We got an early start with our first stop being the historic round barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma. It was built in 1898 and was restored to its original condition in 1989 after the roof collapsed. The barn is 60' in diameter and 43' high. We got there early enough that the batn wasn't even open yet, so we didn't get to go inside, but rather just looked around the exterior.
While looking around the barn, we noticed they had a section on inscripted bricks. There was one labeled "Haug Family in memory". We thought that was pretty starnge and couldn't resist taking a picture.
We continued along the old road which is pretty prevelant throughout Oklahoma. At one section of road, we stopped to check some blackberry bushes for a few ripe berries, but there weren't too many. All across Oklahoma, Route 66 is known for its diversity, not only because of vastly changing scenery and its many pathways, but in the adventure of never knowing what might await just ahead.
Our next stop was the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Built on private property in 1970, the big toothy whale and the pond it calls home provided outdoor fun for area childrenas well as adults for nearly 20 years, serving as both a gymnasium and a diving platform. There is also a slide into the pond from the side of the whale. The park also included pint-sized picnic tables, a couple of boats, public restroms, and a concession stand.
While the whale has been recently restored, the city still plans to restore the pond and concession area. We did notice a number of bass and carp in the pond, and fed them some stale bagels. We explored the whale and enjoyed the overall feeling of the park.
Further down the road is the sleepy town of Chelsea. Though we didn't stay at the Chelsea Motel, the sign is a vintage classic, representative of the thousands of colorful and creative neon signs used during the highway's busiest years.
Also found in Chelsea, at 10th Street and Olive, is a mouse ordered by mail and assembled in 1913, from a Sears & Roebuck catalog. The house still serves as a residence.
We enjoyed all of the older steel truss bridges found along the old road. The historic Pryor Creek Bridge, just outside of Chelsea, was built in 1926.
Driving through Oklahoma, there was never a lack of old buildings that have fallen into a state of disrepair with the introduction of the interstate. Even the old drive-in movie theaters still stand, but most are no longer in use.
Another interesting attraction was Totem Pole Park. There were many totem poles, all built by Ed Galloway in the late 1940's. He began with an octagon shaped building which was his home while he built the many totem poles. The building is now a gift shop. Rainy is standing in the doorway of the largest totem pole to show how large it is.
Leaving Oklahoma, we drove through the lower corner of Kansas for all of about 8 miles before entering into Missouri.A larger portion of Missouri that we drove through was more forested than Oklahoma. One treacherous portion of Old Route 66 is referred to Devil's Elbow as the curves are sharp and the road is along the edge of a mountain with an extreme drop-off. We didn't make as many stops in Missouri during the day as we did in Oklahoma. Of course we admired sections of the old road, bridges, and deteriorating buildings.
We drove as far as Lebanon, Missouri where we stopped for the night at the historic Route 66 Munger Moss Motel. We stayed in a room that was decorated with pictures taken when the old road was at its peak. The managers of this motel were extra friendly and kind, which was a common event at many of the places we stayed.
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