Oklahoma Route 66 - Catoosa

The Blue Whale of Catoosa, 80 feet long and 15 feet high

Inside the belly of the beast

Ladder to the back fin/diving board of the Blue Whale of Catoosa. Old Hugh didn't miss a trick

Blaine Davis proudly shows off his Pop's handiwork

CATOOSA, OKLAHOMA. The famous Blue Whale of Catoosa, a Mom and Pop attraction that is just classic Route 66. The 80-foot whale was built in the early 1970's by a Mr. Hugh Davis as the final addition to an existing children's amusement complex, but also as a gift to his wife, Zelta. The big fish lives in a little pond that is a refreshing spot on a summer day, and with big goofy mouth and cool water slides, the site quickly became the old swimmin' hole for young Catoosians. The Whale was open to the public for a time with lifeguards and everything, but closed down in 1988 when the children supposedly preferred to swim in their new backyard pools. The grounds and fish were left to fall into disrepair. 
      The site was restored with the help of the local Chamber of Commerce in the 1990's, which easily recruited the help of local businessmen who swam there as children. This restoration story follows the bust to boom pattern we see a lot of on 66, and another piece of 66 history was saved. The old blue fish is in top condition today, and is a must stop for all 66ers. I was lucky enough to be given a tour of the site by Blaine Davis, son of Hugh and Zelta.