Route 66 Through Shamrock Texas

The old Conoco gas station and U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas. (click to enlarge)
It also houses the visitor's center, staffed by two wonderful ladies, as well as the Café,
which in essence is an old-fashioned ice cream and sandwich shop.  A young man
opened up the café and is trying to make a go at it.  I hope he is successful.  I hope
he achieves his dream!

Driving through Texas on Route 66 takes you smack dab in the middle of a little town by the name of Shamrock.  I've now been through three times but only stayed overnight on my last trip in May/June of this year.  Not only is the town a photographic delight but the people I have met there were even better!  I guess I've come to realize that the sights alone are very cool but it is the kind, helpful and knowledgeable people in the various Route 66 towns, businesses and attractions that put the icing on the cake and enrich the journey.

One of the first things that hit me about this building was the color combination.  Very unusual!
(click to enlarge)

This old Chevrolet wrecker is all mechanical, unlike the hydraulics used today.
(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

As I did, I bet you are wondering how Shamrock got its name?  Quite an unusual name for a town in the Texas Panhandle.  According to the Texas Historical Society, Irish immigrant and sheep rancher George Nickel applied to open a post office at his home and thought the name Shamrock would be good for luck and courage.  The United States Postal Service awarded him a post office with that name but, ironically, he never actually opened it!

I met this young woman working for the summer at the U-Drop Café.  During the rest of the 
year she is a teacher.  She is a lovely person, helpful, full of energy, smiles and told me quite a bit
of the history of the café.  Evidently, Elvis Presley ate at one certain booth while staying overnight
in the motel across the street. (click to enlarge)

I love this little vignette! The U-Drop Café. (click to enlarge)

I thought this was a bit unusual.  I felt a couple of images were warranted. (click to enlarge)

When trying to capture this scene, I found it difficult.  I guess I walked away not fully satisfied
with the images I made.  I felt I just didn't seem to capture it the way I wanted. (click to enlarge)

During our Route 66 journey, we stayed overnight in Shamrock.  Where to eat?  As always, we ask the locals.  They recommended the Mesquite Canyon Steakhouse just a mile or so up the road, north of town.  We had a fine meal.  In face, we came back for breakfast the next morning before we resumed west. Whenever I travel, I try hard to stay out of the chain eateries, if possible.  It is much more enjoyable to eat at local establishments, meet local people and eat local favorites and meals from local recipes.

A few blocks away from the U-Drop Inn and Cafe is another old Conoco station.  This one has
an old fire engine as part of its charm. (click to enlarge)

If you have time, make sure you stop and visit the Pioneer West Museum.  Ask for Raquel to be
your guide.  She is delightful, informative and will spend as much time educating you as you
may have.  A fascinating place that was built originally as a hotel.  Now each guest room holds
a different themed display.  Very well done. (click to enlarge)

At least we know Shamrock had four other fire service vehicles. (click to enlarge)

If you decide to travel Route 66 through the Texas Panhandle, I would encourage you to spend a little time in Shamrock.  I met some of the nicest people in Shamrock, had a couple of very good meals as well as a good night's sleep!  Oh!  Did I mention I made some very pleasing images as well!

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

All content on this blog is © 2013-2022 Dennis A. Mook. All Rights Reserved. Feel free to point to this blog from your website with full attribution. Permission may be granted for commercial use. Please contact Mr. Mook to discuss permission to reproduce the blog posts and/or images.