Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Des Peres Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee blends classic comfort with the storied legacy of Route 66: The Main Street of America. Featuring the intriguing slogan "Vide Poche," it celebrates Des Peres, Missouri's French heritage and its role on the Mother Road's original 1926-1932 alignment.
Perfect for history buffs, Route 66 explorers and collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee honors a town whose early nickname - which translates to empty pocket - reflects humble beginnings that grew into a lasting legacy.
Celebrate Des Peres: a historic suburb along Route 66, once known as Vide Poche for its French settlers who arrived with little, and yet they were able to build a resilient community. With deep roots and the town presently thriving, Des Peres remains a unique stop on the Mother Road.
Shop now at Heart of The Mother Road and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25.
About Des Peres, Missouri: From Vide Poche to the Mother Road
Des Peres holds the distinction of being the oldest European settlement in the state. Founded in 1700 by French Jesuit missionaries and members of the Kaskaskia tribe, its name - "Des Peres" or "The Fathers" in French - reflects its early religious and cultural origins. Over time, locals from nearby St. Louis nicknamed it "Vide Poche" (empty pocket), a playful reference to the modest means of its settlers. This nickname, preserved on our Route 66 Everytown Collection tee, is a reminder of the community's resilience and enduring character.
When Route 66 was established in 1926, Manchester Road carried the highway through Des Peres during its earliest alignment. Though many of the landmarks of the era, such as the Pennant Tavern and Des Peres Station, have since disappeared, echos of the Mother Road remain still. One surviving stop is the Village Bar at 12247 Manchester Rd., where locals and travelers alike can raise a glass and imagine a time when cross-country motorists crowded the road outside.
Today, Des Peres thrives as a modern community while celebrating its Route 66 and French heritage. Shoppers flock to West County Center, one of the area's largest malls, while history enthusiasts enjoy the annual Route 66 St. Louis Festival, which brings classic cars, live music and nostalgia to life. In Des Peres, travelers don't just follow Route 66: they drive through centuries of history, where French colonial roots and America's Main Street converge.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
