SGF Cityview

SGF Cityview works to make local government and public-access programming more accessible to the residents of Springfield, Missouri and beyond. We livestream and record public meetings and events and produce hyperlocal video content centered around events and initiatives in Springfield, Missouri and the Ozarks.

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SGF Time Machine - Episode 2: The Birthplace of Route 66

2m 47s

SGF Time Machine is an animated journey through Springfield, Missouri’s most fascinating historic events, bringing the city’s past to life with vivid storytelling and a touch of satirical humor. From forgotten legends to headline-making moments, each episode blends documented facts with playful wit, celebrating the Queen City’s quirky, courageous, and occasionally chaotic heritage.

Episode 2: Birthplace of Route 66 – The Mother Road In this episode, rewind to 1926 in a dimly lit Western Union office where Springfield booster John T. Woodruff, Oklahoma's Cyrus Avery, and Missouri Highway Commissioner J.T.B.H. Piepmeier debate highway numbers over a wall-tacked map. With a decisive telegram sent on April 30, they christen the new Chicago-to-Los Angeles route "U.S. Highway 66"—a simple, bold number that becomes the legendary Mother Road, igniting dreams of adventure, neon diners, and endless open highway. Narrated with classic newsreel drama and wry Ozarks flair, this true story spotlights Springfield as the official Birthplace of Route 66, where a lucky number rolled into American icon status forever.

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