Recently unearthed home movie shows Buffalo Ranch near Afton in 1964

Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, recently acquired a 1964 home movie that shows Buffalo Ranch near Afton, Oklahoma, during its Route 66 heyday and digitized it. https://youtu.be/szhadH0bfbU Martin said in follow-up comments on Facebook he acquired the nearly 60-year-old 8mm home movie after it appeared for sale on eBay. "... I … Continue reading Recently unearthed home movie shows Buffalo Ranch near Afton in 1964

Reconstruction of Pony Bridge near Bridgeport won’t start until June

Those traveling Route 66 during the first half of 2022 have good news: The reconstruction project that will close the Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, for at least two years won't begin until June. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Facebook passed along the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's updated word about the bridge project this … Continue reading Reconstruction of Pony Bridge near Bridgeport won’t start until June

Oklahoma Route 66 Association received nearly $15,000 in federal COVID-19 funds

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently received nearly $15,000 from the federal coronavirus relief funds from American Rescue Plan. The association's current newsletter, distributed this month, stated: In August, Oklahoma Humanities (OH) reported that almost $700,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funding would be distributed to over 50 cultural and educational organizations statewide. Grants … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association received nearly $15,000 in federal COVID-19 funds

Volunteers give a fresh look to Allen’s Fillin’ Station in Commerce

After two weather-related delays, volunteers with the Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Saturday put a new coat of paint on the Allen's Fillin' Station in Commerce, Oklahoma. Here are before-and-after images and other photos of the historic gas station on an old alignment of Route 66 through town. The owner, Bobby Allen, posted more photos … Continue reading Volunteers give a fresh look to Allen’s Fillin’ Station in Commerce

Allen’s Fillin’ Station cleanup rescheduled again to Oct. 16

Try, try again. The volunteer cleanup day for the Allen's Fillin' Station site at 101 S. Main St. in Commerce, Oklahoma, has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, after two previous attempts were canceled because of bad weather. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, announced the new date Sunday in … Continue reading Allen’s Fillin’ Station cleanup rescheduled again to Oct. 16

Blue Whale of Catoosa is undergoing a weeklong effort of repairs and cleaning

The landmark Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma, today is beginning a one-week effort by the city to clean, repaint and make repairs to the whale itself. The city's project begins today and will last through Friday, Oct. 1, according to a news release from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. During that time period, the Blue … Continue reading Blue Whale of Catoosa is undergoing a weeklong effort of repairs and cleaning

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

Cleanup day scheduled for July 17 at Allen’s Fillin’ Station in Commerce

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association has announced a cleanup day on July 17 for the Allen's Fillin' Station property along old Route 66 in Commerce, Oklahoma. An email from the association stated: We will be freshening up the paint on the building and doing any other general site clean-up that is needed. We'd love to … Continue reading Cleanup day scheduled for July 17 at Allen’s Fillin’ Station in Commerce

Cost-share grants unexpectedly revived for Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, which technically ended in 2019, unexpectedly relaunched its cost-share grant program and is taking applications for it through late April. The revival of the program came to light Tuesday with an email from Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. He also flagged a new grant program … Continue reading Cost-share grants unexpectedly revived for Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

More details emerge on new Route 66 directional signs for Oklahoma

Oklahoma's largest newspaper uncovered new details about the new directional signs that will be installed along Route 66 this spring. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association last month announced the forthcoming signs, including its somewhat altered design. The Oklahoman, based in Oklahoma City, reported this on Monday: The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will replace about 80 … Continue reading More details emerge on new Route 66 directional signs for Oklahoma