Oklahoma Byways: Route 66 "The Mother Road"

The historic Mother Road, Route 66 treks through more than 400 miles of Oklahoma's diverse communities and countryside. The route has two end points in the state, one in Quapaw in the northeast, and the other near Texola in the southwest. Travelers ride through a diversity pastureland, hilly wooded areas and semi-arid prairie. All the while the visitor is discovering recreational opportunities and cultural attractions along the way including: tribal sites, museums, vintage bridges, motels, festival sites and historic architecture.

What's in a Name?

Many people consider Cyrus Avery the “Father of Route 66” and a critical proponent to the creation of the highway.   During his career Cyrus Avery tirelessly fought for the creation of better roads for transportation. This advocacy got him elected president of the Associated Highway Association of America and in 1923 appointed as the State Highway Commission in Oklahoma. At the time there was a push for a transcontinental route that would run from Virginia Beach, Va. to Los Angeles, Calif. on present day Highway 60. Avery argued that the route should run south through the Oklahoma cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City and onward through Texas, New Mexico and Arizona to avoid the Rocky Mountains. He also felt the route would be better utilized if it ran from Chicago, Ill. to Los Angeles, Calif., following the natural flow of business traffic. The route gained major support from all states involved and was slated to become Highway 60 based off the new highway naming guide. The Highway 60 designation was severely attacked by Kentucky who already claimed the number. An alternate number of 62 was put forward for the highway and many didn’t like this number designation. Oklahoma Department of Transportation Chief Engineer John M. Page suggested the number 66. Avery then requested the number 66 for the route designation and it won support. In 1926, Congress approved the designation and Route 66 was born.

The Building of America- The Allure of the 'Mother Road'

Two points remain in the American mindset since early on in the nation’s history. The first is the promise of the west and the romantic vision of a new land with untold possibilities. The second is our fascination with transportation and moving quickly from place to place. As the country entered the early 20th century, one thing was for sure, there was no effective highway system connecting the east to the west. By the early to mid-1920s the Mother Road of America, Route 66, formed a new means to bolster the fast growing nation and love of the automobile.

Towns prospered along the life giving road that supplied their economies with a stable income. A myriad of businesses from motels/hotels, restaurants and road-side attractions kept travelers rolling through. As time progressed and the post-war nation moved forward so did the needs of the economy and traveler. No longer was Route 66 capable of handling the ever increasing transportation demands. The creation of the modern interstate and freeway systems spelled disaster for the route and the towns along it. Without the steady stream of travelers the route provided the populations of many towns declined greatly from their historic levels.

Though decommissioned in 1985, Route 66 hasn’t lost its legendary mystique in the American mind (or international for that matter); rather, the Mother Road continues to inspire all who travel its winding path. The historic places and landmarks still watch over this once might vein of America and capture culture and memories from a bygone era. The Mother Road still graces travelers with an all American experience from small town charm to the modern urban lifestyle, constantly giving a perspective on where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Route 66 is deeply entrenched in local history and flavor throughout the state of Oklahoma

Most towns along the route feature unique visitor sites that help capture the meaning of this American legend and range from a moment in time, history, or a timeless landmark. On your next great adventure or travels through this great state and along Route 66, be sure to immerse yourself in timeless nostalgia. Sites of interest are listed from east to west.

Commerce

Dairy King
At one time this northeastern Oklahoma landmark was a service station but as time changed so did the business housed within. Now know as the Dairy King, this ice cream stop is easily recognized by the ice cream cone located on top of the building.

Miami

Coleman Theatre Beautiful
Located in Miami, the Colman Theatre Beautiful has had its doors open for business since April 18, 1929. Built in a time when going to the movies was an event, the Coleman was built to resemble a Spanish Mission Revival exterior and Louis XV interior with gold-leaf trim and carved mahogany staircases. The theatre has 1,600 seats and features ornate chandeliers. During its construction many movies were silent, but the Colman opened just as talkies (movies with sound) were hitting the theatres. Among the many interesting things to see is the Wurlitzer Organ used to play the movie soundtrack. The organ had been lost over time, but was rediscovered in an organ collection in Texas and was returned to the Coleman. Many Oklahoma legends visited the theatre including the great Will Rogers.

Efforts to preserve the theatre began in 1989 when the historic structure was donated to the city of Miami by the Coleman family. Today it has regained its status as the Grandest of the Prairie Palaces. You can still see first run and classic movies, as well as live performances of music, drama and dance. The theatre is currently owned by the city of Miami.

Ribbon Road (Sidewalk Highway)
Just outside of the town of Miami is the last four mile stretch of the nine feet setting of Route 66 left in the world. This landmark brings visitors from all over the world just to set foot on its weathered surface. The road is very narrow by today’s standards, however, during the mid to late twenties and early thirties roads of this width were commonplace.

Ku-Ku Burger
During the 1960s, more than 200 Ku-Ku restaurants dotted the countryside throughout the Midwest. It was a time when America was on the move and fast food was a revolutionary element in changing the American family. Numerous chains of restaurants attempted to lure the Route 66 traveler with their novelty and fare. In order to attract attention, the Ku-Ku restaurants were made to look like a giant cuckoo clock, complete with a bird at the top that chimed every hour. Hamburgers originally cost 15 cents and the restaurants featured a full soda stand.

The Miami franchise was bought 30 years ago by Eugene Waylon. When the company went out of business, Waylon kept on going. His is the last of the Ku-Ku Burger restaurants. Today the Miami Ku-Ku Burger still serves their famous Okie burger, but also buffalo burgers and desserts. Waylon’s Ku-Ku restaurant is a living reminder of a time gone by.

Afton

Afton Station
This 1930s gas station and Packard service station recently reopened to the public. Now days, the Afton station offers travelers a place to relax and reflect the historic route. The gas station serves as a small museum and the service station now is a classic car showroom.

Foyil

Totem Poles

Slightly off Route 66 visitors can see the world’s largest totem pole. This iconic landmark was built by the late Ed Galloway and it took him 11 years to construct the project. Rising out of the back of a turtle and decorated with colorful folk-art interpretations of Native American symbols the totem was constructed because Galloway wanted something to do. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Galloway started construction of the totem when he retired in 1937. Galloway used 28 tons of cement, six tons of steel and 100 tons of sand and rock. His totem has 200 carved pictures, with four nine-foot Indians near the top, each representing a different tribe. The park also contains many of Galloway’s other creations including the fiddle house, numerous smaller totem poles and other creations.

In the ‘90s, a large restoration effort was undertaken by the Rogers County Historical Society, working with the Kansas Grass Roots Art Association and the Foyil Heritage Association. The outdoor totem poles were restored, repainted and brought back to their former glory.

Claremore

Will Rogers Memorial

The final resting place of Oklahoma’s favorite son was intended to be his retirement home. Will Rogers was the first American superstar and represented the transition from stage centered entertainment to the mass mediums of motion pictures and radio. The Will Rogers memorial is a tribute to the Oklahoman who charmed the world with his hometown perspective.

At the time of his death, Rogers had reinvented what it meant to be a celebrity. He was the most widely read newspaper columnist and his Sunday night half-hour radio show was the nation’s most-listened-to weekly radio broadcast. He was also the nation’s number two movie box office draw at the time of his death, surpassed by Shirley Temple.

Included at the memorial are a wide variety of artifacts that depict the life and career of Will Rogers. The 16,652-square foot eight-gallery museum was built of fossilized limestone and opened in 1938.

Will Rogers Hotel

Named after Claremore’s most famous son the Will Rogers Hotel opened its doors for business in 1930. This stately building served many travelers and celebrates alike during its heyday during the 1930s and 1940s. Visitors also came to the hotel for its radium baths, which claimed to cure whatever ailments you suffered from. The baths and eventually the hotel were closed for business in the 1970s and the building fell into disrepair.

By 1993 the building was condemned by the city of Claremore and slated for demolition. However, the Claremore Historical Society and other concerned citizens set out to restore this once grand building. They purchased the building for $1 and raised more than $3.4 million dollars to restore the structure to its former glory.   Today, thanks to the concern of Claremore’s residents the building is once again a grand symbol of the community. The building is a destination now for weddings and meetings and also serves as an apartment retirement community for Claremore’s senior citizens.

Catoosa

The Blue Whale

The Blue Whale was constructed between 1970-1972 as what was to be the final addition to an amusement complex, starting in the mid-1960s and closing in the fall of 1988. Its predecessors were the Ark, circa 1970s, in which many young children celebrated their birthdays, and Nature’s Acres, circa mid-1960s to mid-1970s, where children learned real facts about animals and reptiles.

The Blue Whale was presented to Mrs. Zelta Davis as a 34th wedding anniversary present by its builder, her husband Hugh S. Davis. It quickly became a magnet for area kids as a place to be seen and be seen. The swimming and picnicking continued until its closing in 1988, due to Mr. Davis’ failing health and the popularity of backyard pools.

After closing it quickly fell into disrepair and vandalism began to occur. In 1995, some five years after Mr. Davis’ death, three local Chamber of Commerce Presidents, Dean Miller, Dr. Bob Shoup and Lon Goodwin made the preservation of this popular Route 66 icon their main project during their terms. They received help from local businessmen who had swam there as kids. The Blue Whale and the picnic areas were restored, however, no swimming is allowed.

Tulsa

Rose Bowl

This Tulsa landmark along Route 66 served countless generations as a bowling alley and hang-out. Built during the 1950s, this distinctive landmark is recognized by its large domed appearance and retro sign in front. The bowling came to an end in 2004 and for a while the fate of the building was looking bleak. After surviving three separate arson attempts the building was bought and has been completely restored as an event facility.

Vickery Phillips 66 Station

Built around 1932, the Vickery Phillips 66 Station is a perfect example of Cotswold Cottage design. Around 6,750 of these stations were in 12 different states at one time. The location of the station was once a residential area and the cottage-style design allowed it to both blend into the area and serve travelers. The building was restored with help from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program Cost-Share Grant. The Vickery Phillips 66 Station is now a rental car property for Avis.

Blue Dome
This former Gulf Oil Station was constructed in 1924 and is a gem of art deco architecture. The building is recognized by its unique blue dome that also served as the living quarters for the service attendant. The Blue Dome is undergoing a restoration effort by current owner Michael Sager and will hopefully grace Route 66 in Tulsa for generations to come.

The Golden Driller

This Tulsa landmark has graced the fairgrounds since 1966 when the temporary statue was donated and permanently installed in front of the Expo Center. The Golden Driller stands 76 feet tall and his right hand rests on a oil derrick from Seminole. The statue also has the distinction as the world’s largest free-standing statue in the world.

Sinclair Service Station

Located along Route 66 in Tulsa, the Sinclair Service Station is a prime example of Spanish eclectic. This former service station is listed on the National Historic Register.

Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge

Built in 1916 and 1917, this bridge crosses the Arkansas River along present day 11th street in Tulsa. The bridge features amazing detail and art deco architecture not normally seen in bridge construction today. The bridge was named in Cyrus Avery’s honor in 2004.

Sapulpa

Rock Creek Bridge

Built in 1921, this original bridge spans rock creek just past Sapulpa. After crossing the bridge travelers pass by the site of the former Tee-Pee Drive-In.

Stroud

The Shoe Tree

Just west of Depew and east of Stroud is the mysterious Shoe Tree. Located along the old and new alignment of the route, visitors are greeted by a hodgepodge of shoes, gracefully hanging in a few trees. Visitors can add their own shoes if they wish and help perpetuate this curious landmark.

The Rock Café

The Rock Cafe opened in Stroud, in 1939. The land for the cafe was purchased for $100 by Roy Rieves, who was seeking an income after his retirement. He bought the rocks for the cafe for $5, rocks that were moved to make way for Route 66. Working almost completely alone, Roy spent three years building the cafe by hand.

During World War II, the cafe served as a bus stop and often catered to servicemen going to or returning from the war. From 1959 to 1983, the cafe was operated by Mamie Mayfield. The cafe quickly became the internet of its day, a place where messages could be left for passing motorist, tourist or truckers.

The little cafe is one surviving elements of a bygone era. The unique architecture, combined with the infinite stories makes it a Route 66 institution. In fact, the story of the Rock Cafe lives on. The character Sally in the movie Cars is based on current owner Dawn Welch.

Recently the Rock Cafe suffered a fire that destroyed the interior of the structure. Plans are in the works to repair and reopen this landmark but it could take up to a year to finalize the move forward in restoration.

Arcadia

The Round Barn
Constructed by W.H. Odor in 1898, the round barn was a home to livestock, dances and curious tourists from Route 66. The barn itself is 45 feet tall and 60 feet in diameter. Legend says that the barn was built round to help it withstand tornados. Most round barns are actually octagonal or hexagonal, but the Round Barn is actually made of wood specially shaped to form a two story cylinder. In fact, each rafter was made of green wood and was soaked in water in order to make the circular shape.
In 1988, after years of neglect, the roof of the barn collapsed. Luther Robinson, a retired local contractor decided that this important part of the route should be saved. Robinson and a group of local community volunteers called the Over the Hill Gang restored the barn over a four year period. Funded through donations, they were able to return the barn to its former glory. In 1992, the volunteers received the National Preservation Honor Award for their efforts to restore the barn.

Today the barn hosts events such as weddings and dances. The efforts to maintain the barn are funded through donations and the work of volunteers. The building is currently kept up by the Arcadia Historical Society that is always looking for new members who can donate their time and ideas on how to preserve this landmark for generations to come.

" Pops"

This recent new comer along Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66 has become an instant icon. The first things visitors notice is the massive 60 foot tall pop bottle in front of the building. The massive pop bottle actually changes color at night, thanks to hundreds of LEDs, giving visitors a unique perspective.

The building also is a unique structure and like the pop bottle in front is very space-age. Visitors will also notice hundreds of unique and colorful pop bottles in all of the windows of the service station/restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy the classic diner experience or just marvel at the amount of pop available for sale ranging from local brews, international brands, organic or even less exotic common brands.

Oklahoma City

The Gold Dome

The Gold Dome was built in 1958. It is representative of a type of architecture known as Geodesic Spheres invented by futurist and architect Buckminster Fuller. Oklahoma’s dome is the fifth one built, and is the 19th largest in the world. The Dome has a diameter of 145 feet and has 27,000 cubic feet of space. The dome served as a bank from 1958 until 2001, when its owner wanted to demolish it. Through the efforts of local citizens, it was converted into a community cultural center. The Oklahoma City Gold Dome represents one of the last surviving demonstrations of this unique architecture.

Oklahoma State Capitol

Built between 1914 and 1917, the Oklahoma State Capitol building is the only state capitol building with a producing oil well on its grounds. One oil well on the capitol grounds is even named Petunia #1, because it was drilled in the middle of a flower bed. The State Capitol is located on more than 100 acres. The building hosts 650 rooms and 11 acres of floor space. The building also houses numerous murals by Oklahoma native artist Charles Banks Wilson, restored stained glass, a tribal flag plaza and various art exhibits.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

Located along Route 66, the Oklahoma City Memorial is a symbol for the world. The memorial serves as sacred ground along the route and marks America's change in the face of terrorism. It represents the resilience of the Oklahoma people and reminds everyone that despite tremendous loss and sorrow, life is a journey forward.

On the east and west sides of the memorial are two gates that symbolize the change that occurred in one minute of time. Between the gates is the Reflecting Pool taking the place of 5th street. The individuals lost in the bombing are represented by the Field of Empty Chairs: 168 chairs stand in nine rows each representing a floor of the building.

The Survivors Wall represents the more than 800 survivors of the attack. In this area of the memorial is the Survivor Tree, an American elm that withstood the tremendous explosion and now stands as a profound symbol of courage. Other areas around the site pay tribute to dedication of the rescuers and section of the fence where people still to this day leave notes, flowers and other items in remembrance of the attack.

Yukon

Yukon's Best Flour Mill
Since its construction in 1900-1902, Yukon’s Best Flour Mill, has graced the central Oklahoma landscape. Later in the mill’s history the newly created Route 66 brought visitors right by the structure. The historic Mother Road travelers came to recognize this landmark by the large lit sign that proclaimed “Yukon’s Best Flour.” This sign still dots the night time sky using individual bulbs to spell out the slogan. Recently due to urban sprawl and diminished crop production in the area the mill was decommissioned; yet, travelers can still witness the magic the mill as one of Yukon’s best.

El Reno

Fort Reno

This fort was built as Indian Territory Military base in 1875. The grounds of Fort Reno are also home to the historic Post Cemetery. The cemetery is the location annual Tombstone Tales event in September.

Pony Bridge

The 3/4 mile long bridge spans the south Canadian River and was built in 1933. Its name is due to the 38 small pony trusses. The bridge also appears in the film The Grapes of Wrath.

Hydro

Lucille's Gas Station

Known as the Mother of the Mother Road, Lucille Hamons and her husband operated a gas station along Route 66 from 1941 until her death in 2000. The service station was originally constructed in 1927, but over time was expanded to include space to sell souvenirs and a loft for weary travelers to spend the night. Lucille’s souvenir shop offered a place to stop and talk as people journeyed along Route 66. Many of the people Lucille met became subjects of articles that she wrote for the local paper. The little gas station still serves as a little outpost of hospitality amidst the vast stretch of road. A new location of Lucille’s exists in Weatherford.

P Bar Farms

This area attraction is best known for its annual corn maze. The maze is intricately carved out of a corn field into amazing designs with an Oklahoma motif.   P Bar Farms also features facilities for family outings, meetings and activities for people of all ages.

Weatherford

The Tom Stafford Museum

The Gen. Tom Stafford Museum honors Thomas P. Stafford, the Oklahoma astronaut who flew Gemini VI, Gemini IX, Apollo 10 and the Apollo/Soyuz Test Project. The museum houses many of Gen. Stafford's artifacts from his NASA and Air Force career; including an F-104 Lockheed Star Fighter that seems ready to soar over Route 66.

Stafford is known as the fastest man alive, since he and his Apollo 10 crewmates flew their command-module, Charlie Brown, at the highest speed ever achieved by man.

The museum is located at the Weatherford airport. In addition to Gen. Stafford’s collection, the museum also houses rocket engines, aircraft and even full scale replicas of the Wright Flyer and Spirit of St. Louis.

Lucille's Roadhouse
The creation of Rick Koch, Lucille’s Roadhouse is inspired by the original Lucille’s in nearby Hydro. Rick Koch also owns the original location which is currently undergoing renovations. This new location greets travelers with separate themed areas and classic Route 66 food.

Weatherford Wind Energy Center

This state of the art wind farm is Oklahoma’s newest and largest wind electric facility. Plans are in the works to increase the size of this renewable energy plant that already creates more than 106.5 megawatts of electricity.

Heartland Heritage Museum

The Heartland Heritage Museum houses artifacts from the 1800s to the 1950s. The collection is spread across 32 historic exhibits and 38 aisle cabinets. The 12,000 square foot facility opened its doors in June, 2007.

Clinton

Oklahoma Route 66 Museum

The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum was originally opened to the public in 1968 as the Museum of the Western Trails. In 1991 the museum was transferred to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Plans for a redevelopment of the museum in order to focus on transportation and Rt. 66 began in 1993. The museum opened on September 23, 1995, as the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. Exhibits include the world's largest curio cabinet, home of special treasures collected from along the route. The museum showcases vehicles and music while visitors experience the history and culture of each decade of Route 66. The visitors experience the roads construction, lodging, restaurants, garages, curio shops, attractions and other artifacts, graphics and videos. The museum includes a drive-in theatre where visitors can catch their breath. No Route 66 museum would be complete without a curio gift shop with a wide selection of signs, books, clothing, toys, games and numerous other mementos of Route 66 and the museum.

Elk City

National Route 66 Museum

The National Route 66 Museum and Old Town Museum Complex allow visitors to experience the lives of the people who lived, worked and traveled The Mother Road. This Elk City museum offers visitors a road motif to travel through all eight states along Route 66.

Beginning in Chicago and ending in California realistic murals and different vignettes feature vintage automobiles, depicting the eras of the road and the unique locations that made the route famous.

A unique quality about the National Route 66 Museum is that it is part of the Elk City Old Town Museum Complex. Included with the Route 66 museum are the Pioneer Museum and Beutler Brothers Rodeo Hall, the Farm and Ranch Museum, Livery Stable, Train Depot, Wagon Yard and other areas depicting Old Town Elk City.

The museum curator is Wanda Queenan who along with her husband,Reece, owned and operated the famous Queenan Trading Post on Route 66 on the west edge of Elk City. Wanda and the two kachina dolls that stood guard outside the Trading Post have moved to the National Route 66 Museum and she has lots of interesting stories to share.

Erick

Roger Miller Museum

This museum plays homage to the “King of the Road,” Roger Miller. This Erick native made a name for himself as a musician and entertainer best known for his hit song, “King of the Road.” The museum has a large collection of Roger Miller memorabilia and artifacts that celebrate his life and accomplishments.

The Sandhills Curiosity Shop
Main Street in Erick, is home to one of Route 66 most interesting stops and duos in the state. Proclaimed as the “Redneck Capital of the World!” the shop welcomes all visitors to share stories, songs and good times.

Texola

Old Jail
Dating back to 1908-1910 the old jail is a very small structure with thick walls that even extend deep underground. Inside visitors can see a small collection of photographs. The old jail like most of Texola’s buildings stand testament to a community that no longer exists in reality, rather, the town is a reminder of a bygone time.

Route 66 through Oklahoma

While Route 66 brings to mind neon signs, automobiles and diners, the route through Oklahoma also offers many experiences for the outdoor enthusiast in addition to the nostalgia of the Mother Road. From the eastern forests to the short grass prairie of the west, the scenery is sure to dazzle visitors with its sheer diversity, unlike any other state along the route.

Activities

Hiking, Bird Watching, Boating, Fishing, Camping, Bike Riding, Wildlife Viewing, Golfing

Habitats

Route 66 not only captures the wonderful cultural diversity in the state, but that of the natural world as well. Starting in the northeastern starting point of the route, visitors are greeted to the eastern forest and many lakes, in the region of Green Country. A short side trip drive off the route gives travelers the chance experience one our numerous lakes and boundless recreational activities.

As Route 66 travels into Tulsa and onward toward Oklahoma City travelers experience the cross-timbers. These forests are legendary for dense growing habits making early travel through the forests almost impassable.

From Oklahoma City to the Texas state-line travelers can view the mixture of mix-grass and short-grass prairies along with remnant cross-timber forests. This landscape is intermixed with ranching and farm lands.

Q: How do I contact the Route 66 Association?

A: Administrator Marilyn Emde

Office physical address: 1023 Manvel Ave, Suite A Chandler OK 74834

Phone: 405-258-0008

Email: okrt66association@sbcglobal.net

Mailing address: P.O. Box 446 Chandler, OK 74834