Time Capsule: Junker Joe's

I'm excited to share another edition of my Time Capsule series. If you missed the first post, click here. It's a good one!

Today's post is dedicated to a local business called Junker Joe's. If you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about, you're in for a treat.

If you live in Springfield, MO you can find Junker Joe's on historic Route 66. I guarantee you've driven by it a bunch of times.

If you're cruising around, you probably wouldn't think to go inside Junker Joe's unless you were selling scrap metal, copper, or an old car battery.

However, if you pull in the parking lot, you will see that it's much more than that. Here's the entrance on the side of the building:

That's right. A big freaking junk museum awaits you. The thing is, Joe does a lot more than we all realized. He collects a lot of COOL stuff. None of it is for sale—it's his personal collection. And let me tell you ... it's fun to look at.

Junker Joe

I met Joe Bryant a couple years ago after a friend told me about his eclectic shop, and I was like ... let's goooo ... right now. We talked for at least an hour while he showed us his collection of oddities.

If you love 80s horror movies, freaky things, or old school Springfield collectibles, get ready. Honestly, the photos don't do it justice!

Junker Joe's has been located at 2317 W. College Street on Route 66 since 1993. This stretch of Springfield is truly a step back in time with old abandoned motels, diners, and plenty of businesses that are still doing their thing today.

Did you know that Springfield is the birthplace of Route 66?

Contrary to belief, Michael Myers is displayed in different areas of the shop year-round. I'm truly terrified every time I see him because he looks SO REAL.

Oh, cool! Another thing that spooks me every flipping time.

The last time I was there, I spotted this old grocery sack from Smitty's with the Three Missing Women on the back. I've spent countless, insane hours researching the case and reading message boards over the years, so it was a trip to see this in real life.

Random fact: If you go to Coyote's they still have one of the original yellow Three Missing Women signs on their front door.

So, yeah ... get a hold of me if you want to talk about the Springfield 3 in full detail. I have a few thoughts. 😅

There are some NSFW things inside this case. I guess you'll have to go in to see them. 🤷🏻‍♀️

A friendly reminder

I hope you stop by Junker Joe's the next time you're in the neighborhood. Grab yourself an ice freak'n cold soda pop and enjoy the freakshow.

xoxo, Jacki