04/14/2026
Did You Know???
In 1939, D.R. Parks established a small but forward-thinking roadside business along U.S. Highway 54 on the west side of town, combining a service station, café, and three modest tourist cabins—each about 10 by 15 feet—built alongside a distinctive limestone structure in the Ozark Giraffe style. The layout placed the station and café closest to the road to attract passing motorists, with the cabins set farther back for overnight stays. By the early 1940s, the site was operated by the Kansas-Texas (K-T) Oil Corporation and had evolved into a motor court offering both lodging and fuel. In 1946, ownership passed to Frank Lore, Jr. and Lloyd and Vada Mae Ryther, who expanded the business during the post–World War II travel boom.
Significant changes came in the early 1950s, when the original cabin courts began to be replaced by more modern Ranch-style motel buildings featuring private bathrooms, tile finishes, air conditioning, and convenient pull-up parking—reflecting a nationwide shift toward more comfortable roadside accommodations. By the mid-1950s, the property was widely known as the “Riverside Motel, Café and Service Station,” with advertisements highlighting modern features like air-conditioned rooms and ceramic tile baths. In 1951, Frank “Benny” Lore, Jr. and his wife Lois “Corky” Lore took ownership and operated the business for nearly 60 years, with the help of family members like Vada Mae Ryther, and the establishment became widely known as “Benny’s.” Over time, the service station adapted to changing fuel brands, transitioning from K-T Oil to Fina by 1960.
Located along a major highway route connecting Chicago to El Paso, the business played an important role in serving travelers passing through Greenwood County, offering fuel, meals, and lodging in one convenient stop. Although the original 1939 cabins were demolished in 2011 due to deterioration, the site’s legacy continues today. After Benny Lore’s passing in 2010, the property was sold to Sundgren and Marshall LLC, who began restoring it for continued use. Today, the site operates as Benny's Westside Bar & Grille, a locally operated bar, restaurant, and lodging destination that continues the long tradition of welcoming travelers and community members alike.
From humble tourist cabins to a modern roadside destination, this site tells the story of how highway travel helped shape Eureka, Kansas and the businesses that welcomed the world passing through.
Have memories of “Benny’s” or stories from the old highway days? Share them below—we’d love to hear them!
