Blaine Davis, the longtime caretaker of the landmark Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, during a critical time in its history, has died.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced his death on Wednesday.
Many will say Blaine’s father built the Blue Whale, which is true. But Blaine was a giant in his own right. He helped bring the Whale back from the brink of total loss and was a true believer in service over self. He was a fixture at meetings and volunteer events and showed new board members the ropes. In his spare time, people would often report they saw him picking up trash on the side of the old two-lane, even after he stepped down from official board service.
Speaking personally, Blaine was a quiet leader and an inspiration. He didn’t step into the limelight, but he would tap you on the shoulder and provide advice with kindness and genuine interest. He stopped by the office and my home regularly to provide updates and stay connected. This photo is one I took one day while he was sharing news and information he thought we could use. He was an ever-present steward of the road’s many stories.
Davis’ father, Hugh, built the Blue Whale in the early 1970s from hand-applied cement and rebar at a pond right next to Route 66 on Catoosa’s outskirts. It was originally an anniversary gift to Hugh’s wife, but it was quickly turned into an area swimming hole.
By the time Blaine took over the property in 1988, the Blue Whale site had largely fallen into ruin. He gradually made repairs when he could and discouraged vandals, probably saving the landmark.
Davis and his parents were inducted into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame in 2018.
Davis maintained the grounds until the property was sold to the City of Catoosa in 2020. Just last month, the city opened the Blue Whale Visitors Center at the site.
I remember Blaine showing up with his gas-powered weedwhacker for a volunteer cleanup day in downtown Depew, Oklahoma. He wasn’t remotely a young man even then, but under a typically tough Oklahoma sun, he trimmed weeds around the area until his shirt was soaked with sweat.
He said later that volunteers helped him save the Blue Whale, and he wanted to return the favor when he could.
(Image of Blaine Davis with his and his parents’ Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame plaques via Catoosa Historical Society & Museum)