Blue Whale of Catoosa
The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a waterfront structure, located just east of the town of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and it has become one of the most recognizable attractions on old Route 66.
Creation
Hugh Davis built the Blue Whale in the early 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines.[1] The Blue Whale and its pond became a favored swimming hole for both locals and travelers along Route 66 alike.
Originally, the pond surrounding the massive Blue Whale was spring fed and intended only for family use. However, as many locals began to come to enjoy its waters, Davis brought in tons of sand, built picnic tables, hired life guards, and opened it to the public.
Public attraction
Originally called Nature’s Acres, Mr. Davis continued to add to the roadside attraction until it eventually included The Fun and Swim Blue Whale and the A.R.K. (Animal Reptile Kingdom). The attraction also featured Hugh’s brother-in-law, Indian Chief Wolf Robe Hunt, a full blooded Acoma Indian, who was famous, in his own right, for his Indian paintings and as a highly skilled silversmith. Chief Wolf-Robe Hunt once ran the Arrowood Trading post across the highway from the Blue Whale attraction.
By 1988, the Davises were not able to continue managing the attraction, so they closed it to the public. In January 1990 Mr. Davis died followed by his wife Zelta in 2001. The park soon fell into disrepair, crumbling from neglect and weather. However, after a decade the people of Catoosa and employees of the Hampton Inn launched a fund-raising and volunteer effort to restore the Route 66 landmark. The Blue Whale was restored and repainted to its original brilliant blue. The adjacent picnic area has also been restored.[1]
Popular culture
On July 15, 2024, the Blue Whale made a national appearance in the syndicated comic strip Zippy the Pinhead.[2]
On the British television series "An Idiot Abroad," it was shown in season 2 episode 6 when they go to Route 66.
On September 20, 2015, the Blue Whale was featured on the Food Network show, "The Great Food Truck Race" (Season 6, Episode 5, "Roadside Attractions").
On January 13, 2016, the Blue Whale was highlighted in an episode of American Pickers in an episode entitled "On the Road Again."
Gallery
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Wide photo of the Blue Whale of Catoosa
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Interior of the Blue Whale.
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"Kissing whales" sign above right hand entrance.
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Roadside attraction info sign.
Notes
- 1 2 The Catoosa Blue Whale - "A Metaphor For Something" - Catoosa, OK. Waymarking. (retrieved 13 April 2009)
- ↑ Oklahoma ZIPPY ARCHIVE: Are We Having Searchable Fun Yet? Zippy the Pinhead. (retrieved 13 April 2009)
References
External links
Coordinates: 36°11′37″N 95°43′59″W / 36.19370°N 95.73306°W