J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum marks 50th year

The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, marked its 50th year of operation last weekend. During the ceremony Saturday, a time capsule was sealed so it can be opened during the museum's 100th anniversary. Among these things it contains are 16 essays from Claremore Public School fourth-graders offering ideas of what Claremore … Continue reading J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum marks 50th year

Claremore adds first of many murals over six-year period

The city of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Claremore MainStreet recently finished the first of several murals that will be painted in downtown alleys. The first mural, painted by John Hammer, portrays Route 66, Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers and astronaut Stuart Roosa. Both grew up in Claremore. The city stated this about the mural program several weeks … Continue reading Claremore adds first of many murals over six-year period

Claremore museum plans new statue of Andy Payne

The Claremore Museum of History in Claremore, Oklahoma, plans to place a life-size statue of local athlete Andy Payne at Lynn Riggs Park, also known as Gazebo Park, a few blocks east of Route 66. The Claremore Daily Progress reported a new exhibit, "The Andy Payne Family Collection," donated by Payne’s daughter, will be shown in the … Continue reading Claremore museum plans new statue of Andy Payne

Man injured trying to rescue turtle on Route 66

A man suffered injuries Sunday while trying to move a turtle on Route 66 near Claremore, Oklahoma. The Tulsa World reported: Phillip Smith, 79, of Claremore, stopped his vehicle around 9:45 a.m. on Oklahoma 66, less than 2 miles north of Claremore, according to an Oklahoma Highway Patrol report. Smith was attempting to “save a … Continue reading Man injured trying to rescue turtle on Route 66

Enhanced Tour added to Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore

The Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma, recently added a multimedia Enhanced Tour as part of its offerings that pay tribute to the famed humorist, actor and writer. The Tulsa World newspaper reported how local history buff Brandi Glasscock took in the tour: Glasscock and her family got to hear the voice of Michael Wallis, … Continue reading Enhanced Tour added to Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore

Settlement reached between Davis Arms Museum, state

The J.M. Davis Foundation, which runs the J.M. Davis Arms Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, and the state of Oklahoma recently reached an agreement over a nearly 10-year-old lawsuit alleging breach of contract by the state. The Claremore Daily Progress reported: Under the terms of the agreement approved Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 by Rogers County District … Continue reading Settlement reached between Davis Arms Museum, state

Two Oklahoma properties added to National Register

Two areas of Route 66 in Oklahoma recently were named to the National Register of Historic Places, according to an email Thursday from the National Park Service. First, the register recognized the Downtown Claremore Historic District that includes a couple of blocks of Lynn Riggs Boulevard (aka Route 66) and the historic Will Rogers Hotel … Continue reading Two Oklahoma properties added to National Register

Hotel Will Rogers undergoes renovations

The historic Hotel Will Rogers in Claremore, Oklahoma, finished a seven-month, $2.4 million renovation and is rechristened Will Rogers Lofts. Also known as the Will Rogers Hotel, it long was known for its radium baths; the naturally occurring water was believed to hold health benefits. According to KOTV in Tulsa: During the renovations, the builders were able to preserve some … Continue reading Hotel Will Rogers undergoes renovations

Will Rogers Memorial Museum merged into Oklahoma Historical Society

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin this week signed her first bill of the 2016 state legislative session, which was to transfer the Will Rogers Memorial Commission into the Oklahoma Historical Society. It was a move that was sought for years and supported by both organizations. Tad Jones, director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, explained a few … Continue reading Will Rogers Memorial Museum merged into Oklahoma Historical Society

Will Rogers-Route 66 short film is out

Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions said it would have its short film promoting Will Rogers' link to Route 66 out in August to help boost the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma. The Tulsa-area based production company finished the project early: Will Rogers-Route 66 Adventure from Kirkpatrick&Kinslow Productions on Vimeo. The Will Rogers-Route 66 Experience … Continue reading Will Rogers-Route 66 short film is out