CATS MEOW VILLAGE
 Series XVI
ROUTE 66 Collection
THE LIMITED EDITION BOXED SET (6600 SETS)

My mother and my daughter are avid (well, fairly avid) Cats Meow Village collectors. During a road trip to the south two years ago, my mother happened to purchase one of the pieces in the Route 66 series, The Coral Court. She liked the design, she did not purchase it knowing my fascination with Route 66 - it was just a coincidence!  I didn't know she had the piece in her collection until this summer (2000), when we watched my video, Journey Down Route 66 by Michael Wallis prior to my Route 66 trip.  When I pointed out the Coral Court, she recognized it from her Cats Meow Village collection and showed me.   I was excited to learn of the Route 66 series and wanted to get all the pieces.   Unfortunately, their web site did not list all their collections, or where to buy them.

Since my trip was only a few weeks away, I thought I would find them somewhere along Route 66, and I was right. I stayed at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and I noticed that they had, appropriately, a piece depicting the Blue Swallow on a shelf behind the check-in counter.  I saw the little black cat on it, identifying it as a Cats Meow. The owner indicated that the Route 66 Magazine Gift Shop in Williams, Arizona sells the entire collection (individually, as well as the boxed set).  I was planning to stop there anyway, so I was happy to hear this!   She also explained that purchasing the boxed set is the only way to acquire the Gemini Giant piece (from The Launching Pad Cafe, Wilmington, IL). 

We stopped in the gift shop as soon as we arrived in Williams in the early afternoon.   They have a great selection of Route 66 merchandise, and I was excited to see the entire Cats Meow Village collection, including four supplemental pieces.

THE SET

Gemini Giant, The Launching Pad Cafe, Wilmington, Illinois (available only as part of the boxed set)

Introduced: January 1, 1998         Production Limited to 6,600 sets only!

Faline has captured eight classic landmarks in her Route 66 Collection along with the extra Launching Pad accessory (which is not sold separately).

A Wilmington, Illinois drive-in was formerly known as the "Dairy Delight" before the space race frenzy inspired the name change to the "Launching Pad." In 1965, a local girl named the 28-foot tall rocketman motif, "Gemini Giant," who, to this day, stands in front of the drive-in. 
The Coral Court, St. Louis, Missouri

Introduced: January 1, 1998        To Retire: December 31, 2002

Nationally, Coral Court has been a highly regarded landmark, while on the local level it has carried a rather scandalous aura. This building was popular for its streamline design, with its curved walls and glass brick. Individual garages adjoining each room provided great privacy, which may have contributed to its risqué image. Coral Court existed 54 years before its demise in 1995, despite several organized efforts to save it.
Round Barn, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Introduced: January 1, 1998
To Retire: December 31, 2002

The Oklahoma segment of Route 66 passes right in front of the Round Barn, which was built in 1898 by W.H. Odor. The Round Barn is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the Mother Road. After showing the wear and tear from inclement weather, citizens of Arcadia banded together to restore this unique structure in 1992. Open to the public, the Round Barn remains an attraction for travelers.
Will Rogers Hotel, Claremore, Oklahoma

Introduced: January 1, 1998    To Retire: December 31, 2002

This hotel was dedicated to Will Rogers on Feb. 7, 1930. Shortly after its dedication, Will Rogers shared his appreciation by saying he was more proud to see his name in electric lights in his old home town on an institution built to serve the public than he ever was on the biggest theater on Broadway! The Will Rogers Hotel is said to have an eastern atmosphere, western welcome and southern hospitality.
U-Drop-Inn, Shamrock, Texas

Introduced: January 1, 1998        To Retire: December 31, 2002

John Nunn sketched the design for the U-Drop Inn with a nail in the dust. Opening in the mid 1930s, it was rare for a building with this much size to be built, especially during the Depression. But the Nunn family had faith that Route 66 would bring business. The name "U-Drop Inn" was a suggestion submitted by an 8-year-old local boy in an attempt to win $5 in the naming contest held during the restaurant’s grand opening. 
The Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico

Introduced: January 1, 1998       To Retire: December 31, 2002

Saturated in its neon splendor, the Blue Swallow Motel is one of the best surviving examples of classic, pre-war motor court design. Each motel room features its own garage. The Blue Swallow Motel was an engagement present given to Lillian Redman in 1958. She has run the motel ever since she accepted it.
Wigwam Village, Holbrook, Arizona

Introduced: January 1, 1998     To Retire: December 31, 2002

Wigwam Village in Holbrook, Arizona, has been a premier tourist attraction for those traveling through the heart of Indian country. Inspired by a cone-shaped ice cream stand in the early 1930s, Frank Redford began this motel chain that stretched into six states over 15 years. Keeping with the nostalgic western exterior, the inside of these wigwam motels maintain a rustic allure, although they are furnished with all the modern conveniences. Visitors searching for lodging and adventure can stay at the Wigwam Village today.
Snow Cap Drive-In, Seligman, Arizona

Introduced:  January 1, 1998    To Retire: December 31, 2002

Snow Cap is one of Northern Arizona’s most famous drive-ins. The Snow Cap may serve standard highway food, but the way in which it is served is far from the norm! The owner enjoys serving a dose of humor and wittiness with every platter. This light-hearted attitude is obvious when reviewing the menus, where one can choose from "hamburgers without ham," or the ever popular, "dead chicken with all the trimmings."  
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California

Introduced: January 1, 1998      To Retire: December 31, 2002

The Santa Monica Pier is as far west as one can go without falling into the ocean! This pier, full of curiosities, is a Southern California tradition. Located nearby is the beautifully restored carousel that was used in the 1973 film, The Sting.

Series XVI Route 66 Collection
Accessories

Introduced: January 1, 1998
To Retire: December 31, 2002

Jackrabbit Billboard, Will Rogers Motor Court Sign, and Route 66 Shield
HERE IT IS Jackrabbit Trading Post sign
Will Rogers Motor Court
Classic car & Route 66 Shield
Burma Shave signs (not actually a part of the Route 66 collection, but still related to a Route 66 theme, so I added it here anyway)


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This page was last updated on Wednesday, April 13, 2005