TIMELINE
Historic Route 66: 1926 to 1985
Dorothy Peck at Mac’s Pie Shop-Bakery-Donuts: 1957 to 1984
Emma Sue Hills at Mr. Swiss & Hillbilly Hills: 1967 to 1987
In honor of Women’s History Month and Joplin’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration, Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. will proudly present two stories. The first story is about Dorothy Peck, who along with her husband, co-owned and operated Mac’s Bakery and Donuts from 1957 to 1984. The store was located at 701 West 7th Street on Route 66, which is also the gateway to the Murphysburg Historic District. At Mac’s you could enjoy a freshly made pie, cake, or donut with your cup of coffee. During the last three decades of Route 66’s official years there were many “mom and pop” bakeries in Joplin, but it is Mac’s that locals still remember.
Between 1957 and 1987, travelers got their kicks on Joplin’s Route 66 by stopping at Mac’s Bakery & Donuts and at Mr. Swiss Drive-In. At Mac’s you could enjoy a freshly made pie, cake, or donut with your cup of coffee. At Mr. Swiss you could eat a traditional hamburger with fries and ice cream, or a plate of Spaghetti Red. What—you don’t know what Spaghetti Red is?
Both establishments were on opposite corners of South Sergeant Avenue and West 7th Street, an important Joplin and Route 66 economic corridor. The establishments were also on the southern edge of what is now the residential Murphysburg Historic District, considered a Route 66 complementary corridor. During the last three decades of Route 66’s official years there were many “mom and pop” bakeries, but it is Mac’s that locals still remember.
May 2011 Joplin Tornado Crashes Into Dorothy’s Life and Hugh’s Life
Michelle, another daughter, said after the tornado Dorothy continued her life of kindness toward others and the ability to “take charge.” Immediately after the tornado, she gave shelter and medical attention to her injured and crippled neighbors. She used every towel she owned to treat their wounds and blankets to comfort them—all this at the age of 89 years old! After the Redwood apartments were completely rebuilt, Dorothy returned to live there.
Dorothy’s beloved Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building (Joplin Stake Center), where she was a member, also took a direct hit.
After Emma Sue’s death in 2007, Hugh remained active with his lawn service. Just like Dorothy, Hugh also miraculously survived the Joplin tornado. He sheltered in a bedroom closet! Unfortunately, his house, photographs, and his Mr. Swiss mementos were destroyed. Seven days after the tornado, President Barack Obama toured Joplin and spoke to Hugh in front of his destroyed house. A photograph with the President and Hugh can still be viewed by searching “Joplin tornado” on Wikipedia.
Just a few days after the E-F5 tornado struck Joplin, family and friends were helping clear debris and try to save family heirlooms. Photo left to right. Daughter in-law, Kristen Hills, daughter, Conni Lipe, grandson, Dylan Hills, President Obama, friend, Mark Callihan, Hugh Hills and son Tom Hills.
Final Thoughts
Travel writer Sage Scott said it best, “The iconic Mother Road wouldn’t be what it is today without the women who helped shape it. From musicians and motel owners to restaurateurs and preservationists, their contributions continue to inspire every traveler who sets out on America’s most famous highway.”