Route 66 signs among Preservation Oklahoma’s Most Endangered list

Route 66 signs throughout Oklahoma were among the places included in the annual Most Endangered Historic Places list by Preservation Oklahoma.

The list was announced Monday in Oklahoma City. The organization said about the list:

Since 1993, Preservation Oklahoma has recognized historic sites across the state at risk of demolition or deterioration, raising awareness of the need to protect Oklahoma’s historic resources. While inclusion on the list does not guarantee protection or funding, it can be a key component in mobilizing support for the preservation of historic sites.

Here’s what Preservation Oklahoma stated about Route 66 signs making the endangered list:

Route 66, the Mother Road, has many historic structures along its nearly 375-mile route across Oklahoma. Tourists from all over the United States and beyond travel along Route 66 hoping to catch a glimpse of yesteryear and feed their nostalgic dreams of simpler times. Many Route 66 signs are well cared for by thoughtful owners, but so many others are being neglected or are poorly maintained by owners who may not realize the joy they bring to passing motorists. Route 66 structures and sites have been on our Most Endangered Places lists multiple times.

Another property that made the endangered list is the  Founders National Bank building at 5613 N. May Ave., an alignment of Route 66 in Oklahoma City.

Here’s what the organization stated about it:

The Founders Bank building is one of Oklahoma City’s best examples of mid-century modern architecture, and it’s the only known design of the architect and former Bruce Goff student, Bob Bowlby, in the area. Although the building was expanded in the 1990s, it remains a beloved local icon and an incredibly fresh design today. The Bank of America that was a long-term tenant in the former Founders National Bank building moved out of the space in 2017, and the property was listed for sale that October. The structure sits in the middle of a large undeveloped lot and, the fear is that a developer will buy the building and demolish it in favor of new development.

Other properties on the list:

• Edwards Home, Red Oak
• Drown Family Farm, Baum
• Esslinger Home, Broken Arrow
• Haskell County Courthouse, Stigler
• WestHope, Tulsa
• 19th-century military sites, statewide
• Schools, statewide
• Theaters, statewide

Preservation Oklahoma also mentions a few historic places that were saved. One example this year is the Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City. The theater on an alignment of Route 66 opened in 1937 and closed in 1989. After years of renovations, the Tower Theatre reopened as a live-music and event venue in 2017.

(Image of the Brookshire Motel sign in Tulsa by Tom Baddley; image of Founders Bank in Oklahoma City by H.L.I.T., both via Flickr)