
In addition, Linda Hobbs, The Blue Whale gift shop manager and author of a children's book featuring this Oklahoma icon also joins the conversation as she talks about the importance of The Blue Whale, what it was like working with Hugh, and why Route 66 is so important for the younger generation of children who visit this popular Mother Road destination.

Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno, as he talks with Blaine Davis (78 years old) about his fathers life long work as the director of the Tulsa Zoo, growing up with parents who appreciated the outdoors, and what prompted Hugh to construct The Blue Whale upon retirement despite not having any welding experience or working with cement. spot, drawing well over 100 locals on a hot summer day. Hugh Davis built The Blue Whale as an anniversary gift to his wife Zelta back in the 1970's. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.The life sized Blue Whale in Catoosa, OK, is one of the most recognized structures to be found along Route 66. Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
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For more information on how you can help just email Jeremy Ruiz.ĭownload our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices. They are looking for more donations to finish repairs. OK Chive also wants to make repairs to the deck and said this will be a regular volunteering opportunity through the spring. It's probably going to outlast me, unless we have some more big earthquakes," Davis said. I think it's going to outlast several generations. "This thing kind of has a mystique to it. Blue Whale of Catoosa, Catoosa: See 463 reviews, articles, and 399 photos of Blue Whale of Catoosa, ranked No. The property changed hands a few times over the years, but it has always stayed in the Davis family until now. The Whale was built by Hugh Davis in the early 1970s as an anniversary present to his wife, Zelta. Now he's relieved to see his father's work restored. In April, the City of Catoosa finalized the purchase the Blue Whale and the surrounding 23.5 acres. Erected by Hampton Hotels Save-A-Landmark. This group is definitely doing that," he said. The Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma was built by Hugh Davis in the early 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, who collected whale. Built in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift, the Blue Whale turned into a swimming park and closed in 1988. Creation: Hugh Davis built the Blue Whale in the early 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines.


"It's so nice to have somebody do what they say they will do. 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. "He said "well there's nothing bigger than a whale, so if I build them a whale then I don't know what they would want that's any bigger so here we go." And there it was," Blaine Davis said.ĭavis still lives on site and said many groups have offered to tackle renovations, but none followed through until this week. It took two years, and they wanted to create a lasting memory for their grandchildren.
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'We have to figure out how to protect the paint on this historical roadside attraction going. The tourist attractions Facebook page says a city of Catoosa maintenance crew is repainting the inside of the Blue Whales head. The Davis family built it in 1970 by hand. Authorities have temporarily closed access to the head of the Blue Whale of Catoosa because of vandalism. People come from all over the world to check him out so we're just trying to make it better," Jeremy Ruiz said. "He needed a bath so we came to give him a bath and we're cleaning up some of this area so it's more eye-appealing when you drive by and you come visit. The director took to Facebook and more than 100 volunteers came out: raking, power washing and mowing to make the structure good as new. Last year, it got a fresh coat of paint and the City of Catoosa says more improvements are coming soon. The Blue Whale of Catoosa is known by visitors around the world. A fixture on Route 66 celebrates its anniversary of 50 years. The idea started with the non-profit OK Chive. Blue Whale Of Catoosa Celebrates 50th Anniversary. Volunteers came from as far as Iceland looking to take care of the unique landmark for the next generation.

Dozens gathered at the Blue Whale on Sunday, looking to revitalize the Route 66 landmark as it approaches its 50th birthday.
