New video series spotlights Route 66 revitalization efforts in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently launched a new video series that touts the agency's efforts to revitalize Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. In late 2023, the agency launched the Route 66 grants program, allowing communities to apply for funding for municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66. To date, 24 projects have … Continue reading New video series spotlights Route 66 revitalization efforts in Oklahoma

Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced nine projects through the Route 66 Black Experiences Grants program that were awarded $5,000 each. The 2024 recipients and the cities where they are based are: Choctaw Freedman Citizenship Footprints Inc. in Oklahoma City Black Business Alliance in Bloomington, Illinois Threatt Filling Station Foundation in Luther, Oklahoma Jack … Continue reading Nine new grants announced through Route 66 Black Experiences Program

New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects

The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission announced more than $6.6 million in grants, including improvements to the Blue Whale in Catoosa, a 66-foot dinosaur in Tulsa and multiple neon-sign initiatives. The grants, initially reported by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, cover 13 Route 66-related projects in the Sooner State. More about the grants can be found … Continue reading New Oklahoma Route 66 grants go to Blue Whale improvements, giant dinosaur, neon projects

Oklahoma Route 66 Midpoint Corridor hosting inaugural Road Rally on June 22

The Oklahoma Route 66 Midpoint Corridor will be hosting its first-ever Road Rally on June 22 in 11 cities along Route 66 in northeastern Oklahoma. The towns along the Midpoint Corridor, from west to east, are Edmond, Arcadia, Luther, Wellston, Chandler, Davenport, Stroud, Depew, Bristow, Kellyville and Sapulpa. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association posted this … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Midpoint Corridor hosting inaugural Road Rally on June 22

Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

The restoration of the neon sign for the closed West Winds Motel in Erick, Oklahoma, is among the $6 million in grants recently awarded by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission. A list of the funds given from the state's Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program was posted in a document on the commission's website. Several grant … Continue reading Restoration of West Winds Motel sign in Erick among Oklahoma Route 66 Commission grants

OU team to develop a living-museum experience at Threatt Filling Station near Luther

A University of Oklahoma team recently received funding from the nonprofit Oklahoma Humanities organization to develop a Route 66 Placemaking Communities Retreat that includes a living-museum experience at Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma. The team also wants to develop a Route 66-themed design experience in Hydro, Oklahoma. The efforts are being done before Route … Continue reading OU team to develop a living-museum experience at Threatt Filling Station near Luther

“CBS Saturday Morning” airs a feature about Threatt Filling Station preservation

"CBS Saturday Morning" yesterday aired a 4 1/2-minute segment about recent preservation efforts for the Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma. The camera crew caught up with volunteers from the Oklahoma Historical Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Guthrie Job Corps and The Hope Crew when they were shoring up the century-old property in … Continue reading “CBS Saturday Morning” airs a feature about Threatt Filling Station preservation

Threatt Filling Station gets some TLC from preservationists and volunteers

The long-closed Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, is receiving some much-needed work from preservationists and volunteers who want to see the Route 66 landmark standing for decades to come. According to KFOR-TV in nearby Oklahoma City: Now, crews from the Oklahoma Historical Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation and Guthrie Job Corps are working to preserve it. Students gain … Continue reading Threatt Filling Station gets some TLC from preservationists and volunteers

Unique volunteer and visitation opportunity is being offered at Threatt Filling Station

The historic Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, is offering a unique opportunity to visit the Route 66 landmark before it opens to the public, plus learning preservation methods. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association and the National Trust for Historic Preservation's HOPE Crew are sponsoring the event at the station at 21940 Oklahoma 66 (map … Continue reading Unique volunteer and visitation opportunity is being offered at Threatt Filling Station

Threatt Filling Station near Luther may open to the public as an interpretive center by June

The historic Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, may open to the public as an interpretive center as soon as June, according to its owner. Edward Threatt, an owner of the station, gave the tentative date during an interview with KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. Threatt said renovating the long-closed business encountered some setbacks in recent … Continue reading Threatt Filling Station near Luther may open to the public as an interpretive center by June