Old truck stops and diners in Texas

Hi everyone,

I am trying to find old truck stops and highway-side diners in TEXAS for a film that takes place in 1974. Any highway is fine.

I'm looking for anything built 1975 and earlier (as early as you like... if it was standing in 1974 then that's all I need). Even the giant ones, so long as they look old.

Anything come to mind?

Thank you for your help, and thank you for all you do.

Cath

 

@SmallPackage

 

Scattered out in West Texas there may be remnants of some from the past still standing for the ghosts.

There was the “Chute” at I-10 and Fm 1516 east of San Antonio where all the bull haulers haunted back in those days before my time. The original but long defunct “Maverick” flat bed lines had their dispatch office there for a few years when they ran Georgia-Pacific building supplies up to the Alcan pipeline project. It is now an Indian owned run down convenience store and fuel stop. They are still in business but have no clue as to the history of the place.
There was another big one between San Marcos and Kyle south of Austin on I -35 that closed down in 2002-04 time frame and the whole area redeveloped since. Have forgotten its name but it was built to look like a medieval castle and had a large arcade room down the hall from its resturant. I think it had a couple bowling lanes in it too. Huge parking lot and maybe 10 hotel rooms built separately on the back lot.
There were a few down I-35 headed to Laredo that the abandoned buildings are still somewhat there in the weeds and piles of thrash. I believe one was in Moore some miles south of the TxDot scalehouse on the north side of the highway and the tire shop sign is still there. It has a big tractor/ loader tire still hanging on life up on the top of it.

Back when I was little in the late 70’s early ‘80’s riding with my uncle or my godfather there were a few in Houston area. One was in Sealy and another one east around Orange that are long gone as well. Tis sad.

 

This is so helpful. Thank you. I will check them out.

Cath

 

@navypoppop @bthomann may have some ideas

 

Check out the Bar B Texaco truck stop in Gordon, Texas. A little rough looking, but friendly people and awesome food! One of the few Mom and Pop places left.

 

Awesome! Thank you.

 

@cathyNYC so does this mean you finished the story or screenplay you started writing back in August?

Good luck with it!

I, for one, would be interested in purchasing a DVD copy when it's done...unless it's gonna be a big theatrical release!

 

Hey @homeskillet,

I was wondering if anyone would notice! That was back in August 2019! x1heavy did a lot of the research for my story, god bless him.

I finished the screenplay and have been meeting with producers about it. It's a little "dark" (it's a thriller) for most tastes, and then I'm trying to sell everyone on the idea that trucks are freaking awesome. So I figured I would shoot a short "proof of concept" in October 2021 to show them it can be done.

I hope it makes it into theaters but you can't really count on anything. Hoping for a film festival at least. I'll keep you posted

 

I thought your photo looked familiar, and the "Texas c.1974" jogged my memory, so I checked to be sure.

I hope you get it off the ground. We need more GOOD trucking movies.