Lawrence County

LAWRENCE COUNTY, which was founded in 1845, has been shaped by the arrival of the railroad and highways. When Route 66 was routed through the northern part of the county in the 1920s, it crossed through the historic towns of Halltown, Paris Springs Junction, Spencer, Heatonville, Albatross, Phelps, and Plew.

Found in the heart of Lawrence County is the darling ghost town of Spencer, a small community that was developed on the original 1926 roadbed of US 66. The town included a classic 1930 Spencer Store and the Spencer Cafe and Barbershop. Though roadside attractions like the motel and Camp Lookout are no longer around, they are alive in the small town’s spirit and lively residents’ memories. Don’t miss out on the great conversations happening at Gary's Gay Parita Sinclair Station in Paris Springs Junction.

Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station

The famous pit stop was opened in 1930 by Gay and Fred Mason in Paris Springs Junction. Named after Fred’s wife, Gay, the station became a favorite stop along the old road. After Gay’s death in 1953 and a fire that razed the station in 1955, it found new owners in Gary and Lena Turner who built a replica of the original 1930s Sinclair gas station that stands to this day.

Spencer ghost town, Spencer

Sign from Route 66 days, Spencer

Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station, Paris Springs Junction

GOOD TO KNOW:

Route 66 in Lawrence County, is often called the “ghost stretch” because of the number of abandoned towns left when traffic was rerouted to Interstate 44. The ruins are still there.

MY LAWRENCE COUNTY CHECKLIST

• Whitehall Mercantile (closed) • Richard’s Antiques (closed) • Cleo’s Beauty Shop (closed) • Gary’s Gay Parita

Station • Three-Span Truss

Bridge and the Ghost

Town of Spencer • Old Holsum Bread sign (being restored) • Lottie’s Soda Shoppe ROUTE 66 KICKS

Lawrence County which has 25.1 miles of Route 66, also has the longest straight stretch of the old road.