Warwick to Arcadia, Oklahoma - Historic Stretch of 66

Warwick to Arcadia - Historic Stretch of 66

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Pioneer BBQ in Wellston, Oklahoma, May, 2004,

Kathy Weiser.

Soon, you’ll pass through the small town of Wellston, which was cut off from the main route in 1933. Though the town fought hard to keep itself on the popular highway, taking it all the way to the Supreme Court, they lost the battle. Here, you can still see some remnants of the vintage era at the Pioneer Camp BBQ a long time Route 66 fixture with one remaining unit of an old motor court. Also look for the two pony truss bridges, one at State Highway 66B, and the other right on old Route 66.

Luther, Oklahoma

As you continue on to Luther, this small town with a population of just about 600 souls, provides a number of vintage views as well as an opportunity to stop at the Tres Suenos Vineyards and Winery. Here you can sample free wine tastings and take a tour on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The winery is located at 19691 E. Charter Oak Road. As you enter Luther, keep your eyes open for several old gas stations including Little Brother's Gas Station and Cold Beer on the right. In Luther’s tiny downtown district sits the historic Engels Dry Goods Store at 114 South Main.

Little Brothers Gas Station & Cold Beer, Luther, Oklahoma, May, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Arcadia, Oklahoma - Home of the Round Barn

Before long, you come to Arcadia, Oklahoma, home of the famous 1898 round barn, the most photographed building on all of Route 66.

The brainchild of William Harrison Odor, locals scoffed at the idea of a round barn, but Odor soaked green lumber in water, then shaped the raters to form the exact curve of the roof. When is masterpiece was complete, he utilized the lower level to store his hay and shelter cattle and mules, while the upper level was used for barn dances and social gatherings.

By the 1980's the barn had begun to suffer from years of neglect when it was donated to the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society in an effort to save it. Before long a man named Luther Robinson, a retired building contractor from Oklahoma City, restored the barn with the help of a volunteer group known as the “Over-the-Hill-Gang.”

Arcadia also provides a number of other picturesque opportunities at HillBillee’s BBQ as you first enter this small town. This was once the home of an original Route 66 Gas Station, Café and Motor Court. Legend has it that in the early years of Route 66, the motor court would even provide a “companion” for male travelers. Another historic building in Arcadia, that of Tuton's Drugstore, can be found at 1st & Main.

As you continue along the Mother Road, you’ll soon enter the outskirts of Edmond, Oklahoma, and the suburbs of sprawling, Oklahoma City.

Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, © March, 2005

The Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma is one of the

most photographed sites on the Mother Road.

Kathy Weiser, May, 2004

Hillbillee's BBQ in Arcadia, Oklahoma,

May, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

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