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Dogwood Park Inn

815 South Glenstone, Springfield, MO
Phone:
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The former Baldridge Motor Court was opened here in 1939 by John & Hazel Baldridge. After some growth and remodeling it became the Silver Saddle Motel in 1957, still owned and operated by the Baldridge family. The motel was sold and became the Dogwood Park Inn in 1997 after Mr. Baldridge passed away.

It started out with six duplex cabins on a two acre patch of what was then a corn field. The number of guest rooms grew to 24 by 1954 when they added another 24 rooms bringing the total to 48.

xSomewhere along the line a large pool was added in the courtyard. The pool was still there in early 2016 but gone by mid-2017.

When the Baldridge's built the first cabins they also built a small Shell gas station out by the road. The gas station was eventually expanded and switched to selling the Conoco brand of gasoline. The Silver Saddle Service Station was still operating in 1984.

In the late 1980s they offered western union service as well as a public fax service, 24 channels of cable TV including HBO and ESPN.

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Vintage Advertising Highlights

(Front)
BALDRIDGE MOTOR COURT - SPRINGFIELD, Mo.
On U.S. 65 - 66- 166 and City 66, 815 N. Glenstone on east side of city.

(Back)
BALDRIDGE MOTOR COURT - SPRINGFIELD, MO.
All Modern Heated Cottages
Tub, Bath or Shower Bath - With or Without
Cooking Privileges. We Service Your Car While You Sleep. Phone, Mail and Telegraph Service.
Owned and Operated by
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Baldridge

SILVER SADDLE MOTEL
815 N. Glenstone

City Route U.S. 66, U.S. 166, Interstate 44.
Color T.V., Room Phones, Air Conditioned, Heated Swimming Pool.
Phone 417-865-****
Springfield, Missouri 65802

NOTE: The first postcard (1949) shows the gas station and individual cottages. The Second postcard is from the late 60s based on the cars in the image, shows the pool and other improvements as well as the name Change.
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Photo(s): 2016

 



 

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x About Us We started traveling Historic U.S. Route 66 as a destination in 2009. It's like a 2,400 mile long drive back in time from Chicago to Santa Monica! more
xDid You Know: Many parts of the old 4 lane Route 66 were reverted to a 2 lane road after 66 was realigned to the interstate. In many places the abandoned lanes are still there.