This year’s milestone of the Route 66 Centennial is something to be celebrated, especially for us Tulsans. Tulsa is the capital of Route 66; the iconic highway. The history of this significant highway has many impressive facts from being the first completely paved highway in the United States. During WWII, it served as a critical mode of transportation for military supplies. Post war, the highway represented happier times as tourism boomed and signaled prosperity as families drove the Mother Road to see new places on vacation. It’s been called the “Main Street of America” and evokes the nostalgia and Americana found in songs, signs, statues and art. The “Father of Route 66” was Cyrus Avery, the Oklahoma Highway Commissioner who chose the famous number 66 and championed it. Reportedly, musicians (like Paul McCartney, specifically) have performed concerts here in Tulsa because of their affinity for Route 66 and its historic impact on the music scene. Many bands traveled through the Mother Road during their musical journeys.
So that’s some general history in a nutshell but my interaction and bond to Route 66 comes from personal history. I am a child of the Mother Road. My childhood home is one block off Route 66. I walked to my church on Route 66 where I attended Sunday School, Greek School, and youth group activities. I volunteered and danced at our Greek Festival on Route 66 which has occurred there annually since 1961. I attended college at University of Tulsa, also on Route 66. Living on campus and enjoying camaraderie at Metro Diner, JR’s and the nearby Tap Room on 15th Street are indelible memories for me. Starship Records and Tapes was like a second home. In Middle School, I took tennis lessons with my cousin at Tracy Park on Route 66. As newlyweds, my husband and I rented a home for awhile adjacent to that park.
Some of the images in my exhibit are not on Route 66 but they are nearby! From downtown Tulsa to 21st Street’s Golden Driller to the bison at the Tall Grass Prairie, they all represent so many highlights of living in Tulsa.The smaller art pieces are meant for a bookshelf nook or a spot on a wall that needs a pop of color and spirit…a reminder of our iconic city and the centennial we are celebrating for the Mother Road. They can be ordered in larger sizes, too. Contact Gina Kingsley at:
- greekmuse68@gmail.com
- Gina Michalopulos Kingsley
- ginakingsleyphotography.com
Happy 20th Anniversary to Coffee House on Cherry Street! Many thanks to Cheri Asher of CHOCS who supports local artists, musicians, and comics and serves Tulsa delicious coffee and pastries.
Click on this video to view more images:
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