Oklahoma Route 66 Association moving into new site in Tulsa

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is moving from its longtime base in Chandler into the Renaissance Square Event Center at 2620 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66) in Tulsa. The association will hold an open house at its new home from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 23. Local author Michael Wallis will be … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association moving into new site in Tulsa

Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Route 66 Association of Japan form an ambassadorship

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association and the Route 66 Association of Japan announced this week they had formed an ambassadorship. More information from a story from the Oklahoma association: Working together, the two associations hope to increase awareness of Oklahoma’s unique culture for Japanese travelers while also bringing opportunities to experience Japan’s cultural traditions to … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Route 66 Association of Japan form an ambassadorship

City of Catoosa approves development proposal for the Blue Whale

The city council of Catoosa, Oklahoma, earlier this month approved a conceptual development plan for the iconic Blue Whale site, but not without hearing concerns from residents and officials from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. According to a report by the association, several people during the public comments portion of the meeting spoke up about … Continue reading City of Catoosa approves development proposal for the Blue Whale

New edition of Oklahoma Route 66 Trip Guide now is available

The new edition of the free Oklahoma Route 66 Trip Guide, published annually by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, now is available via mail order or from varying businesses that advertise in the guide. The association stated this on its website: For over 20 years, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association has produced an annual Trip … Continue reading New edition of Oklahoma Route 66 Trip Guide now is available

Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma undergoing historic review before rehabilitation work begins

A section of 9-foot-wide Sidewalk Highway, aka Ribbon Road, of Route 66 near Miami, Oklahoma, is undergoing a required Section 106 review before Ottawa County begins work to restore the century-old roadway. Section 106 is a review period required by the National Historic Preservation Act anytime work is imminent on or near historic properties. The … Continue reading Sidewalk Highway in Oklahoma undergoing historic review before rehabilitation work begins

Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years

The landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, will be closed to traffic for at least two years next Monday as it undergoes extensive improvements that will preserve it distinctive trusses. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin announced the imminent closure in an email Friday: We have known this day is coming for a long … Continue reading Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years

Evan Stern’s “Vanishing Postcards” podcast features Route 66

If you have about 40 minutes to spare, I recommend you listen to this "Vanishing Postcards" podcast that features Route 66. Evan Stern's production features a number of prominent Route 66 figures. Here's a description of the podcast: The name Route 66 has a certain kind of magic. For some, it calls to mind images … Continue reading Evan Stern’s “Vanishing Postcards” podcast features Route 66

Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa offering rides in century-old Packard

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is offering half-hour rides in a 100-year-old Packard car. The Tulsa World reported the 1922 Packard long had been on display at the museum on Sapulpa's west side, just off Route 66. This time, however, the museum will offer rides at $11 a head each … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa offering rides in century-old Packard

Recently unearthed home movie shows Buffalo Ranch near Afton in 1964

Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, recently acquired a 1964 home movie that shows Buffalo Ranch near Afton, Oklahoma, during its Route 66 heyday and digitized it. https://youtu.be/szhadH0bfbU Martin said in follow-up comments on Facebook he acquired the nearly 60-year-old 8mm home movie after it appeared for sale on eBay. "... I … Continue reading Recently unearthed home movie shows Buffalo Ranch near Afton in 1964

Oklahoma Route 66 Association received nearly $15,000 in federal COVID-19 funds

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently received nearly $15,000 from the federal coronavirus relief funds from American Rescue Plan. The association's current newsletter, distributed this month, stated: In August, Oklahoma Humanities (OH) reported that almost $700,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funding would be distributed to over 50 cultural and educational organizations statewide. Grants … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association received nearly $15,000 in federal COVID-19 funds