Long ago on independence square (Ava, Center: Wal-mart, hockey, important)

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

If I am on the right track, I had forgotten all about this situation.
I took a look at the photo this morning and decided right off I did not know what or where it was.
But then after some thought it came to me that this might be the Courtney Road closure at M-291. Courtney Road, I think, was closed in the late fifties or early sixties due to the road seriously caving in from underground mining, I think. I cannot recall where the west closure began but think it was a short distance off Kentucky.

The word at the time was that the road would be permanently closed due either to lack of money vs the benefit of repairing the huge damage or the damage was just too extensive to repair. However, a few years ago I was on that stretch and wondered how they were able to reopen the road.

I think Courtney in that area was in Jackson County at the time and may be in Sugar Creek today.

If this is correct, how about some history on the re-opening.

And, I could be confusing this with River Road.

[SilverDoc]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

If I am on the right track, I had forgotten all about this situation.
I took a look at the photo this morning and decided right off I did not know what or where it was.
But then after some thought it came to me that this might be the Courtney Road closure at M-291. Courtney Road, I think, was closed in the late fifties or early sixties due to the road seriously caving in from underground mining, I think. I cannot recall where the west closure began but think it was a short distance off Kentucky.

The word at the time was that the road would be permanently closed due either to lack of money vs the benefit of repairing the huge damage or the damage was just too extensive to repair. However, a few years ago I was on that stretch and wondered how they were able to reopen the road.

I think Courtney in that area was in Jackson County at the time and may be in Sugar Creek today.

If this is correct, how about some history on the re-opening.

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

And, I could be confusing this with River Road.

Yes, this is the location you are thinking of. It is the old N. River Blvd./ E. Courtney Atherton Rd. Mad's photo is a view to the west, from the east side of the intersection with old 291. East of this, the road crossed the top of the hill, passing several homes and a school, before descending the east side of the hill, down the hill to the old Courtney road. I have heard stories to the effect that Lafarge North America (i.e.Lafarge Courtney Ridge Quarry) is now, or is planning on attempting to fill in the caved in portion of the road. The new structure Lafarge has built just to the west of the highway, appears to be a vertical shaft mining rig. To my knowledge, there had previously been only horizontal shaft mining in that area.

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by SilverDoc

Yes, this is the location you are thinking of. It is the old N. River Blvd./ E. Courtney Atherton Rd. Mad's photo is a view to the west, from the east side of the intersection with old 291. East of this, the road crossed the top of the hill, passing several homes and a school, before descending the east side of the hill, down the hill to the old Courtney road. I have heard stories to the effect that Lafarge North America (i.e.Lafarge Courtney Ridge Quarry) is now, or is planning on attempting to fill in the caved in portion of the road. The new structure Lafarge has built just to the west of the highway, appears to be a vertical shaft mining rig. To my knowledge, there had previously been only horizontal shaft mining in that area.

Right you are, old historically accurate one! As a misguided youth I rode my bike on the closed portion of road. There is a cemetery just NW of the gate. They have repaved a road to it.

For a stark contrast of then and now compare the 1963 aerial view (DL-2DD-058) with the nearly current Bing view.

Jackson County Aerial Photographs, 1963 :: Aerial Photograph Collection


Bing Maps - Driving Directions, Traffic and Road Conditions

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

Right you are, old historically accurate one! As a misguided youth I rode my bike on the closed portion of road. There is a cemetery just NW of the gate. They have repaved a road to it.

For a stark contrast of then and now compare the 1963 aerial view (DL-2DD-058) with the nearly current Bing view.

Jackson County Aerial Photographs, 1963 :: Aerial Photograph Collection


Bing Maps - Driving Directions, Traffic and Road Conditions

It seems to me when the road was first closed, a mere sign was put up announcing that the road was closed. Apparently, too many people ignored the sign and then the gate as shown in the photo was placed across the pavement.

[Mad Anthonie]

The Queen City Motel, on 24 Highway in Sugar Creek, burned during the night.

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

The Queen City Motel, on 24 Highway in Sugar Creek, burned during the night.

One of several very nice motels on US 24 in the early days.

In looking for information on the fire, I noted a couple things I came across while surfing.

A Missouri legislator from Harrisonville has introduced a bill to allow executions by firing squad in the state.

The eastern most part of the eleven square mile Sugar Creek area is in the Fort Osage school district.

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

The Queen City Motel, on 24 Highway in Sugar Creek, burned during the night.

No way! I walked by there many times to/fro Sterling Bowl and SC pool.

Was it totally destroyed?

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

No way! I walked by there many times to/fro Sterling Bowl and SC pool.

Was it totally destroyed?

Not totally, but damage was heavy. Much of the roof was burned through.

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

Not totally, but damage was heavy. Much of the roof was burned through.

Sorry to hear that, I Googled News'd QCM and didnt see anything so I presumed it was minor damage.

One of the few "icons" from the Good Ol Daze I saw on my trip back . . .that and the Hi Boy of course

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

Sorry to hear that, I Googled News'd QCM and didnt see anything so I presumed it was minor damage.

One of the few "icons" from the Good Ol Daze I saw on my trip back . . .that and the Hi Boy of course

They have finally posted a story about this...


Fire damages Sugar Creek motel | Local News - KMBC Home