This is the Meadow Gold sign in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Standing tall along the renowned Route 66 highway. Many of you may have seen this iconic neon sign, but why does it and other landmarks along Route 66 here in Tulsa matter? And why are they here?
Tulsa has recently been elected the capital of Route 66. They were given this honor for their continued focus on Route 66 and on preserving the historical landmarks that give it its significance. It is such an integral part of Tulsa, in part because of Cyrus Avery, a Tulsa businessman recognized as “The Father of Route 66.”
Interview with Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association
“Tulsa has long had an association with Route 66. The father of Route 66 is Cyrus Avery. And there’s a big statue of him along the Arkansas River.”
He goes on to say, “All the corridors you have evidence of its history, as well as new entrepreneurs who have come to Route 66 to be a part of its fun and unique vibe. You’ve got the land of the giants, you have Bama Pie, which started as a little mom and pop business right on Route 66, but is now this huge company that supports baking for all sorts of companies around the country.”
The Meadow Gold sign has a rich history. From its creation as the sign for the Beatrice Creamery Company to its run-down state after years of use, to its reconstruction. It represents Tulsa’s focus on preserving its history.
The Rose Bowl is another historic landmark along Route 66. It is a long-standing building that has gone through many changes. Today it is used as a community center, but it was originally a bowling alley.
Martin Explains the History of the Rose Bowl
“So, the Rose Bowl in East Tulsa is this really crazy looking, unique building. It was built as a bowling alley, and it was super popular. You’d have regional and national competitions come to the Rose Bowl.”
He continues, “In recent years, you know, the windows were boarded up. They weren’t sure what they were gonna do with the building. It was notoriously difficult to get like fire suppression systems, and boring stuff like that, but you got to, you know, have a safe building if you’re gonna have people inside.”
“Well, one hope, which is a local ministry and non-profit, purchased the property, restored it, repainted it, fixed the windows, got the sign relit, and today it’s this really great community-activated center with youth activities. … But I think it’s a really good testament to the fact that Route 66 has always been evolving. Yeah, that was originally a bowling alley, but it’s still there; it has a new purpose today.”
“There are all kinds of businesses along Route 66 that may have originally been gas stations or something else, but they have been given new life. That kind of adaptive reuse is so important to making sure Route 66 will be here for another 100 years.”
As you can see, Tulsa is the heart of Route 66, with many historical landmarks along the way.
But why should we care about Route 66?
Why does Tulsa put so much effort into preserving the Route 66 legacy?
The Meadow Gold sign and other landmarks along Route 66 in Tulsa represent important pieces of local history and Tulsa’s ongoing effort to preserve them.
For more information, visit www.oklahomaroute66.com.
(Editor’s Note: The transcript was edited for clarity and readability.)
