The motel in Cuba with more history than any other now has the future to look forward to. On Sept. 15, ownership of the Wagon Wheel Motel on Route 66 passed from the heirs of previous owners Pauline and Harold Armstrong to Connie Echols, owner of The Wildflower gift and flower shop.

Echols looks forward to her new role as owner of the historic motel and returning it to its former glory. She plans a renovation and modernization of the motel while maintaining its historic integrity. She is currently restoring the building in front of the motel’s cottages that served as the Wagon Wheel Café until the 1950s back to a more original time period appearance. Over the years, the two buildings have been joined and part of the structure covered, which will be removed.

“I plan to modernize the motel, but keep it as historically accurate as possible. I want a clean, modern motel at a reasonable price that will continue to appeal to groups and Route 66 travelers,” stated Echols.

The motel, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a Route 66 icon. The much-photographed neon sign with its hanging Wagon Wheel beckons travelers to the motel, which is still operating.

The café building will be used as Connie’s Shoppe, a gift shop, operated by Echols, and a motel office. It will contain a larger variety of the non-floral items found at The Wildflower, some Route 66 and Wagon Wheel memorabilia, and will be the new home for the latest styles in jewelry and purses.

Echols would appreciate any old photos of Wagon Wheel history that you might have. It can be mailed to her at the Wagon Wheel at 901 East Washington, Cuba.

There will be a moving sale at The Wildflower from now through Oct. 13 on all non-floral items.