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February 1942. "Bates County relocation project, Missouri. Abandoned roadhouse." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size.
This property is located in Newton County and was condemned by the Fed Gov for the construction of Camp Crowder. All of the Displaced Indigenous Persons were relocated to Bates County.
I have to agree that the ditch/creek looks odd being there. This is a 'Roadhouse' so the road is no doubt to the left. Where's the driveway to the building? The walkway to same? I think the building has been empty for a while and the prep work for the drainage and road improvement has begun a bit earlier. (the grass is growing back)
[The driveway to the parking lot would be out of frame to the right. - Dave]
The roadhouse looks empty but shuttered and closed. But that road? I have never seen one like it. Almost a "sunken" road as you may see in England or the continent. Long periods of foot traffic not cars. Why would it look like that?
[That's a ditch, and I'd be happy to drive! - Dave]
Do you think they may have sold soft drinks here?
I wonder if John Vachon stayed at the Bates Motel.
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