There has been a bone of contention as far as where the inspiration for Lizzie's Radiator Springs Curios is located.
Half the folks you might meet along Route 66 will tell you it's Mamie's General Store in Stroud, Ok., the other half say it's Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, OK.
Well, this summer (2008) we finally got to meet Michael Wallis at the Annual Route 66 Festival. Route 66 author, consultant for the making of "Cars", and the voice of "Sheriff". He says Lizzie's is both.
The "Sheriff" wouldn't lie about a thing like that.
Mamie Mayfield unfortunately is now no longer with us. However her shop's next to the Rock Cafe, owned by Dawn Welch, inspiration for "Sally". Mamie's is now owned and operated by Dawn.
It is still called Mamie's. That's the kind of person Dawn is. Dawn by the way has some great stories to tell about the Pixar crew coming through.
Mamie Mayfield, was once the proprietess of the Rock Cafe from 1959 until her retirement in 1983.
Sandhills Curiosity Shop is harder to describe. It's part general store, part SHOWTIME!!! Home of Harley and Annabelle, the Mediocre Music Makers.
They were closed when we got there. Guess we's all entitled to some time off. So, we sat on the front porch a while eating our snow cones we purchased right down the road. Maybe next time we'll get to see their song & dance routine. Until then you can check them out on their website. (
visit link)
Mamie's General Store is located in Stroud, OK
N 35° 44.936 W 096° 39.262
Sandhills Curiosity Shop is located in Erick, OK
N 35° 12.823 W 099° 52.006
Either location will leave you with the feeling you found Radiator Springs. "The cutest little town in Carburetor County".
I think we managed to impress Mr. Wallis and the other festival attendees with this. (
visit link)