Route 66 was a mostly two lane highway that extended from Chicago to Los Angeles, through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, before gradually giving up to the modern interstate. Most of the old pavement is still there, and can be followed with the right maps and directions. I drove the entire length of old 66 in 2012, and invite you to follow along!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Oklahoma Route 66 - Stroud
Skyliner Motel neon
Downtown Stroud, Oklahoma
STROUD, OKLAHOMA. Small town Stroud was mostly
in the saloon business as the 20th century began, went dry with
Oklahoma statehood in 1907, then benefited around this same time with
the discovery of all oil nearby. Route 66 was built through the center
of town in the 1920's, and in 1946 Jack Rittenhouse reported on the
Mother Road's local benefits. He found several tourist courts, a few gas
stations and a hotel, local small businesses all. Rittenhouse also reported that the
thriving town was also a busy agricultural trading center. But times
change. The construction of the Turner Turnpike (now I-44) in the
1950's, a real early 66 bypass, slowed the tourist trade. The Oklahoma
oil booms finally went bust in the 1980's. Since then Stroud has had to
scramble a bit, and there is today a 90 acre industrial park in town
looking for tenants. On the positive side, Stroud was recognized in 2005
as the Grape and Wine Capital of Oklahoma, with 15 wineries within 50
miles. This an excellent tourist draw, no doubt, as is the city's
downtown, which has an authentic and friendly Route 66 look to it,
including the Coca-Cola ghost mural.
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