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And I think people of my age group find all that very romantic still, very nostalgic still. It was Barbara’s father, a man named Gary Turner, who developed the station into the landmark it is today. It’s like children on Christmas morning opening a Christmas present. Let me explain. Please send them to me at kaitlyn@ozarksalive.com!
Kaitlyn McConnell
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That’s when the Turners rebuilt the service station and opened it to travelers – or, as Gary thought of them, future friends.
“He was known as the Ambassador of Route 66. That’s how people know this place is here,” says George.
Gary's desk still remains in the service station.
George says he thinks part of Gary’s interest began with vintage vehicles, several of which are seen at the station today.
This replica of a 1934 Sinclair station is packed with original gas pumps, classic cars, vintage signage, and one of the biggest Route 66 shields you’ll find anywhere on the road. Particularly with our foreign visitors, you must imagine what kind of novelty it is just to visit this country. Gary quickly became a beloved figure on the Mother Road, always ready with a warm welcome, a travel tip, and a story or two.
If the doors are open, step inside for a chat, a souvenir, or a cold drink for the next leg of your journey.
Gay Parita is a local landmark for Route 66 enthusiasts.
It’s a place for travelers to stop and see, enjoy a piece of Americana, and connect with others on a similar journey along the Mother Road.
“I get to see something every day that you don’t get to see. And Gary’s dream, he said, was to meet those people. When I open this gate each morning, and those folks come up, I get to look in their eyes and guess what I see?
That’s a fact that has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; George estimates that around 85 to 90% of travelers today are from outside the United States, causing a steep decline in visitors.
"It’s been that way since COVID started," he says of the lower numbers.
Gay Parita was the feature of the July 2021 Ozarks Alive: Time Capsule episode on KSMU.
They also kept it free to see, and instead they generate revenue through donations and souvenir sales.
Gary’s Gay Parita in Ash Grove, Missouri, is a can’t-miss stop along Route 66. But regardless of why, Gary and his Sinclair service station hat soon became iconic sights along the road.
“What Gary used to say was: It was the dream of a lot of people to ride Route 66 in its heyday. Iconic remnants still stand along the way, telling tales of days long gone.
For more information about Gay Parita, click here.
While Ozarks Alive is a project of passion, crafting each story takes a lot of time, energy — and gas money.
There are several ways you can help, if you feel so led:
Purchasing a copy of “Passport to the Ozarks,” a guidebook to unique places to visit throughout the region. These books are $22 each, which includes taxes and shipping.
Donations in any amount are also gratefully accepted via Paypal, and may be sent to Kaitlyn@OzarksAlive.com, or by mailing a check/cash to Ozarks Alive, P.O.
Box 2004, Springfield, MO 65801.
Super-soft, Ozarks Alive t-shirts are also available in two designs.