Every two years, one living and one deceased person are chosen for the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. It is that time again.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is seeking nominations for 2012. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be May 26 at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton.
Here’s what’s need for a nomination:
- Full name of nominee (state whether the person is living or deceased)
- Biography of nominee (he or she must live or have lived in Oklahoma)
- Nominee’s contribution(s) to Route 66
- Reason the nominee deserves this award
- Your name, address, and phone number if judges need clarification on any information
The Hall of Fame committee also would like a portrait-style photo of the nominee. And you can nominate more than one person.
Deadline for nominations is March 30. Please mail the nomination to: Oklahoma Route 66 Association, P.O. Box 446 Chandler, OK 74834.
Current Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame members include Michael Wallis, Don Mullenix, Jack and Gladys Cutberth, Lucille Hamons, Kent Ruth, Jim Ross, Cyrus Avery, Dr. Walter Mason, Wanda Queenan, Lyle Overman, Kathy Anderson, Luther Robison, Marion Davidson, and Lucy Stansberry.
I nominate Elvis Presley, both for his overall use of Route 66 over the years in commute between Memphis and Hollywood/Las Vegas and his raw courage in staying at the (now Best Western) hotel in Clinton, OK. A room he used often is, even today, noted as such. On the way to Memphis, according to former Memphis Mafia Chief Marty Lacker, Elvis would start to perk-up when he hit Elk City, OK. Lacker always believed that Elvis figured hitting Elk City meant they were getting close to ‘the real world’ (away from Hollywood) and Memphis.
Lacker still has a connection to Elvis via the Elvis Infonet website under ‘Marty’s Musings’. He often comments on or sets the record straight about events related to Presley and takes occasional questions (via email) from guests. I’d recommend contacting Lacker through the site and ask for his thoughts on Presley, Route 66 and Oklahoma. Maybe the ‘King’ needs to be honored for yet another contribution to society through his loyal use of Route 66 back in the old days when it still was Route 66.
Alas, since Mr. Presley did not reside in Oklahoma, he is not eligible. 😉
Did anyone nominate Sally Carrera?
I realise she has California plates, but her story is based on Dawn Welch of the Rock Café in Stroud, which is Oklahoma.
I believe she was. But the committee agreed it was more prudent to induct older advocates of the road.