Seen above is the first restoration project of the Meramec Caverns barn near Cayuga. As can be seen, the restored image is of later design, as it includes I-44 AND US 66. Looking closely, you can see a faint image of an earlier version, one which likely did not include mention of the Interstate, as it would not have existed. This refresh of the sign was performed by volunteers working for the Association’s Preservation Committee back in 1998.
Since that time, another refresh was performed in 2008. In the intervening years, the paint faded and shingles failed, as well as the barn suffering from the effects of time and weather. With the upcoming centennial celebration fast approaching, it was time that the Association considered another restoration of the iconic Meramec Caverns signage on the old barn. In the interim, a lot of vegetation had grown between the turnout and the barn. Even without the vegetation, the signage had become harder and harder to see. In preparation for the repainting, the growth in the field had been removed, so all that was needed to get the sign readable again was to get out some paint and brushes.
On the morning of May 10, 2025, volunteers from near and far assembled at the barn, ready to work their magic and bring life back to the sign that has spent decades telling travelers of the famous location near Stanton, Missouri. Ladders, scaffolding, and even a “cherry picker” were brought to the site, along with the other tools needed to bring the image back to life. A thank you to our many volunteers, including Jamie Anderson, Mark Anderson, Emmy Bates, Penny Black, Caitlin Cannon, Kelly Cannon, Jim Clausen, Kyle Delhaye, Mark Kaspar, Bill Kelly, Rita L Kirchoff, Marissa Klinger, Rob LeBlanc, Gary Nalefsky, Steve Nalefsky, Heather Panzuck, Paul Panzuck, Aaron Rients, Lynn Rients, Scott Schuettpetz, Tammy Slocum, William Slocum, Steven Staley, Cathie Stevanovich, Mike Stonich, Dave Sullivan, Eduardo Tapia, John Weiss, Gretchen Wendt, Randy Wierzgac, and Rick Zarr. We also thank our hosts for the day, Kim and Tom Erdman, who also prepared lunch for our crew. Also in attendance were the current owner, Dr. Syed and his wife, as well as Sandy Birger and her husband Paul – Sandy is the last reamining member of the original owner’s family.
Shingles were repaired and/or replaced, paint scraped, and gallons of black and white paint deployed to bring back the old sign. After several hours, and lots of elbow grease, the sign was restored to its former glory, for all to see and appreciate from the IDOT-supplied turnout off of Old 66.
The Association thanks all those who volunteered their time and efforts in this project. Visitors to the location may never know the work behind the image, but our all-volunteer organization is dedicated to these preservation projects and takes pride in sharing them with folks from across the road to those across the globe.
Preservation’s mantra is “Will work for food,” and Saturday was no exception. Volunteers enjoyed a hearty lunch including hot dogs, burgers, and Polish sausages, together with all the fixin’s and sides,
See the story of the original restoration project at https://www.il66assoc.org/1998/12/1998-preserving-nostalgic-advertising/
Images courtesy of Lynn Rients, Emmy Bates, and Dwight M. Cannon