Will new exits off the Turner Turnpike improve the fortunes of Route 66 towns in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma initiative plans to add 14 new exits from its toll-road system, including several near Route 66 towns between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The Oklahoman examined that stretch of Route 66, especially the small town of Davenport, which hopes the new access from Interstate 44 will bring them new businesses … Continue reading Will new exits off the Turner Turnpike improve the fortunes of Route 66 towns in Oklahoma?

Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston is reopened after reconstruction

The historic Captain Creek Bridge along an alignment of Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, recently reopened after the state's Department of Transportation improved and reconstructed the span using its original pony trusses. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Facebook noted the completion of the project: "Although the original 1932 trusses no longer support the bridge, … Continue reading Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston is reopened after reconstruction

How to update but preserve vital parts of a historic structure: the Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association posted on Facebook a very good example of how to update a historic bridge to modern standards, yet keep the essential elements that make it unique. Behold the work being done to the Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston, Oklahoma: https://www.facebook.com/OklahomaRoute66/posts/10158426691872775 Oklahoma also is updating the iconic William H. Murray Bridge, … Continue reading How to update but preserve vital parts of a historic structure: the Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston

‘World’s largest Route 66 sign’ planned in Wellston won’t be the world’s largest

Longtime Route 66 researcher and artist Jerry McClanahan flagged an article in a local newspaper that reported Wellston, Oklahoma, is planning what reputedly would be the "world's largest" Route 66 sign. In a Facebook post, McClanahan posted a photograph of an Oct. 8 article from The Lincoln County News, based in Chandler, Oklahoma, that stated … Continue reading ‘World’s largest Route 66 sign’ planned in Wellston won’t be the world’s largest

A closer look at Butcher BBQ Stand

The Butcher BBQ Stand off Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, has been open less than two years, but it already has gained a following well past its small-town roots. Oklahoma Living magazine put together this high-quality video in an attempt to figure out the barbecue stand's success. https://youtu.be/cAJNI7vHViI Two observations: -- It's a very good … Continue reading A closer look at Butcher BBQ Stand

Barbecue stand opens at Pioneer Camp site in Wellston

An award-winning barbecue pitmaster recently opened a restaurant inside a converted railroad car at the old Pioneer Camp site along Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, according to an article by KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City. Levi Bouska runs the Butcher BBQ Stand near the intersection of Route 66 and Route 66B -- an alternative alignment that … Continue reading Barbecue stand opens at Pioneer Camp site in Wellston