Nelson's Old Riverton Store

Step through the glass-enclosed porch and Route 66 becomes everyday life again. Wooden shelves, a pressed-tin ceiling, the rear deli counter, groceries, souvenirs, and conversation occupy a one-story red-brick store that opened before the federal highway had a number. Leo and Lora Williams started with a small diner and garage near the Empire power plant; after a 1923 tornado destroyed it, Leo built this store on the adjacent lot. The new Williams’ Store opened in 1925 with the family living in a small west-side apartment.Route 66 expanded the audience without erasing the local purpose. Map series in the 1930s and ’40s made the store a recognized stop for a cold slice of watermelon, a barbecue sandwich, fuel, directions, penny candy, clothes, ice, milk, eggs, and other necessities priced below a full restaurant meal. An illuminated regulation croquet court once filled the east lot and drew nighttime tournaments before growing parking demand displaced it. The Williams family sold the business to Joe and Isabell Eisler in 1973; today Scott Nelson continues the working market, deli, general-store, and Route 66 tradition. National Register listing and preservation work helped the nearly unchanged building remain useful rather than become a display case.Come for the historic interior, then participate in the living store on its own terms. The current exact-place record shows Monday–Saturday 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday noon–6 p.m., but call before a long detour and do not assume a particular deli meat, sandwich, souvenir, or behind-the-scenes access will be available. Park in the customer lot, keep aisles and the counter clear, ask before photographing staff or other patrons, and make room for Riverton residents doing ordinary shopping. This Pass includes no free food, reserved service, or partner discount. More

Step through the glass-enclosed porch and Route 66 becomes everyday life again. Wooden shelves, a pressed-tin ceiling, the rear deli counter, groceries, souvenirs, and conversation occupy a one-story red-brick store that opened before the federal highway had a number. Leo and Lora Williams started with a small diner and garage near the Empire power plant; after a 1923 tornado destroyed it, Leo built this store on the adjacent lot. The new Williams’ Store opened in 1925 with the family living in a small west-side apartment.Route 66 expanded the audience without erasing the local purpose. Map series in the 1930s and ’40s made the store a recognized stop for a cold slice of watermelon, a barbecue sandwich, fuel, directions, penny candy, clothes, ice, milk, eggs, and other necessities priced below a full restaurant meal. An illuminated regulation croquet court once filled the east lot and drew nighttime tournaments before growing parking demand displaced it. The Williams family sold the business to Joe and Isabell Eisler in 1973; today Scott Nelson continues the working market, deli, general-store, and Route 66 tradition. National Register listing and preservation work helped the nearly unchanged building remain useful rather than become a display case.Come for the historic interior, then participate in the living store on its own terms. The current exact-place record shows Monday–Saturday 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday noon–6 p.m., but call before a long detour and do not assume a particular deli meat, sandwich, souvenir, or behind-the-scenes access will be available. Park in the customer lot, keep aisles and the counter clear, ask before photographing staff or other patrons, and make room for Riverton residents doing ordinary shopping. This Pass includes no free food, reserved service, or partner discount. More