building across the street from it was the Joplin Supply Company built in 1922. Ford Model Ts and other company products were assembled here. Joplin Supply ended its relationship with Ford in 1930. Today the property is known as Ford Lofts.
Once the group takes off, it will proceed along the historic JH route through Joplin to Kansas for a lunch stop in Galena, then on to Riverton and Baxter Springs where the group will overnight. On Tuesday, June 3 the group will then travel together along the newly-signed JH route in Oklahoma to various locations including Commerce, Miami and Vinita with an overnight outside of Wagoner OK. Wednesday June 4 it will be on to Muskogee, Checotah and other stops on its way to McAlester by late afternoon on the 4th.
If you are staying in McAlester for the conference, NEW information will be given you during the caravan on where to check-in for the conference as the local hosts have moved this to a site downtown (NOT AT THE CONFERENCE HOTEL).
There will be no specific event charge for the Caravan but all food, lodging and other expenses will be up to the participants. JHA members and non-members are welcome to participate. You can do one day, two days or all three as your schedule permits.
LODGING INFORMATION
Monday, June 2nd
Little Brick Inn, 1105 Military Ave., Baxter Springs Kansas, $119 single kings, call (417) 438-1234 to make a reservation.
RV options:
1. Baxter Springs City Park Campground (no showers) (620) 284-1813
2. Downstream Casino RV Park – located eight miles from Baxter Springs. Call (417) 626-6750 to reserve a camping spot.
Tuesday, June 3rd
The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park, call (918) 772-2545 to make a reservation. There is currently a limited block of 10 lodge rooms and ten lakeside cabins. Prices range from $80 to $100 a night with Special JHA rates. Ask for the Jefferson Highway Room Block rate and pick your lodging for the night.
RV Lodging is also available at Sequoyah State Park. Call (918) 772-2545 to reserve your spot.
CARAVAN GUIDE BOOKS/PASSPORTS and other Caravan merchandise that has been pre-ordered will be passed out Monday (or when participant joins caravan).
ZOOM MEETING ON CARAVAN can be found on You Tube.
Email: info@jeffersonhighway.org
