Tulsa World newspaper columnist John Klein a few days ago wrote an essay with this provocative title: "Tulsa is already the heart of Route 66. Soon it will also be the capital of the Mother Road." Klein lays out his case with quotes from Route 66 Alliance officers Michael Wallis and Ken Busby, who hope … Continue reading What is the capital of Route 66?
Tag: Tulsa
Oak Ridge Boys named Route 66 Alliance musical ambassadors
The country and gospel-music act The Oak Ridge Boys recently was named the inaugural musical ambassadors of the Route 66 Alliance and the Will Rogers Highway before a show in Tulsa. The group was presented with a certificate signed by Alliance co-founder Michael Wallis and Alliance executive director Ken Busby before the Oaks' show at … Continue reading Oak Ridge Boys named Route 66 Alliance musical ambassadors
Artist’s rendering unveiled for OKPOP museum in Tulsa
The Oklahoma Historical Society earlier this week unveiled an artist's rendering for the upcoming Oklahoma Museum of Pop Culture, aka OKPOP, in Tulsa, slated for a groundbreaking this fall. According to a news release: Nabholz Construction will construct OKPOP at 422 North Main Street in Tulsa, across the street from the Cain’s Ballroom, home of … Continue reading Artist’s rendering unveiled for OKPOP museum in Tulsa
Artists soon will paint Route 66 mural for Mother Road Market
Two local artists last week were chosen to create a Route 66-themed mural for the soon-to-open Mother Road Market food hall in Tulsa. Yatika Starr Fields and Janet Fadler Davie, both of Tulsa, were chosen from more than 20 applicants who sought to paint the mural on the building at 1124 S. Lewis Ave., a stone's … Continue reading Artists soon will paint Route 66 mural for Mother Road Market
Route 66 neon sign park in Tulsa planned for late 2019
The Route 66 Commission in Tulsa announced Wednesday a small neon-sign park is planned on the southwest side of Avery Centennial Plaza, also known as the historic 11th Street Bridge that once carried Route 66. In a Facebook post late Wednesday, the commission stated it would install three re-created neon signs in Tulsa that were … Continue reading Route 66 neon sign park in Tulsa planned for late 2019
J.J. Cale mural at Soul City Gastropub lightly vandalized
Someone lightly vandalized the large mural depicting late Tulsa musician J.J. Cale on the side of Soul City Gastropub & Music House in Tulsa, but the owner may not press charges against the offender. The offense probably should be described as "light" because it's not obvious. Someone wrote messages on the strings and sound hole … Continue reading J.J. Cale mural at Soul City Gastropub lightly vandalized
Longtime owner of Jamil’s restaurant in Tulsa dies
Tyrone Elias, owner of the landmark Jamil's restaurant in Tulsa for about 40 years, died Friday after a short illness. He was 80. Jamil's, which sits off Interstate 44 (aka Oklahoma 66) in Tulsa, boasted other ties to the Mother Road during its history. According to an obituary in the Tulsa World: Elias was born … Continue reading Longtime owner of Jamil’s restaurant in Tulsa dies
Circle Cinema in Tulsa to mark 90th year with July festival
The Circle Cinema in Tulsa will mark the 90th anniversary of its opening with a film festival that includes appearances by longtime film stars Mary Kay Place and Jeanne Tripplehorn, both who are Tulsa natives. The Tulsa World reported the July 8-15 event also will include an appearance by Tulsa resident Peggy Helmerich, known as … Continue reading Circle Cinema in Tulsa to mark 90th year with July festival
Brookshire Motel in Tulsa faces possible demolition
The historic but long-closed Brookshire Motel in Tulsa faces a possible wrecking ball amid the city's continuing efforts to revitalize Route 66 in the region. The Tulsa World reported: With a bright neon sign and charming, cottage-style office, the Brookshire epitomizes the affordable, roadside motels that catered to Route 66 traffic during the Mother Road’s … Continue reading Brookshire Motel in Tulsa faces possible demolition
Tulsa Route 66 Commission starts to get serious with its tasks
The Tulsa Route 66 Commission has met for nearly two years, but the proverbial rubber is meeting the Mother Road with the panel close to finishing its first budget. The panel's funding of $262,500 in Vision sales-tax money begins in fiscal year 2019, which means the group must allocate the money by July 1. According … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 Commission starts to get serious with its tasks