Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Gray Summit Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee blends classic comfort with the unique charm of Route 66. Featuring the canine-themed slogan "Home of Purina Farms," it celebrates Gray Summit, Missouri: a community renowned for its pet-centric attraction and beloved by both two-legged and four-legged travelers on the Mother Road.
Perfect for backpackers, canine lovers and collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee honors a place where pets and people connect in unforgettable ways.
Celebrate Gray Summit: a quaint Route 66 hamlet west of St. Louis and home to Purina Farms, where visitors enjoy hands-on animal encounters, thrilling canine competitions and family fun on 300 acres of rolling hills. Gray Summit's small town warmth and pet-loving spirit make it a standout stop along the Mother Road.
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About Gray Summit, Missouri: Where the Mother Road Meets Man's Best Friend
Situated in Franklin County, about 40 miles west of St. Louis, Gray Summit lies along the historic 1926-1977 alignment of Route 66 and today's I-44. Originally founded as a railroad stop in the 1840s, the town grew into a modest hub for travelers during the golden age of American road trip culture, offering gas stations, motels and roadside diners and eateries to weary motorists making their way west.
Gray Summit's most notable attraction is Purina Farms. Established in 1926 by the Ralston Purina Company, the site began as a simple dairy farm. Over the years, it evolved into a sprawling 300-acre pet nutrition research center and an interactive visitor destination, located at 500 William Danforth Way
During the Route 66 era, Purina Farms became a favorite stop, known for events like the Incredible Dog Challenges, Purina Dog Shows, cow-milking demonstrations and other family-friendly programs. These events celebrated the bond between homo sapiens and canis familiaris (humans and dogs). Welcoming thousands of visitors from spring to autumn, the Farms perfectly embodied the playful, welcoming spirit of the Mother Road.
In March 2025, Purina Farms was extensively damaged due to an EF-2 tornado, including the visitor center, the barn and a dog arena. Miracuously, all of the animals were unharmed and restoration efforts are currently underway, with a full reopening anticipated in Spring 2026. The site's resilience mirrors the character of Gray Summit itself, a town that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Today, Gray Summit remains part of the broader Route 66 community in Missouri; its legacy celebrated through nearby festivals such as Route 66 Cubafest in Cuba, MO, which bring together travelers and history buffs to honor America's Main Street. For those journeying along Route 66, Gray Summit offers a unique experience that blends small-town history, family fun and the timeless joy of man's best friend - a shih tzu undoubtedly.
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
