Carthage’s Boots Motel undergoing major renovation

Carthage’s Boots Motel, a mainstay on Route 66 since the late 1930s, has been undergoing a major renovation.

A group called the  “Boots Court Foundation” purchased the motel last year and started extensive renovations including a new roof, foundation, stucco work,  and more in the 8-room front section.

The  motel’s most famous guest ever, according to manager Kim Bausinger, was actor Clark Gable.

At the time of his visit, Route 66 was the primary route between southern California and the eastern part of the nation.

“There are two different rooms, one in the front building and one in the back building, where he stayed,” she says. “There are books that prove he signed in and was legitimately here.”

She says people from other countries have a special interest in staying in the rooms once used by Gable.

“We will continue to have to have the Clark Gable room that will have a little Hollywood ‘glitz and glam’ to make it a special tribute to the fact that he did stay here on more than one occasion,” Bausinger says.

She says the 5-room back section of the motel is open for business at this time.

Bausinger says an adjacent building has been purchased and will be renovated and used as a Visitor’s Center.