Blue Whale of Catoosa

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is located just east of the town of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and it has become one of the most recognizable attractions on old Route 66. Hugh Davis built the Blue Whale in the early 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines. The Blue Whale and its pond became a favorite 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 cool waters, Davis brought in tons of sand, built picnic tables, hired life guards, and opened his masterpiece to the public.

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 found that they could no longer handle the management of the attraction and it was closed. In 1990 Mr. Davis died. The park soon fell into disrepair, crumbling from neglect and weather. However, a decade later, the Route 66 landmark benefited from fund-raising and volunteer efforts by citizens of Catoosa along with Hampton Inn employees. The Blue Whale was given a fresh coat of paint and the picnic area has been restored.

On July 15, 2002, the Blue Whale made a national appearance in the syndicated comic strip Zippy the Pinhead.

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References

* [http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/US/OK/CatoosaBlueWhale.html Architecture of the Blue Whale]
* [http://www.legendsofamerica.com/OK-Catoosa.html Legends of America]