The long-closed Elm’s Court motel buildings along Route 66 in Tulsa were torn down in recent days. However, the president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association reports the owner may repurpose the neon sign that stands in front.
Information about the property at 8344 E. 11th St. (aka Route 66) near Memorial Drive is scant. Here are a few things discussed in a Facebook thread and information I’ve dug up:
- Rhys Martin, president of the association, said the surviving buildings were “in terrible shape” and had been heavily modified from their original purpose.
- Martin said other businesses once at that property were for lawn care or recycling. Another Tulsa resident recalls a china or cutlery shop there.
- The property made the Oklahoma Historic Preservation Office’s list of endangered Route 66 motels almost 15 years ago.
- Blue Miller, a very good researcher, said she found the motel was called Elms Tourist Court at one time.
- The Elms Court made it onto LandmarkHunter.com.
- Route 66 Times has more images of the property. The website’s owner guessed 1920s or ’30s in its origin, which seems about right with its architectural style.
- The property shouldn’t be confused with the closed Elms Motel in Claremore, which also was on Route 66 but 30 miles east in Claremore. Another Elm’s Motel once operated on Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma.
The owner may find repurposing the sign and putting neon back on it will be easier with the city’s Route 66 Neon Sign Grant Program.
(Excerpted image from Google Street View of the Elm’s Court in Tulsa)