The resort was so popular, the Highway Patrol was on hand to direct traffic on some days. One swimming pool was fed by an Artesion well and the water was quite cold. In 1939 ten cabins were available for rent ($1-$2 per night). Customers could pick out a fish to be prepared for their meal. A bit of interesting history of the old restaurant is that there were tanks of live fish inside the restaurant, fed by spring water, to keep the fish alive. Leonard Wood military base and was a popular hangout for the troops on weekends.Īctivities at Stony Dell included a large swimming pool, tennis, dancing, boating, fishing, a restaurant, service station, bus stop, and a Justice of the Peace.

Stony Dell was located a short drive from nearby Ft. The movie star Mae West visited the resort on at least one occasion. Stony Dell Resort, was one of the busiest destination resorts in Missouri at the time. The town Arlington existed before automobile travel became widespread, but much of the town was built in the 1930-1940’s, during the heyday of travel on the old historic Route 66, since Arlington was conveniently located right on that famous highway, and travelers were eager to experience the Missouri countryside.