Route 66 Riverton
With its pressed tin ceilings and its sunny, welcoming breezeway, Nelson’s Old Riverton Store looks virtually the same as it did almost a century ago when it was known as the Williams’ store.
It functions as a deli and grocery, just like it always has since 1925.
Located on historic Route 66, this store became a popular stop for travelers during the heyday of the Mother Road. Here, families would buy the fixings for sandwiches to take with them on their journey across the country – a cost-effective way to feed growing children while on the road.
That’s the way my father-in-law remembered traveling on Route 66 from Illinois to Arizona; you can read about his Mother Road memories here.
Today, this well-preserved general store serves a slice of history to its visitors who travel from all over the country – and the world – to experience life in a bygone era in Riverton, Kansas
Riverton
Tucked away in the southeast corner of Kansas, about 10 miles west of Joplin, this area was originally settled by Quakers in the 1870s and was called Varck (not the most melodious name).
After the Frisco Railroad came to town, a post office was established and the name of the town was changed to Riverton (based on the fact that it was located next to a river – not a creative name, but it sounds more pleasant than Varck).
The land surrounding Riverton was rich in lead and zinc, and the mining business boomed here at the turn of the century. In 1909, the Empire District Electric Company built a hydroelectric power plant in town next to the Spring River, and it continues to function today.
Riverton’s Former Route 66 Attractions
While today’s travelers entering Riverton from the east use a sleek, modern bridge to cross the sparkling Spring River, during the height of the Mother Road culture a graceful rainbow bridge spanned the water. Unfortunately, the historic bridge was dismantled in 1986.
The Spring River Inn was another historic structure on the Route that no longer exists. Located north of the Empire power plant, the inn was built in 1905 as a country club for those who became wealthy from the bountiful area mining industry. When the mining boom dissipated, a new type of clientele was ushered in: Route 66 travelers. Sadly, the Spring River Inn was destroyed by a fire in the 1990s, but its neon sign survived.
The good news is that there’s still one original Route 66 attraction in Riverton, and the great news is that appears to have been magically frozen in time.
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store
On March 20, 1925, Riverton residents Leo and Lora Williams opened a business that included a restaurant, grocery, general merchandise area, and a gas station. The Williams lived in a small apartment in the west half of the building, and that’s where their child Jane was born in 1928.
The Williams’ were known for some signature items in their restaurant: Lora’s chili and Leo’s barbecue (there was a barbecue pit behind the store where Leo would cook beef and venison). Travelers would fill their bellies at the deli and their cars’ fuel tanks at the Standard Oil pumps (which have since been removed).
In 1933, the Williams enclosed the front of the store to create a breezeway, and this is where today’s travelers can enjoy their deli meals. Or, to be authentic, they can take their sandwiches with them and snack on them as they cruise along the Route.
Ownership of the store has changed a few times over the decades. In 1973, it was purchased by Joe and Isabell Eisler who continued to run the deli and grocery, and added a greenhouse.
Today the store is owned by the Eisler’s nephew, Scott Nelson (who is also the president of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association).
The front of Nelson’s Old Riverton Store is filled with groceries, and the deli counter is located at the rear. Route 66 memorabilia lines the walls throughout.
What was once the Williams’ apartment on the west side of the building now houses a wide variety of Mother Road souvenirs. I’m partial to this whimsical string of lights, myself.
As I was getting ready to leave the store, a dapperly-dressed gentleman in his 90s walked into the store. At first, I thought he was a patron but quickly learned that he was there to clock in for work. This man is Forrest Nelson, the father of Scott (the store’s owner), who looks forward to visiting with locals and tourists during his work days at the store.
With friendly characters like Forrest, and an authentic, timeless atmosphere, Nelson’s Old Riverton Store is a priceless find on Route 66.
Nelson’s Old Riverton Store is located at 7109 SE Highway 66 in Riverton.
WANT MORE? Find out the latest on what to see and do in the area by following Joplin MO Life on Twitter, Pinterest, and on Facebook, or sign up for the newsletter at the top part of this post.
This article was commissioned by the Joplin CVB, however the opinions expressed are purely my own. The purpose of Joplin MO Life is to highlight all the best that our area has to offer, and when an article is written about a restaurant, business, attraction, or event, it is because I have had an enjoyable experience and want to share it with others. Click here to visit the Joplin CVB’s Facebook page.
Living Life to The Fullest!
I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.
