Astronaut Tom Stafford dies at 93; air and space museum in Weatherford is named after him

Thomas P. Stafford, an Oklahoma-born astronaut who was on several space missions, including to the moon, died Monday in Florida at age 93. Stafford also has an excellent air and space museum named after him along Route 66 in his hometown of Weatherford. Stafford, who began his career as a test pilot, was aboard Gemini … Continue reading Astronaut Tom Stafford dies at 93; air and space museum in Weatherford is named after him

Oklahoma Route 66 Association launches new membership for children

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is launching a new type of membership focused on engaging youth 8 to 18 years old, called the Route 66 Explorer’s Club. “Our hope is to inspire the next generation of roadies by encouraging more youth to explore Route 66,” Rhys Martin, president of the association, stated in a news … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association launches new membership for children

Route 66 features prominently in Oklahoma Tourism’s new “Imagine That” campaign

Oklahoma Tourism earlier in the week announced the launch of its "Imagine That" campaign where Route 66 features prominently in the mix. According to a news release, it is the first television campaign showcasing the new state branding, and it marks the first time since 2015 the agency has released a campaign of this scale … Continue reading Route 66 features prominently in Oklahoma Tourism’s new “Imagine That” campaign

Heartland of America Museum unveils exhibit of Cold War civil defense items

The Heartland of America Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma, recently opened an exhibit about the state's civil defense preparations amid the U.S.-Soviet Union Cold War. According to KCEO radio, Southwest Oklahoma State University history professor and museum board member Landry Brewer acquired those items for the “Preparing to Survive Nuclear Attack: Western Oklahoma Cold War Civil … Continue reading Heartland of America Museum unveils exhibit of Cold War civil defense items

Weatherford dedicates Vietnam Memorial Wall replica, turbine-blade mural

The city of Weatherford, Oklahoma, recently dedicated along Route 66 a replica of Washington's Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall and a wind-turbine blade converted into a mural to commemorate such veterans. According to KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City: The Replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall stretches 280 feet around Heritage Route 66 Park and came from American … Continue reading Weatherford dedicates Vietnam Memorial Wall replica, turbine-blade mural

Lucille’s Service Station in Hydro sustains moderate damage from a tornado

The landmark Lucille's Service Station along Route 66 near Hydro, Oklahoma, sustained moderate damage from a tornado, but a nearby office building designed to look like the original motel was more ravaged. KFOR-TV in nearby Oklahoma City shot footage from a helicopter of the site. As you can see, the original station suffered a little … Continue reading Lucille’s Service Station in Hydro sustains moderate damage from a tornado

Artist creates “Signs” billboard along Route 66 in western Oklahoma

Oklahoma Baptist University professor Corey Fuller recently created an art billboard titled "Signs" along Route 66 in western Oklahoma. One can see the "Signs" billboard driving west on Route 66 between Weatherford and Clinton, between mile markers 77 and 78 on Interstate 40's north side. The university had more details in a news release: The … Continue reading Artist creates “Signs” billboard along Route 66 in western Oklahoma

Clinton agency approves plan to renovate Glancy Motel, Pops Hicks properties

The Clinton Economic Development Authority during a special meeting Tuesday approved a $7.75 million plan to renovate the historic Glancy Motel and adjoining Pops Hicks restaurant properties in Clinton, Oklahoma. According to the Clinton Daily News, local oilman Rick Koch presented the proposal: The proposal includes renovating the Glancy and Pop Hicks to their historic … Continue reading Clinton agency approves plan to renovate Glancy Motel, Pops Hicks properties

Rare B-17G Flying Fortress coming to Stafford Air and Space Museum in October

The Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma, is offering a rare opportunity for flight enthusiasts -- a ride aboard a rare B-17G Yankee Lady plane for three days in mid-October. Rides will be offered for up to 12 passengers for a 35-minute span from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20. At $495, it's not … Continue reading Rare B-17G Flying Fortress coming to Stafford Air and Space Museum in October

Discover Oklahoma features Route 66 Neon Sign Park in Tulsa

The Discover Oklahoma channel, which is part of the state's tourism department, recently produced a segment about Route 66 Neon Sign Park in Tulsa. The signs and park were officially dedicated in September. The park is on Southwest Boulevard (aka Route 66) near West 17th Street in southwest Tulsa. The three signs represent east Tulsa, … Continue reading Discover Oklahoma features Route 66 Neon Sign Park in Tulsa