Route 66 Monument Adds Another Layer of History
Meadow Gold Mack, a Route 66 roadside store that offers interstate related merchandise, such as T-shirts and music, held the unveiling of the newly built 19-foot-tall statue of Stella Atoms, the cosmic cowgirl, on June 28. Stella Atoms stands next to the 21-foot-tall statue Buck Atoms, now the two cosmic cowpokes watch over the city of Tulsa. Buck and Stella Atoms are located near the Meadow Gold neon sign, a monument that is an iconic piece of Route 66 history that has stood since 1934.
The historic statue of the space cowboy Buck Atoms was built in 2018 at the current location of the newly introduced store Meadow Gold Mack, which was recently opened in 2024. As store owners sought to revive interest in the historic Route 66, the statues were built as a symbol of the Old West that continues to awe and inspire Tulsans, artists, and travelers from across the globe.
“Our [store has a] rich history of Western (memorabilia). Of course, Buck Atoms is a space cowboy, and we envision that he likes Western wear and Western things. It fits with the idea of Buck being the cowboy, and now we have Stella, the cowgirl, that is newly installed,” said Buck’s Vintage owner Stephanie LaFevers.
Soon to arrive will be the Meadow Gold Mack the Lumberjack. A pioneer-based statue equipped with an ax that will watch over Tulsa alongside Buck and Stella Atoms. He is due to be presented in late July or early August, according to LaFevers.
Mary Beth Babcock, owner of the Meadow Gold Mack, states how the statues benefit the Tulsa community.
“Having this here brings people to the neighborhood; it brings people to Route 66; it brings them to Tulsa. People love to come get their photos taken with these fun giants, and she’s (Stella Atoms) going to be here to inspire people, girls, guys, the whole thing.”
She shared more about the design of the statues, that, “The yellow butterfly on her boots is in memory of my mother. Anytime I see a yellow butterfly I think of my mother.”
Stella Atoms was built in Natural Bridge, Va. and was transported along the interstate in one piece from Illinois to Tulsa. Babcock describes Stella as a “19-foot Uniroyal gal.” Now standing as a historic monument on Route 66, Stella Atoms will serve Tulsans and visitors from across the world for years to come.