The city of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Claremore MainStreet recently finished the first of several murals that will be painted in downtown alleys.
The first mural, painted by John Hammer, portrays Route 66, Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers and astronaut Stuart Roosa. Both grew up in Claremore.
The city stated this about the mural program several weeks ago:
Main Street Claremore recently launched its newest initiative, Alley Activation 2025. This six year plan, implemented after the completion of citizen surveys in May 2018, looks to beautify and increase the value of Claremore’s downtown alleyways.
Downtown’s alleys provide a unique place making opportunity. Activating the alleys for additional public use, while still maintaining vital functions, will allow Claremore to better leverage these valuable public spaces as an inviting place for the community to enjoy. This space will not only help create a unique sense of place but will also help nearby businesses further thrive.
The number of Route 66 towns that tout its murals keeps growing: Tucumcari, New Mexico; Cuba, Missouri; Pontiac, Illinois; and too many others to mention here.
(Hat tip to KRMG; image of mural via Claremore Main Street)