South Belt Highway
South Belt Highway addresses begin at Felix Street

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LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER



1 2

Circa 1931
THE SUPER HIGHWAY OF 1931
The Belt Highway is created

Photo #1 - 1931 Sept 13 - St Joseph News Press photo of the new Super Highway (Belt Highway)
Photo #2 - 1931 Sept 13 - St Joseph News Press description of the photo




1 2

AERIAL VIEWS
Circa unknown
South Belt Highway

The red numbers on the photos, 1-7, mark specific areas:
RED #1: South 36th St at Messanie - a bridge used to be over the creek
RED #2: South Belt at Messanie - a bridge used to be over the creek

The 2 bridges were removed and the creek now flows beneath the streets
You are on your own for futher identifications, I am lost




Prior to the 1960's, people traveling on US 36 East from the Kansas side usually traveled through downtown St Joseph on US 36 Business Route
After zig zagging through town to Frederick Avenue, they would continue east on Frederick Avenue to the Highway 71 Junction
(Of course, if they knew their way through St Joseph, they could also take Messanie or Mitchell Avenue to Highway 71)
Once at US 71, if they wanted to go to Kansas City or Savannah, they could take Highway 71 at the junction of US 71 & US 36
If they continued east on old US 36, a two lane highway with many hills and curves (10 mile curve was a doozy) they would end up at US 31 about 13 miles away. You would turn south and US 36 East continued about 1/4 mile south of this junction
As the city expanded, this area became better known as Frederick Avenue and the highway was renamed to US 6 Highway
When the new Highway US 36 was constructed at the bridge, the new US 36 was a 4 lane highway and it took a fairly straight path across St Joseph
The State of Mo also built a new US 36 4 lane highway from St Joseph to US 31 where it connected into US 36 thus eliminating the many hills and curves
The new highway also eliminated the need to travel through downtown St Joseph, thus eliminating a lot of traffic through downtown






AERIAL VIEW
Circa: 1962
Belt Highway & Frederick

When most of us were cruising the Belt in 1962, you would see Cool Crest, Budget Inn, Snow White, Pony Express Motel, State Hospital #2. Skateland, Army Reserve Building, Moila Golf Course, Kroger or Gibson's Discount Center
Bishop LeBlonde High School and track is right there among them all
The Farber Farm is visible on the south side of Frederick, this would later become Commerce Bank
Gibson's Discount Center moved into the Kroger building in the early 1960's
I got a job at Gibson's during my high school Christmas vacation pricing Christmas ornaments with a magic marker for 50 cents per hour
Terry McGinnis thinks Central High School is in the far distance at top middle
Can anyone add any more??
The photo was submitted by Terry McGinnis






AERIAL VIEW
Circa: 1962
Belt Highway & Frederick

Snow White and Phillips 66 Service station visible. The Belt Highway was 4 lanes at this time





AERIAL VIEW
Circa: Pre-1961
Belt Highway & Frederick

This is a cropped section of the photo below
The photo was taken sometime before 1961
I have marked some locations that I recognize
This is an aerial view of the Belt Highway (Highway 71) and US 36 Highway
Known points of interest from left to right: Skateland, Krogers Grocery, MFA Feed, Bill & Jim's 66 Service, Snow White, Pony Express Motel
The Farber farm as seen in the bottom left would later become Commerce Bank
Original photo was taken by Phil Okonski's father
The photo was submitted by Phil Okonski



1 2 3

AERIAL VIEW
Circa: Pre-1961
Looking North from Faraon
Circa 1977
WOODBINE ROAD
IN GRAVEL & DIRT CONDITION

This is a great photo taken sometime before 1961
East Hills would later be built in the pasture behind the tip of the KFEQ tower
The road on the far right is Woodbine Road. This was a narrow dirt and gravel road. I know this as a fact because my milk truck got buried up the it's axles in the late 1960's and had to be towed out of the mud by Finis Chafen Towing
Today, Woodbine Road is a modern 4 lane street with a speed limit of 40 MPH
Photo #1 was taken by Phil Okonski's father
Photo was submitted by Phil Okonski
Photo #2 & 3 - 1977 News Press photographs






AERIAL VIEW
Circa: Unknown
Looking North

Yet another great aerial photo
The exact circa is unknown but seems somewhat recent
The Belt Highay, Woodbine Road and Interstate 29 are visible in this aerial photo
East Hills, Hobby Lobby, Hastings, Hillcrest 4 building & many other current businesses can also be seen




Circa 1958
A & P EGG BUYING STATION
702 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location






Circa 1980
ALL AMERICAN RENTALS
618 South Belt

Photo - 1980 St Joseph News Press advertisement




1 2 3

Circa 1961
VORIES VETERNARY SUPPLY
210 South Belt Highway

The Belt Bowl advertisement has an incorrect address






Circa 1955
A. J. KELLER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
202 South Belt

Robert Hall Clothing store can be seen in the far backgroud
This company no longer exists






AMERICAN GOLD MINE PAWN SHOP
2102 South Belt Highway




1 2

Circa 1976
ARCHIE'S CUPBOARD
1209 South Belt Highway

Archie's Cupboard opened in June 1976 at 1209 South Belt Highway
Dale R. Archdekin was the owner
The business was a restaurant and cocktail lounge with nostolgic furnishings from Hotel Robidoux. The chairs and tables came from the hotel as well as all of the ceiling fixtures
The Hotel Robidoux Pony Bar was sanded down and used also in the business
Other furnishings which came from the hotel included wall plaques, decorative candles and the 1939 hotel restaurant menus
The restaurant seated 80 people




Circa 1958
ATTEBURY TRUCKING COMPANY
2208 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
ALL AMERICAN RENTALS
618 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
ST JOSEPH AUTO PARTS
700 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
GUY BUCKMINISTER BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICE
701 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location



TREVILLIAN DRIVE INTERSECTS



Circa 1981
UNITED PHARMACAL ANIMAL SUPPLY
702 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
Louis Sallee Plumbing & Heating
710 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
Sav On Discount Merchandise
801 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
Jesse James Enterprises
803 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
Jesse James Enterprises
803 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
Union Prescription Center
803a South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
Spencer's Ice Cream Parlor
803b South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
The Potpourri Arts & Crafts
803c South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1981
Ferbert Garden & Gift Center
806 South Belt Highway
Circa 1981
Bennett Garden & Gift Center
806 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1981 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
AVENUE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
715 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Circa 1958
B & M DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT
1040 South Belt Highway
Circa 1974
MARSHALL'S DRIVE-IN
1040 South Belt Highway
Circa 1978
MARSHALL'S DRIVE-IN
1040 South Belt Highway
GOODRICH DAIRY
1040 South Belt Highway
JIMMY JOHNS
1040 South Belt Highway

This drive-restaurant was located on the west side of the Belt just north of Seneca

This was the home of the Rocking Rabbit

They offered car hop service and had great food

The B & M is best remembered for their large neon sign facing the Belt Highway, the sign was a red & blue lighted neon sign of a rabbit sitting in a rocking chair

I would really love to locate a photo of that sign

The structure was torn down and Goodrich Dairy built a new building on the site

Goodrich Dairy sold milk and ice cream items

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches is currently in business at this location

Photo #1 - newspaper advertisement
Photo #3 - Lucky 13 coupon
Photo #3 - 1970 Newspaper advertisement
Photo #4 - newspaper ad regarding theft of car-hop trays
Photo #5 - Goodrich Dairy store
Photo #6 - Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches
Photo #7 - Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches
Photo #8 - B&M Ordering/menu console
Photo #9 - B&M Ordering/menu console
Photo #10 - 1970 News Press Advertisement
Photo #11 - 1974 News Press Advertisement




Beacon1 Beacon2 Beacon3 Beacon4 Beacon5

Circa 1940
BEACON RESTAURANT
820 South Belt Highway

The Beacon was known also as "Chicken In The Rough"
The Beacon was located on the west side of the South Belt
The structure burned down and closed permanently in the mid 1960's
Photo #5 - 1952 Beacon remodeling advertisement






Circa 1987
BEAMAN'S TV, APPLIANCE & VIDEO REPAIR
501 South Belt Highway




1 2

Circa 1987
BEATY BBQ
Belt & Messanie Street
Circa 1989
BEATY BBQ
Belt & Messanie Street

This was an excellent BBQ but it was rather short lived
Photo #1 - 1987 St Joseph News Press advertisement






Circa 1981
BURTON CHIROPRACTIC ARTS
& SCOLIOSIS CENTER
520 North Belt Highway
Circa 1989
BURTON CHIROPRACTIC ARTS
& SCOLIOSIS CENTER
503 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
BELT BARBER SHOP
1104 South Belt Highway
Circa 1958
JOBIE & JEAN BEAUTY SHOP
1104 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4 5 6

BELT & MITCHELL AVENUE INTERSECTION

The Belt Super Market was located on the southeast corner of Belt & Mitchell
The building was razed due to a severe fire
A clinic occupied the area for many years
A new CVS Pharmacy now occupies the area

Photo #1 - Circa 1977: DX service on the left and Belt Supermarket
Photo #2 - Circa 1978: Henry's Hamburgers, Belt Super Market
Photo #3 - Circa 1981: Photo showing the Belt Super Market after the fire
Photo #4 - Circa 2012: The new CVS Pharmacy
Photo #5 - Circa 1952: Traffic signals being erected at Belt & Mitchell




Circa 1958
BELT MOTEL
302 South Belt Highway
Circa 1957
BUCKEY HOME MODERNIZING COMPANY
302 South Belt Highway


Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2

BELT HI-WAY DX & CAFE
Belt & Mitchell Avenue
KLEIN MOTORS & RVS
1209 South Belt Highway

This DX service station was located on the NE corner of Belt & Mitchell Avenue
At the time of this photo was taken, the DX station appears to be out of business as the gas pumps had been removed
After the station was razed, Klein Motors occupied the lot
Currently Klein Motors still occupies the lot




Circa 1960
BELT DRIVING RANGE (GOLF)
1201 North 36th Street




Circa 1960
BELT STATE BANK
1701 South Belt Highway






Circa 1958
BELT TELEVISION SERVICE
1502 South Belt Highway
Circa 1960
BELT TELEVISION SERVICE
1502 South Belt Highway




Circa 1955
BILL & BOB'S CAFE
2104 South Belt Highway

Structure is now gone



Circa 1958
BLACK ANGUS MOTEL
1316 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2

Circa 1958
BODE'S TRUCK STOP & RESTAURANT
1710 South Belt Highway
Circa 1960
BODE'S TRAILER PARK
1710 South Belt Highway

This truck stop & restaurant was located on the west side of the Belt Highway between Mitchell & US 36 Highway. It was an all white building directly across from South Belt Pizza Hut, a car lot is now at that location
They had great food, I hated to see them close down. The building no longer exists
Photo #1 - 1970 St Joseph News Press Advertisement
Photo #2 - A Bode's menu




1 2 3

Circa 1979
BOWMAN MUSIC
407 South Belt Highway
Circa 1981
BOWMAN MUSIC
407 South Belt Highway

Photo #1 - 1980 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #2 - 1978 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #3 - 1981 St Joseph News Press advertisement




1 2

Circa 1912
BUTCHART FLORIST
George R. Butchart
120 South 6th Street
Circa 1980
BUTCHART'S FLOWERS, INC
3321 South Belt Highway

Photo #1 - 1981 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #2 - 1982 St Joseph News Press advertisement




1 2

BUTTERNUT BREAD THRIFT
STORE AND DEPOT
400 South Belt Highway
WONDER BREAD THRIFT STORE
400 South Belt Highway

This was a combination depot and thrift store for Butternut Bread owned by Interstate Brands in Kansas City

A transport truck from Kansas City would deliver fresh bread & other items everyday between 3a.m. and 5a.m.

I was a Butternut Bread salesman for 3 years and I worked out of this depot

There were 4 bread trucks and 2 Dolly Madison trucks working out of the depot

The bread that we put on the market was picked up 2 to 3 days later and resold in this store at reduced prices

The bad part was they would force racks of extra products on us, we would flood the market and have to pick it all back up a couple days later

I notice that bread items now sit on store shelves for a very much longer time, up to 10 days or so (makes me wonder how it works now)

When Interstate Brands purchased Wonder Bread, they dropped Butternut line

Their products then changed over to Wonder, Hostess and Dolly Madison snacks

When Wonder Bread & Hostess filed bankruptcy and went out of business, the thrift store closed it's doors forever

Pigtails N' Inkwells is currently occupying the building

They shared the south side of the lot for many years. It was a great move for them and better exposure




Circa 1960
CARR-TOWN TRAILER COURT
3530 South Belt Highway





Circa 1958
CARL SCHUMAKER CHIROPRACTOR
1208 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
CARPENTER'S UNION
310 South Belt Highway

Local # 110
Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4

Circa 1957
CHESMORE SEED & NURSERY COMPANY
806 South Belt Highway
Circa 1981
BENNETT GARDEN CENTER
806 South Belt Highway
Circa 2011
CECIL MEYERS MITSUBISHI
806 South Belt Highway

Listed as Chesmore Seed in 1957 City Directory at this location






CHURCH'S CHICKEN
502 South Belt

This is the second Church's Chicken to open in St Joseph
The first one opened in the 1400 block of Frederick Avenue in the 1970's
The Belt Highway location opened in the 1980's and is still in operation in 2013
The Frederick Avenue location no longer is in business






Circa 1970
COLOR TILE
603 South Belt

Photo - 1970 St Joseph News Press advertisement




CIrca 1958
COOK SALES & SERVICE
515 South Belt Highway

Industrial Machines
Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location







Circa 1987
COUNTRY PEDDLER
701 South Belt

Photo - 1987 St Joseph News Press advertisement




Dari-ette1 Dari-ette2 Dari-ette3 Dari-ette4

Circa 1958
DARI-ETTE
1310 South Belt
Circa 1977
DARI-ETTE
1310 South Belt

The Dari-Ette was owned by PeeWee and Francis Pollard
After the Dari-ette closed, Connie Goodnight built a tavern at this location
Connie also owned the Fireside Inn further down the Belt
Unfortunately, Connie passed away but a tavern is still operating here
Photo #3 - 1958 St Joseph News Press advertisement




1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1960
DOG N' SUDS DRIVE-IN
1401 South Belt Highway

Known for their creamy rootbeer and great hot dogs
Their ice cold rootbeer was served in a large glass mug without ice for 25 cents

Photo #1 - Dog n' Suds on the South Belt
Photo #2 - Dog n' Suds rootbeer mug
Photo #3 - Dog n' Suds Logo
Photo #4 - 1959 St Joseph newspaper advertisement
Photo #5 - Dog n' Suds on the South Belt - Looking north
Photo #6 - 1962 Menu cover




Circa 1957
DOZIER ELECTRICAL SERVICE
1502 South Belt Highway

Thomas Dozier
Listed in 1957 City Directory at this location






DUNKIN' DONUTS
3705 Frederick Avenue

1975 newspaper advertisement for Dunkin' Donuts



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Circa 1965
EAST HILLS SHOPPING CENTER
Belt & Frederick Avenue

East Hills Mall opened August 19, 1965
East Hills Mall was built by Sherman Dreiseszun in 1965 as one of the first malls in the Midwestern United States
Original tenants included Montgomery Ward, J. C. Penney, Safeway Inc., Katz Drug, Woolworth's, and Hirsch Brothers department store
The mall was expanded in 1988, and Dillard's and Sears were added
The mall underwent an extensive renovation in 2008 and 2009
In 1988, Sister's Chicken built a store in the western parking lot

Photo #1 - JC Penny & Katz Drug Store. Skaggs Drug Store later replaced Katz
Photo #2 - Woolworth opens at East Hills, September 1965
Photo #3 - Musicland in East Hills
Photo #4 - 1966 Newspaper photos of East Hills interior
Photo #5 - August 20, 1965 Katz opening day at East Hills
Photo #6 - 1970 East Hills photo
Photo #7 - 2013 East Hills photo showing new renovation
Photo #8 - Postcard prior to current remodeling
Photo #9 - 1970 Katz advertisement for 6th & Francis & East Hills
Photo #10 - Topsy Popcorn advertisement
Photo #11 - August 19, 1965 advertisement of opening day at East Hills
Photo #12 - August 18, 1965 Hirshes East Hills Advertisement
Photo #13 - August 18, 1965 Katz East Hills Advertisement
Photo #14 - August 18, 1965 Montgomery Wards East Hills Advertisement
Photo #15 - August 18, 1965 Safeway East Hills Advertisement
Photo #16 - Ladies shopping at Montgomery Wards
Photo #17 - Kinney's Shoe
Photo #18 - Paris and Playworld at East Hills
Photo #19 - 1988 Sister's Chicken Advertisement
Photo #20 - 1967 Woolworth advertisement
Photo #22 - Musicland in East Hills






Circa 1977
EDWARDS FARM & HOME SUPPLY
South Belt & Pear






Circa 1977
ESCO CB MART, INC
3214 South Belt Highway






FOX EAST HILLS THEATER
East Hills Shopping Center

This Dickinson owned 712 seat theater was located inside of the shopping center

It was located between the restrooms and the A & W Hot Dog stand

The theater opened in 1964 when East Hills first opened

The theater closed on Sunday, November 11, 1990 when their lease was due for renewal

The first movie shown was John Wayne, Dean Martin and Jeremy Slate in The Sons Of Katie Elder

At the opening, Jeremy Slate appeared in person at the Fox Theater

Included was a movie of Eugene V Klein, the President of National General Corporation, welcoming people to the new Theatre

They had a search light outside pointing to the sky

The last show was James Belushi and Michael Caine in Mr Destiny

Multi screen theaters were said to be the cause of it's demise

The theater no longer exists, it was removed during one of the first renovations




Implement Co. Farmers Equipment

FARMERS EQUIPMENT
3402 South Belt

This is a photo of an implement company called Farmers Equipment
It was located just north of the Leo Robert's station
The building was bulldozed down
South Belt Taco Bell is currently located at this location
Photo submitted by Dara Griffin




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FLINCHPAUGH'S REPTILE GARDEN & ZOO
Belt Highway & Frederick Avenue
3727 Frederick

After WWII, Flinchpaugh's was located at the NE corner of the Belt and Frederick
Flinchpaugh's was later located one block east of Junction US 36 & US 71 Highways
The owners were Jon and Marjorie Flinchpaugh
Flinchpaugh's Zoo and Animal Farm. What an attraction for children and adults
The building was razed sometime during the early 1960's
Alligators, monkeys, birds, and various other animals populated the building

Photo #1 - Flinchpaugh Zoo Photo submitted by Larry Flinchpaugh
Photo #2 - Newspaper advertisement
Photo #3 - 2011 photo of Larry Flinchpaugh
Photo #4 - 1958 photo of Jon Flinchpaugh & a gator
Photo #5 - Black & white photo of Flinchpaugh's
Photo #6 - 1954 newspaper advertisement
Photo #7 - Buffalo at Flinchpaughs in 1951
Photo #8 - Vicky Lynn the Chimp
Photo #9 - Front view as it looked in the 1950's

Watch Larry Flinchpaugh's 1959 10 minute video of his parent's attraction
Flinchpaugh's Reptile Garden and Zoo





Circa 1958
FORNEY ARC WELDERS
3310 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

FROG HOP BALLROOMS
1st and 2nd Frog Hop Ballrooms
South Belt Highway & Pickett Road

St Joseph has had 3 Frog Hop Ballrooms, this is the information about the 1st two

Frank Frogge built the original Frog Hop Ballroom in 1928

It opened on New Years Eve of that year with an attendance of 3000

At the time, Highway 71 and Pickett road considered to be out in the country

The Frog Hop was the most famous of St Joseph's many dance halls

Some famous performers and bands that appeared at the Frog Hop were Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Ozzie Nelson & his band, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Glen Miller and many others

In 1936, Frank Frogge sold the business to Tom Archer who continued bringing big name entertainment to the hall

The 1st Frog Hop burned down on February 19,1945 and it was rebuilt on the same site a year later

The 2nd Frog Hop burned down again in 1952 and never reopened

In 1958, two local promoters built a 3rd Frog Hop at 2402 North Belt Highway

All of the above photos are of the 1st and 2nd Frog Hop Ballroom

Photo #1 - The Frog Hop Ballroom
Photo #2 - The Frog Hop Ballroom burning in 1945
Photo #3 - Inside view of the original Frog Hop Ballroom built in 1928
Photo #4 - Larger photo Frog Hop Ballroom inside view built in 1928
Photo #5 - Frog Hop Ballroom at Belt & Pickett
Photo #6 - Frank A. Frogge,Frog Hop pickup truck advertising the Frog Hop Ballroom
Photo #7 - Frog Hop Ballroom at Belt & Pickett
Photo #8 - 1993 Newspress/Gazette newspaper article on the Frog Hop
Photo #9 - A good vintage photo of the Frog Hop Ballroom
Photo #10 - Photo collage of all 3 Frog Hop Ballrooms
Photo #11 - 1954 photo - Ray Alburn band at the Frog Hop
Photo #12 - 1943 newspaper ad for Louis Armstrong at the Frog Hop
Photo #13 - Frog Hop #1 burning down
Photo #14 - The remains of Frog Hop #1
Photo #15 - The remains of Frog Hop #1
Photo #16 - The remains of Frog Hop #1
Photo #17 - A not very good photo of a photo of Frog Hop #2
Photo #18 - Frog Hop Ballroom and Frog Hop Gas Station map
Photo #19 - June 1949 St Joseph Gazette adv for the 2nd Frog Hop Ballroom
Photo #20 - Frog Hop owner, Frank A. Frogge
Photo #21 - New Years Eve, 1937-1938 Frog Hop crowd awaiting the New Year
Photo #22 - 1945 Frog Hop fire




1 2 Frogge3 Frogge4 5 6 7 8 9

FROG-HOP GAS
South Belt Highway & Pickett Road

Frank Frogge founded both the station and the original Frog Hop Ballroom
Birdie and Mac Heerlein ran the station during the 1940s
Delbert and Eileen Spalding managed the station in 1951 and ran it for 42 years
This station was located at South Belt & Pickett Road
The original station was damaged during a storm and was replaced by a smaller structure
They always had gas for less and for a small station, sure did a lot of business
After being closed for many years, the structure was torn down in 2011

Photo #1 - The original Frog-Hop Gas station
Photo #2 - Newspaper photo
Photo #3 - Delbert and Eileen Spalding
Photo #4 - Delbert and Eileen Spalding
Photo #5 - Taken just before razing in 2011
Photo #9 - Map & info on Frog Hop Ballrooms and Station






Circa 1980
OLD GOLD MINE PAWN SHOP
2816 South Belt Highway

Photo - 1980 St Joseph News Press advertisement




1 2 3

Circa 1971
FURNITURE CITY
3201 South Belt Highway
Circa 1980
FURNITURE CITY
3201 South Belt Highway

Photo #3 - 1980 St Joseph News Press advertisement




Circa 1958
GREAT LAKES MOBILE HOMES
1721 South Belt Highway
Circa 1958
WINEINGER'S USED CARS
1721 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1957
RANCH HOUSE MOTEL
410 South Belt Highway
Circa 1958
GROOM'S IMPLEMENT
410 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1957 & 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

GROUND ROUND
3700-3708 Frederick Avenue
6th & Edmond
5 GUYS BURGERS & FRIES
3700 Frederick Avenue

Once located on the SE corner of Belt & Frederick in the East Hills parking lot
The original structure was built for Howard Johnsons
After Howard Johnsons moved out, it became the Ground Round
Ground Round moved downtown to 6th & Edmond in July 2012
The move downtown to a larger & newer building was a great move
The Ground Round has plenty of room now for dinner parties
Ground Round's old structure was demolished in 2012
A new building was built where the old Ground Round once stood
Currently occupying the new building are 5 guys Burgers & Fries, a hair salon, Sprint and a Mexican sandwich shop

Photo #1 - Ground Round at Belt & Frederick Avenue location
Photo #2 - Ground Round at Belt & Frederick Avenue location
Photo #3 - Ground Round Sign at Belt & Frederick Avenue location
Photo #4 - Ground Round Sign at Belt & Frederick Avenue location
Photo #5 - 2012 Ground Round demolition photo
Photo #6 - 2013 photo of Ground Round new building at 6th & Edmond
Photo #7 - 5 Guys Burger & Fries new building
Photo #8 - 5 Guys Menu
Photo #9 - Ground Round at Belt & Frederick Avenue location
Most photos submitted by Marcia Hayes




Hardees

HARDEE'S
Belt & Frederick Avenue

This prime Belt Highway location once housed our 1st Hardee's
This Hardee's was much better than the Hardee's we have in town today
It was located on the NE corner of Belt and Frederick Avenue
Back in the 1960's & 1970's, they had a great tenderloin sandwich
The building had sat empty for many years
The building was finally torn down a few years ago
A fancy new medical clinic was built in it's place




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Circa 1931
HEINIE'S STEAK HOUSE
520 South Belt Highway

Heinie opened the first commercial building on the Belt Highway
In 1931, he opened the service station as seen in photo #8
Heinie's was the first family restaurants on the Belt Highway
Heinie's was one of St Joseph's finest resturants
They were known for their fabulous steak and BBQ rib dinners
It was located on the northwest corner of Belt Highway and Messanie Street
In 1989 or 1990, it was replaced by a BBQ Restaurant
Later an auto parts store was built on the location which is still currently there
In photo #3, Ziph's Car Wash can be seen in the background

Photo #1 - The original Heinie's Steak House
Photo #2 - The replacement of Heinie's Steak House
Photo #3 - The original Heinie's Steak House
Photo #4 - The original Heinie's Steak House
Photo #5 - Page 1 of News-Press article on Heinie's Steak House history
Photo #6 - Page 2 of News-Press article on Heinie's Steak House history
Photo #7 - Moving Heinies in the 1970's when the Belt was widened
Photo #8 - 1931 Heinies service station
Photo #9 - 1977 Looking north from Belt Highway & Messanie Street



HUGHS BROTHERS SERVICE
Belt & Mitchell




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

HY-VEE GAS STATION & CONVENIENCE STORE

August 9, 2013 photos
Hollywood Video and Sprint were purchased by Hy-Vee
Construction of the new Hy-Vee gas station and convenience store
As of 2014, construction is complete
On Tuesdays of each week, the gas station offers free full service
A car wash stucture has been constructed on the north side






Circa 1951
IDEAL DAIRY
1 Block north of Frederick & Belt Highway
Circa 1958
IDEAL DAIRY
1318 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
IMPERIAL OIL GAS STATION
920 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2

THE INTERSECTION AT BELT & FARAON
Circa 1960's

Circa 1960's
Look at all the trees that are not there anymore
Here are 2 different views of the intersection at Belt Highway and Faraon
Photo #1 - looking south on the Belt, the Skylark marque can be seen on the left
Photo #2 - looking east on Faraon, the Belt Highway & KFEQ tower can be seen
Photos submitted by Brooke Hickamn






Circa 1952
INTER-STATE NURSERIES
3 blocks north of Belt & Mitchell







INTERSTATE 29 CONSTRUCTION
Saxton Road

May 1959 newspaper photo of I-29 bridge construction over Saxton Road
The stretch of the Interstate highway between St Joseph and Kansas City was expected to be finished by 1960




Circa 1958
JENSEN USED CARS & SALVAGE
205 South Belt Highway
BARNES AUTO SALVAGE
205 South Belt Highway
SPANKY'S BBQ
205 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location
Later became a gas station, a meat company and Spanky's BBQ




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11

Circa 1958
JESSE JAMES GAS STATION
803 South Belt Highway
Circa 1958
JESSE JAMES MOTEL
807 South Belt Highway
Circa 1958
JESSE JAMES HOUSE ON DISPLAY
807 South Belt Highway
Circa 1978
SPENCER'S ICE CREAM PARLOR
803b South Belt Highway

In 1958, Jesse James House, Jesse James Motel and Jesse James Gas Station were all located at one location
All three were located just south of South Belt & Locust
The house had been moved from 13th & Lafayette to the Belt Highway location and resided beside the Motel and gas station
A 50 cent admission was charged to go inside of the house
The price was later raised to $1.00 for adults and 50 cents for students
Jesse James house was moved once again to it's present home at the Patee Museum at 12th & Penn
The motel and service station were later torn down and Union Pharmacy was constructed on the site

Photo #1 - Jesse James Motel
Photo #2 - Business card for the Jesse James Gas Station
Photo #3 - Moving of the James house to the Belt Highway location
Photo #4 - Moving of the James house to the Patee House location
Photo #5 - Jesse James House at Belt Highway location
Photo #6 - Jesse James Motel matchbook cover
Photo #7 - Life Magazine photo of Jesse James house moved to the Belt Highway
Photo #8 - Admission ticket to Jesse James house
Photo #9 - 1961 advertisement sign on the Belt Highway
Photo #10 - As the Jesse James house looked in 1961




Circa 1981
Kentucky Fried Chicken
813 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
Ken's Pizza Parlor
815 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
Ross-Frazer Supply
Auto Parts
819 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar
820 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
Siela Motors
824 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
JUNCTION SHOE SERVICE
913 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
JIM DAVIS MOTORS
USED CARS
1003 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
JUNCTION SHOE SERVICE
913 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
FARMERS MUTUAL INSURANCE
1004 South Belt Highway



SENECA STREET INTERSECTS



Circa 1981
KNAPP HEARING AIDS
1105 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
KNAPP'S SEWING MACHINES
1105 South Belt Highway




Circa 1985
DRAGONS LAIR COMPUTER SHOPPE
1105 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
SAINT JOSEPH CABLEVISION
1106 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
MADAME WILSON PALM READING
1109 South Belt Highway



PENN STREET INTERSECTS



Circa 1981
CARL SCHUMAKER CHIROPRACTOR
1202 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
SEEBURG MUFFLER SHOP
1212 South Belt Highway




1 2 11 15
Circa 1981
HENRY'S DRIVE-IN
1225 South Belt Highway



MITCHELL AVENUE INTERSECTS



Herbison Herbison

Circa 1958
H & S SERVICE STATION
1302 South Belt Highway
Circa 1981
JIM HERBISON STANDARD
1302 South Belt Highway
LARRY'S STANDARD
1302 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory as H & S Service Station
Located on the SW corner of Belt Highway & Mitchell Avenue
This station always had the highest price gas in town but they had great service & repairs
When Larry died, no one reopened the station
It has been sitting empty for many years
Photo #1 submitted by Rodney Keyes




1 2 3 4 5

Circa 1958
BELT SUPER MARKET
1303 South Belt Highway
Circa 1981
BELT SUPER MARKET
1303 South Belt Highway

The store was located on the southeast corner of Belt & Mitchell
It was destroyed by fire and was never rebuilt
Several clinics have occupied the area since
In 2012, the clinic was razed
a new CVS pharmacy was constructed on the site

Photo #1 - Circa 1977 - DX service and the Belt Supermarket
Photo #2 - Circa 1978 - Henry's Hamburgers & Belt Super Market
Photo #3 - Circa 1981 - Photo showing the Belt Super Market after the fire
Photo #4 - Circa 2012 - A new CVS Pharmacy was built on the site
Photo #5 - Circa 1981 - Photo showing the Belt Super Market after the fire




Circa 1981
MELLERS PHOTO DRIVE IN STORE
FILM RETAIL & PHOTO FINISHING
1305 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
PARK II LOUNGE
1310 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
ATHLETIC ATTIC
1315 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
BELT AUTO & PAINT SUPPLY
1317 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORP
1323 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
GODFATHER'S PIZZA
1329 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
COMMAND PERFORMANCE BEAUTY SHOP
1331 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
BELT CHIROPRACTIC CENTER
1413 South Belt Highway




Circa 1958
JIMMY ROBERTS LIQUOR STORE
1616 South Belt Highway




JOE'S MARKET & HARDWARE
Belt & Pickett Road





Circa 1958
JONES PLUMBING & HEATING
1002 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




KELLER CONSTRUCTION
202 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




KELLER TRAILER COURT
LIBERTY LANE TRAILER COURT
202 South Belt Highway

Listed as Keller Trailer Court in 1958 City Directory at this location
The trailer court no longer exists, currently occupied by Belt Sport Complex




Mazzio's Pizza1 2


KEN'S PIZZA
MAZZIO'S PIZZA
THE GREAT WALL
NUMEROUS TAVERNS
815 South Belt

This was originally Ken's Pizza
Later it became Mazzio's Pizza
After Mazzio's closed, the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant moved in from their North Belt location (where Sambo's used to be, across from Cool Crest)
After the Great Wall closed, a sports bar occupied the building
I don't know who now occupies this building in 2012, last I saw, it was a tavern
Lisa Winslow, the lady in the above photo, was the manager of Mazzio's
Since the Great Wall closed, there have been numerous taverns in the building




1 2

Circa Mid 1960's
KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN (Upper Floor)
PASQUALES PIZZERIA (Lower Floor)
206 South Belt Highway

206 South Belt Highway, KFC was located in the upper floor
Pasquales Pizzaria occupied the bottom floor
Great pizza, was only open about 1 year in the mid 1960's
Parking for Pasquales Pizzaria was behind the building
A mattress company later occupied the KFC in the upper floor
Several businesses have since occupied the building since




Circa 1958
KINZIE SERVICE STATION
324 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Circa 1966
KKJO RADIO STATION
1101 South Belt
PAYDAY LOANS
1101 South Belt

KKJO - 1550 on your radio dial
They used to play great rock and roll oldies

Photo #1 - KKJO building at Belt & Seneca Streets
Photo #2 - The popular Radio Disc Jockey Greg Everett
Photo #4 - The popular Radio Disc Jockey Greg Everett
Photo #5 - Jeff Stevens
Photo #6 - 1966 staff
Photo #7 - Tenant is now Payday Loan
Photo #8 - Tenant is now Payday Loan
Photo #9 - Wolfman Jack, the king of DJs, visiting KKJO in 1976
Photo #10 - Wolfman Jack & Bob Heater in 1976
Photo #11 - Wolfman Jack, the king of DJs, visiting KKJO in 1976
Photo #12 - Wolfman Jack, the king of DJs, visiting KKJO in 1976
Photo #13 - Wolfman Jack, the king of DJs, visiting KKJO in 1976
Photo #14 - Wolfman Jack, the king of DJs, visiting KKJO in 1976
Photo #15 - Wolfman Jack, the king of DJs, visiting KKJO in 1976
Photo #16 - Wolfman Jack, the king of DJs, visiting KKJO in 1976
Photo #17 - January 7, 1976 Top 25 hits
Photo #18 - 1978 New Year for KKJO
Photos #9, 10 & 11 submitted by Brooke Hickman






KLEIN MOTORS
1209 South Belt

Klein's cute clean cars was their radio & TV slogan
It used to be a very popular used car lot, now they sell mostly camper trailers
Knapps Hearing Aids is visible in the background
In 1986, I started my first computer store in Roger Knapp's building
It was called Ye Olde Dragon's Lair Computer Shoppe
I had a huge lighted sign on sign posts out front




1 2

Circa 1980
KNAPP'S HEARING AIDS
1105 South Belt Highway
Circa 1987
KNAPP'S HEARING AIDS
1105 South Belt Highway






Circa 1987
KNOT SHOP
519 South Belt Highway




1 2

Circa 1987
LA RON
301 South Belt Highway
LA RON MEAT OUTLET
301 South Belt Highway




Belt Pickett1 Belt & Pickett2 Belt & Pickett3 Belt & Pickett4

Circa 1958
LES'S CHICKEN ROYAL RESTAURANT
2701 South Belt

The restaurant was locatated at 2701 S. Belt, the owner was M. Leslie Ellis

It used to be where the bank is now located, on the southeast corner of Belt Highway & Pickett Road.

Does anyone have any photos or information about Les's? It was one of the neatest restaurants and had some of the best dining in town

Their French Onion soup was scrumptious. As I remember, the decor was set Mediterranean style

Description from Irene Lieffring who used to work at Les':
When Les' started in business he specalized in pan fried chicken. Later he started serving steaks. He had the best prime rib in town and when you ordered the large cut you got a LARGE cut. There was the lounge and there was the fireside room which was more family orentated. Before your meal was served you received a hot kettle of soup, salad, and a small loaf of bread on a cutting board. It was a great place to work

Photo #1 - Les's under construction
Photo #2 - Les's advertisement
Photo #3 - Les's advertisement
Photo #4 - the bank that now occupies the location






LITTLE KING
1106 South Belt







Circa 1977
LOOKING SOUTH ON THE BELT HIGHWAY

This photo is looking south towards Messanie Street
Wiley's Super Service can be seen on the left
He serviced our Butternut & Dolly Madison trucks
MODOT can be seen removing the bridge that crossed over the creek
Heinies was still there on the right side at Belt & Messanie
I would love to have a better copy of this as this one is a bit blurred
This photo sure has a lot of history in it






Circa 1977
LOOKING NORTH ON THE BELT HIGHWAY

1977 St Joseph News-Press photo when the Belt was widened
The Skylark Drive-in and Robert Hall marquees are visible






M & G & DATSUN Limited Dealership
2620 South Belt Highway

At one time, John Jacobs owned this dealership
The building no longer exists




Circa 1957
MACHINERY & TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY
104 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4

Circa 1987
MED CLINIC
Belt & Mitchell
URGENT CARE CLINIC
Belt & Mitchell
Circa 2011
CVS PHARMACY
1301 South Belt Highway

The Belt Super Market was at this location until it burned down
Med Clinic then built the clinic here, SW corner of Belt & Mitchell
After Med Clinic closed, Urgent Care took over the building
The building was torn down the 2nd week of March 2011
A CVS Drug store was built on this location in 2011






Circa 1953
MFA COOP
Belt Highway & US 36 Highway




1 2

Circa 1980
MIDWEST OFFICE SUPPLY
1501 South Belt Highway




1 2

Circa 1950
MM DOUBLE-M CHINCHILLA FARM
Belt Highway & Pacific Street




1 2

Circa 1979
ORIENTAL CHINESE RESTAURANT
918 South Belt Highway
Circa 1981
ORIENTAL CHINESE RESTAURANT
918 South Belt Highway
Circa 2019
ORIENTAL CHINESE RESTAURANT
918 South Belt Highway

After being closed for a year or more for remodeling, it has reopened in 2019




ODYSSEY SENTRY HARDWARE
441 South Belt Highway

Listed at this address in the 1979 City Directory




Parisoff1 Parisoff2 3 4

Circa 1958
PARISOFF DRIVE-IN MARKET
2106 South Belt Highway
Circa 1987
PARISOFF FOOD CITY
3022 South Belt Highway
Circa 1999
PARISOFF DRIVE-IN MARKET
3022 South Belt Highway

In 1958, the store was located at 2106 South Belt Highway
The store was razed during the construction of the new US 36 Highway
The new Parisoff Drive-in Super Market was built at 3022 South Belt Highway
The closing of this grocery store was a great loss
The structure no longer exists
A Wal-mart store now consumes this area
Photo #4 - 1999 photo





Circa 1938
PAUL HULSE'S TOURIST TAVERN
US 71 & Blackwell Road







Circa 1978
PAY-LESS SHOES
601 South Belt Highway





1 Roberts Gas Station2 3 4 5

Circa 1955
PINE VIEW CAFE
3406 South Belt Highway
Circa 1955
PINE VIEW GAS STATION
3408 South Belt Highway

Hey! Great gas prices in 1955!!
Built in 1950 by Dara & Sharon Roberts grandfather, Leo Roberts, this gas station was located on the Northwest corner of South Belt Highway (Then Hwy 71) and Pear
The property is the present home of Car City Chrysler Rental
The block building located in the background was torn down, the grounds leveled out and is now the present home of South Belt Taco Bell
The house sitting up on the upper left hand corner, was moved off its foundation and relocated on 29th street south of Mitchell Ave.
The building no longer exists, Car City Body shop occupies the space
Both were listed in 1958 City Directory at these locations
Photo #1 - submitted by Dara Roberts Griffin
Photo #2 - submitted by Dara Roberts Griffin
Photo #3 - submitted by Sharon Roberts Patching




1 2

PIZZA HUT
1617 South Belt

Photo #1 is a 1972 photo
Photo #2 is a 2016 photo




Circa 1958
PONY EXPRESS CAFE
402 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
PONY EXPRESS GARAGE
402 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
PONY EXPRESS GAS STATION
402 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9


PONY EXPRESS MOTEL
Belt & Frederick

The Pony Express Motel was once a Best Western motel
In Oct/Nov 2006 it was torn down to make room for a small shopping center
It was located directly across from where Burger King now stands
The restaurant and Captain's Lounge were in the northern part of the building
We stopped there for drinks on our wedding night, Sept 23, 1966

Photo #1 - Pony Express sign lit up at night
Photo #2 - Pony Express sign in daylight
Photo #3 - Distant view of the motel
Photo #4 - Pony Express sign
Photo #5 - Captain's Lounge
Photo #6 - The restaurant
Photo #7 - Advertisement
Photo #8 - Postcard
Photo #9 - Postcard




1 2 3

Circa 1970
POWER TOOLS
403 South Belt Highway
Circa 1987
POWER TOOLS
403 South Belt Highway

Byron Meyers, proprietor
 Photo - 1970 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo - 1980 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo - 1987 St Joseph News Press advertisement






Circa 1955
RAY'S FURNITURE MART
South Belt Highway & Locust Street

Photo - 1955 St Joseph News Press advertisement





R-K TRAILER SALES
Belt & 169 Highway




Circa 1958
R W MEANS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
2500 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
REARDON'S GARAGE & WRECKER
215 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location
The structure no longer exists






RECORD WEAR HOUSE
1401 South Belt Highway

Mickey and Susie Bohart opened the store at this location on the South Belt Highway in 1980
They closed the store in 2014 and retired




Circa 1958
REED STANDARD SERVICE STATION
1215 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1957
R K TRAILER COMPANY
510 South Belt Highway
Circa 1957
TRAILER INVESTMENT LOANS
510 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1957 City Directory at this location




JIMMIE ROBERT'S LIQUOR STORE
1516 South Belt Highway

Jimmie Roberts proprietor
Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1957
R K TRAILER COMPANY
570 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1957 City Directory at this location




1 2 3 4 5 6

ROBERTS NURSERY
3643 Pear

Roberts nursery was owned and operated by Glen D. and Mildred Roberts
It was located at 3643 Pear
Seven Up Bottling Co. currently is located at the location
The area in photo #1, where all the trees are planted, is the present home of UPCO Animal Supply
Photo #4 - Submitted by Sharon Roberts Patching
Photo #5 - Sharon Roberts standing beside Roberts Nursery
Photo #6 - Sharon Roberts with her cowgirl hat







ROSS-FRAZER SUPPLY COMPANY
819 South Belt Highway






Circa 1958
RAY'S USED CARS
700 South Belt Highway
Circa 1977
ST JOSEPH AUTO PARTS
700 South Belt

Photo - 1977 St Joseph News Press advertisement




St Jo Motel1 St Jo Motel2

ST JO HOUSE MOTEL
Belt Highway & Frederick Avenue




Circa 1958
ST JOE MOTEL
908 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
S & H GREEN STAMPS
913 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




SCHUMAKER CHIROPRACTOR
202 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1957
SHERWOOD CONOCO SERVICE STATION
303 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1957 City Directory at this location






Circa 1981
SISTERS CHICKEN
WEST SIDE OF EAST HILLS PARKING LOT

Sisters Chicken was owned by Wendys
It closed down in 1989



Snow White1 Snow White2 Snow White3 Snow White4 Snow White5 Snow White6 Snow White7 Snow White8 Snow White9 Snow White10 Snow White11 Snow White12 Snow White13 Snow White14

Circa 1940
SNOW WHITE RESTAURANT
3645 Frederick Avenue

Snow White was located on the Belt Highway just north of Frederick Avenue
The Snow White was remodeled shortly after 1957
By the late-1950's Snow White had expanded and become the largest and most popular drive-in restaurant in St Joseph
Snow White as the home of the 59 cent Big'un!, a big double decker cheeseburger with a special sauce
Every booth had a small juke box player. For a quarter you could listen to 5 songs
Their pies were made by Jerre Anne's, who made the best pies in St Joseph
In the mid 1960's, the curb service closed, only inside eating was provided
I was at the curb service one night, I observed some kids were getting out of hand squirting mustard and ketchup
The curb service was closed down permanently the very next day - this may have been the reason
On January 25, 1991, the Snow White was razed
Shortly after, Winsteads Hamburgers was constructed on the site
Winsteads was torn down about a year later
Winsteads was replaced with a Walgreen Pharmacy

Photo #1 - 1957 picture of the Snow White. Some of curb service is visible
Photo #2 - as it looked in 1957
Photo #3 - taken in 1982
Photo #5 - Artist drawing of the Snow White Resturant
Photo #6 - Snow White markee
Photo #7 - Old Snow White menu (cover)
Photo #8 - Old Snow White menu (inside view)
Photo #9 - A newer Snow White menu - the Big Un is no longer 59 cents
Photo #10 - The Big Un was 65 cents
Photo #11 - Circa 1960's Snow White postcard
Photo #12 - 1951 Photo
Photo #13 - Razing of the Snow White January 25, 1991
Photo #14 - Snow White Sign that was by the Belt Highway entrance




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Circa 1958
HONEY BOY HONEY
Ben Hughes, Sr.
2824 South Belt
Circa 1964
SODA BOY BEVERAGE COMPANY
Ben Hughes, Sr.
2824 South Belt

Honey Boy Honey is listed in the 1958 City Directory
In 1964, Ben H. Hughes,Sr created and began manufacturing Soda Boy soda pop. It was manufactured at 2824 South Belt Highway. The soda came in a large variety of flavors
The registered "SODA BOY" trademark has now expired







SOUTH BELT HIGHWAY
Circa: 2010

2010 Photo looking north
The photo taken at approximated 200 South Belt location
Hy-Vee can be seen on the right side






SOUTH BELT HIGHWAY
Circa: 1951

1951 St Joseph News Press article showing the south end of the Belt Highway where it ended. Highway 59 is on the left and highway 169/71 is on the right
This section of the Belt has now been totally changed and the Belt highway now continues south on 169 and passes beneath Interstate 29




1 2

Circa 1987
ST JOE BOOT COMPANY
South Belt & US 36




1 2 3

STUPPY FLORAL COMPANY
625 Francis
South Belt Highway
North 169 Hwy & I-29
3841 Frederick Avenue

Stuppy Floral Co was founded in St. Joseph in 1873 by L. J. Stuppy
The business started as a hobby and diversion to L. J.'s principal occupation as a court reporter. He grew plants and flowers in his own greenhouses and sold them on a retail basis
As the growing operations were expanded and more greenhouses added, surplus product was sold to other retailers and the wholesale business was established
Wholesaling of fresh flowers soon became the principal business with shipments being made as far away as Texas and Oklahoma
L. J.'s two sons, Francis X. and John Stuppy joined the business and incorporated Stuppy Floral in 1903
According to the signs in photo #2, they moved to an 8th Street location
The company continued to operate the greenhouses until 1978
They also had greenhouses at an unknown location on South Belt Highway
On their 100th anniversary, they moved to North 169 Highway & I-229
In 1983, Mr & Mrs Rob Houp purchased Stuppy Floral Company
The Houps renamed the company to Stuppy Flower & Gift Shop
In 1991, the Houps moved to their current location, 3841 Frederick Avenue, located in East Ridge Village (behind Perkins)






SUBWAY SANDWICHES
523 South Belt

This was the first Subway Sandwiches to open in St Joseph
It was located in the small section at the end of the structure
Just when I had thought about getting a franchise myself, one opened very close to my computer shop
So much for that idea. It opened in or about 1986 or 1987, just after we had returned from California where he had seen our first Subway
In 2010, the owner purchased 36th Street restaurant at 501 North Belt Highway
In 2012, bulldozed the restaurant down, built a brand new Subway and moved the operation from here to the new one
This building is currently empty as of Aug 2013, it has a realtor sign in front






Circa 1977
SUNSHINE WESTERN STORE
503 South Belt Highway




1 2 3 4

T G & Y
WESTLAKES ACE HARDWARE
1325 South Belt

The TG&Y store on North 22nd Street moved to this location in March 1976
I delivered Frito Lay snacks to TG&Y at this location
They also had a store at 3605 Mitchell, a bank was constructed at it's location
It must have closed when this store opened as I did not deliver to that store
TG&Y later closed this store and moved the store to 5th Ave & St Joseph Ave
I delivered Frito-Lay snacks to them until the 1984 flood devasted their store
Since TG&Y closed on St Joseph Ave, several movie rental stores have been occupying the building
Westlakes has been occupying this old TG & Y store ever since they moved out and Greg is still manager

Photo #1 - Photo of the new store
Photo #2 - Newspaper advertisement
Photo #3 - Newspaper photo of the new store
Photo #4 - Circa: 1979







Circa 1958
TIK-TOK CONOCO SERVICE
1414 South Belt

Listed at this address in 1958 City Directory






Circa 1958
TIK-TOK MOTEL
1414 South Belt
Circa 1981
TIK-TOK MOTEL
1414 South Belt

It was located just north of the Tik-Tok Restaurant




1 2 3

Circa 1958
TIK-TOK CAFE
1424 South Belt
Circa 1981
TIK-TOK CAFE
1424 South Belt

This was a great place to eat
It is missed by many people
Both the motel and the restaurant were razed



Circa 1981
PEARLE VISION CENTER
1415 South Belt Highway




Circa 1981
MIDWEST OFFICE SUPPLY
1501 South Belt Highway




Circa 1957
TOMMY'S PHILLIPS 66 SERVICE STATION
1415 South Belt Highway
Circa 1958
MIM'S PHILLIPS 66 SERVICE STATION
1415 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1958
TRAVELER'S MOTEL
404 South Belt Highway






Circa 1977
TRI-LEVEL MOBILE HOMES
2210 South Belt Highway

Photo - 1977 St Joseph News Press advertisement






TWIN PINES GAS & RESTAURANT
BELT HIGHWAY & PEAR







Circa 1958
TUCKER FEED & SUPPLY COMPANY
3409 South Belt
Circa 1958
FERRELLGAS A C CORP
3409 South Belt
Circa 1958
WRIGHTS LIQUOR STORE
3409 South Belt
Circa 1958
ALLDREDGE MADGET FEED & SUPPLY COMPANY
3409 South Belt

This milling company was located on the Belt Highway just north of Pear
Norman "Sparky" Tucker was the owner
The structure was torn down in 2007




Circa 1958
TURNER MARINE SALES
409 South Belt Highway
Circa 1958
RENT ALL EQUIPMENT RENTAL
409 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Circa 1957
TURNER PLUMBING & HEATING
415 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1957 City Directory at this location






Circa 1977
UNION PHARMACY
803-A South Belt Highway




1 2

Circa 1978
UNITED FREIGHT SALES
106 South Belt Highway
UNITED FURNITURE SALES
106 South Belt Highway







Circa 1959
ALBIN'S SINCLAIR STATION
1212 South Belt

Located on the NW Corner of Belt & Mitchell
Photo submitted by Rodney Keyes






Circa 1984
VIDEO EXCHANGE
1317-1321 South Belt Highway
Circa 1986
VIDEO EXCHANGE
1317-1321 South Belt Highway
Circa 1986
VIDEO EXCHANGE
2207 North Belt Highway

Tony and Donnetta Smock owned several video rental locations
The Belt Highway locations no longer exist
The Frederick Avenue building has had many businesses
Photo #1 - Circa 1984 St JOseph News Press advertisement
Photo #3 - Circa 1986 St JOseph Gazette advertisement




WATKIN'S SERVICE STATION
STANDARD OIL
Belt & 36 Highway




WELCH'S SERVICE STATION
STANDARD OIL
Belt & Frederick Avenue






WEST BELT & I-229





WESTERN SIZZLIN STEAK HOUSE
LIN'S CHINA BUFFET
PROFESSIONAL COMPUTERS
3137 Karnes Road

This was located on the northwest corner of Belt Highway & Karnes Road
Structure was razed in 2014
A CVS Pharmacy is scheduled to be built on this site






WIDENING THE BELT HIGHWAY
Circa: 1977

1977 St Joseph News Press article on the widening of the Belt Highway




Circa 1958
WILEY'S SUPER SERVICE
517 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location
The building no longer exists
A Subway sandwich shop built on the location
The Subway shop is now gone in 2018




Circa 1957
WILHELM REALTY
320 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1957 City Directory at this location




WINEINGAR'S USED CARS
1721 South Belt Highway

Listed in 1958 City Directory at this location




Snow White

WINSTEADS
WALGREENS PHARMACY
Belt & Frederick Avenue

The Snow White property was sold to Winsteads. Winstead's lasted a year or two, then it was torn down
Walgreens Drugs built a new drug store in it's place
In September 1999, Eckards Drugs built a new drug store across Frederick from Walgreens
Eckards closed and a new CVS Pharmacy opened in their location




1 2 3 4 5 6

Circa 1977
ZIPH'S CAR WASH #2
Belt & Messanie
Circa 1980
ZIPH'S CAR WASH #2
Belt & Messanie
BELT ALIGNMENT & FRAME
Belt & Messanie

This was originally Ziph's Car Wash
Jay Elardo purchased the structure and turned it into Belt Alignment
(date unknown)
Belt Alignment is still in business as of 2013
Photo #4 - 1980 St Joseph News Press advertisement
Photo #5 - 1977 St Joseph News Press photograph
Photo #6 - 1977 St Joseph News Press photograph




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Rick Drozd rickdrozd@gmail.com


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