Students from Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City recently finished most of its work on a long-inoperable U-Haul truck that had been painted by late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. According to KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, it took about three months to make the 1989 Toyota truck roadworthy again. "It wouldn't even run when … Continue reading Students mostly finish repairing Bob Waldmire’s Route 66-themed U-Haul truck
Tag: Oklahoma Route 66 Association
Blaine Davis, longtime caretaker of Catoosa’s Blue Whale, dies
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 … Continue reading Blaine Davis, longtime caretaker of Catoosa’s Blue Whale, dies
Oklahoma Route 66 centennial license plate now available, will help with association’s efforts
A new Oklahoma Route 66 centennial license plate is available to reserve, and proceeds will go toward the Oklahoma Route 66 Association's preservation and tourism efforts. One hundred prepaid signups for the plate are required before they are produced. If interested, you should fill this form, print it and mail it to Service Oklahoma with … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 centennial license plate now available, will help with association’s efforts
Oklahoma Route 66 Association’s official centennial T-shirt features Bob Waldmire artwork
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently announced that its 2026 Route 66 centennial T-shirt features artwork from late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. Waldmire, a well-traveled hippie whose intricate pen-and-ink drawings were beloved by the Route 66 community, was also the inspiration for Fillmore the Volkswagen minibus in Disney-Pixar’s 2006 "Cars" film. He was also … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association’s official centennial T-shirt features Bob Waldmire artwork
Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
"Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis, Route 66 Alliance Executive Director and CEO Ken Busby and Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and National Preserve Route 66 manager with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will preside over this month's edition of the Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series. The livestream … Continue reading Michael Wallis, Rhys Martin, Ken Busby to be part of latest Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series
Weatherford oilman giving away a 1966 Chevelle to mark his 66th birthday
An oilman and entrepreneur based in Weatherford, Oklahoma, with substantial roots on Route 66 is giving away a vintage car to celebrate his forthcoming 66th birthday. Rick Koch is giving away the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle to also celebrate Route 66's centennial. The giveaway will be held on Aug. 6, Koch's birthday, at his Lucille's Roadhouse … Continue reading Weatherford oilman giving away a 1966 Chevelle to mark his 66th birthday
Restoration begins on Bob Waldmire’s U-Haul truck
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced last week that a painted U-Haul truck once owned by the late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire is undergoing restoration. A teacher with the Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City approached the association during its January meeting and proposed restoring it as a student project. LD’s Wrecker in … Continue reading Restoration begins on Bob Waldmire’s U-Haul truck
New Will Rogers Highway monument will be installed outside of Wellston
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced that a new Will Rogers Highway monument will be installed along Route 66 in Wellston to commemorate Route 66B, aka the Wellston Gap or Wellston Loop. It would be the first Will Rogers Highway monument installed in more than a decade. The association reported: “When we were looking at … Continue reading New Will Rogers Highway monument will be installed outside of Wellston
New soda commermorates Route 66 centennial in Oklahoma
Oklahoma now boasts a soda that commemorates Route 66's centennial this year. Okola-homa Soda Co. and the Oklahoma Route 66 Association announced this month the launch of a Route 66 “Centennial Edition” anniversary collectable can. The company anticipates it will soon be available in locations across the Sooner State. The company is shipping 12-ounce six-packs … Continue reading New soda commermorates Route 66 centennial in Oklahoma
Rhys Martin named Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople Magazine
Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, manager of the Preserve Route 66 Initiative and a member of numerous other Route 66 groups, earned the annual Tulsan of the Year honor by TulsaPeople Magazine. The magazine chose Martin because of his years of advocacy for Route 66 -- especially with its centennial starting … Continue reading Rhys Martin named Tulsan of the Year by TulsaPeople Magazine