The historic Carlyle Motel along old Route 66 in west Oklahoma City has closed, and it seems it soon will make way for a used-car lot. A reader alerted me by email this week the motel's "driveway is now blocked, by a large truck that has a sign reading 'Cash for Cars.'" The current situation has existed … Continue reading Carlyle Motel in Oklahoma City soon will disappear
Tag: Oklahoma City
Aubrey McClendon’s death ruled an accident
A medical examiner's report and an Oklahoma City Police investigation determined energy tycoon Aubrey McClendon's fatal crash in March was an accident and not suicide, as believed. McClendon was former CEO of Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City and built the popular Pops restaurant and convenience store on Route 66 in nearby Arcadia, Oklahoma. McClendon died in a fiery … Continue reading Aubrey McClendon’s death ruled an accident
Reporter finishes walk on Oklahoma City’s Route 66
Brianna Bailey, a reporter for The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City, recently embarked on a walking journey of Route 66 in that city for a story and a series of blog posts. She finished recently, and the last story is here. Some takeaways: --- We learn the beloved Carlyle Motel sign was purchased by Donald … Continue reading Reporter finishes walk on Oklahoma City’s Route 66
Reporter walking length of Oklahoma City’s Route 66
Brianna Bailey, a reporter for The Oklahoman newspaper, has begun a fascinating examination of Route 66 in Oklahoma City -- she's walking a mile a day on the Mother Road. Here's a video by the newspaper from Day 1, along Lincoln Boulevard: I did not know Gov. Frank Keating, who held office during the 1990s, … Continue reading Reporter walking length of Oklahoma City’s Route 66
Grocery may move into Gold Dome in Oklahoma City
A Natural Grocers store likely will move into the historic Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City, reported The Oklahoman newspaper. The deal with the building's owner, Jonathan Russell, negotiated with the grocery chain and its developer to have it oversee the building's renovation, yet preserve its historical integrity. The deal must be approved by the … Continue reading Grocery may move into Gold Dome in Oklahoma City
66 Bowl sign being resurrected in Chandler
The venerable 66 Bowl sign that once graced Route 66 in Oklahoma City for 50 years has resurfaced in Chandler, Oklahoma, at a future sports and entertainment complex that will include, yes, a bowling alley. A Facebook post of the sign by longtime Route 66 researcher and artist Jerry McClanahan caused a stir Monday. Marilyn Emde, director of … Continue reading 66 Bowl sign being resurrected in Chandler
Neon lights at Tower Theatre turned on again
The neon lights of the Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City glowed with life for the first time in nearly five years Friday as a preview for its spring reopening as a performance venue and bars. The Associated Press reported: Scott Marsh, chief operations officer at Levelland Productions, is planning a “soft opening” by early April for … Continue reading Neon lights at Tower Theatre turned on again
Milk Bottle Building soon will have new tenant
The Milk Bottle Building in Oklahoma City soon will become the office of an architect after a boutique store there went bust after less than a year. Prairie Gothic shuttered its business in the Milk Bottle Building and its original store in Guthrie, Oklahoma, in early December, reported The Oklahoman. In a Facebook post, Prairie Gothic's administrator didn't elaborate … Continue reading Milk Bottle Building soon will have new tenant
66 Bowl lanes being made into electric guitars
The 66 Bowl in Oklahoma City closed more than five years ago. But its bowling lanes live on in the form of limited-edition electric guitars by a well-known builder in Nashville. Bobby Clark of Dr. Mojo Guitars has created the 66 Bowl solid-body electric guitar from the original pine lanes. The custom-made guitars, which resemble a Fender … Continue reading 66 Bowl lanes being made into electric guitars
Ed Ruscha to be named Oklahoma Cultural Treasure
Ed Ruscha, a trailblazer of the Pop Art movement whose photography of gas stations along Route 66 helped jump-start his career, will be named the 12th Oklahoma Cultural Treasure during the Governor's Arts Awards on Dec. 2. Ruscha is the first such Oklahoma Cultural Treasure honoree since historian John Hope Franklin in 2004, reported The Oklahoman … Continue reading Ed Ruscha to be named Oklahoma Cultural Treasure