Labels:bulletin board | daily | monitor | reckoner | sky | windowpane OCR: The Thunderbird Motel opened in 1960 on Highway 71 in Joplin about mile and half south of Route 66 The spectacular porcelain neon sign was designed to lure travelers off of Route 66 and into the clean and comfortable accommodations offered by the motel The Thunderbird IS currently owned bi Ralph and Linda Overturf who have created mini- -Route 66 museum in the Thunderbird lobby Frequent travelers of this stretch of Route 66 speak highly of the Thunderl bird Their Route 66 memorabilia is not to be missed and the service has been called, second to none This photo of the Motel features row of classic Ford Thunderbirds 1955 '58 ragtop and ared 57. While we can't promise these cars will be the parking lot when you arrive the Thunderbird's hospitality a treat for weary travelers after long day e ...