THE BLUE WHALE! Epic Roadside Attractions on old Route 66!

0:05 We're back on Route 66. Welcome to

0:05 We're back on Route 66. Welcome to Katusa, Oklahoma. I admit that it

0:07 Katusa, Oklahoma. I admit that it

0:07 Katusa, Oklahoma. I admit that it doesn't look like Las Vegas or New York,

0:09 doesn't look like Las Vegas or New York,

0:09 doesn't look like Las Vegas or New York, but this is a place where you can still

0:11 but this is a place where you can still

0:11 but this is a place where you can still have a whale of a time. Ladies and

0:14 have a whale of a time. Ladies and

0:14 have a whale of a time. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Blue Whale of

0:17 gentlemen, welcome to the Blue Whale of

0:17 gentlemen, welcome to the Blue Whale of Katusa. Look at that. Just look at it.

0:21 Katusa. Look at that. Just look at it.

0:21 Katusa. Look at that. Just look at it. Normally things like this make me so

0:23 Normally things like this make me so

0:23 Normally things like this make me so hyper, but I'm having a moment. This is

0:25 hyper, but I'm having a moment. This is

0:25 hyper, but I'm having a moment. This is perhaps the most famous face on Route

0:28 perhaps the most famous face on Route

0:28 perhaps the most famous face on Route 66. and one of, if not the most famous

0:32 66. and one of, if not the most famous

0:32 66. and one of, if not the most famous roadside attraction in the world. For 45

0:35 roadside attraction in the world. For 45

0:35 roadside attraction in the world. For 45 years, Old Blue here has been blowing

0:37 years, Old Blue here has been blowing

0:37 years, Old Blue here has been blowing the minds of people passing by right

0:39 the minds of people passing by right

0:39 the minds of people passing by right over there on Route 66. It's raining

0:42 over there on Route 66. It's raining

0:42 over there on Route 66. It's raining right now, and I don't even care because

0:44 right now, and I don't even care because

0:44 right now, and I don't even care because I'm so excited. Look at that. A homemade

0:47 I'm so excited. Look at that. A homemade

0:47 I'm so excited. Look at that. A homemade whale built in the early 1970s as an

0:50 whale built in the early 1970s as an

0:50 whale built in the early 1970s as an anniversary present by a guy named Hugh

0:53 anniversary present by a guy named Hugh

0:53 anniversary present by a guy named Hugh Davis for his wife Zelda. According to

0:55 Davis for his wife Zelda. According to

0:55 Davis for his wife Zelda. According to Hugh's son, his dad had always planned

0:57 Hugh's son, his dad had always planned

0:57 Hugh's son, his dad had always planned to build them something on the edge of

0:59 to build them something on the edge of

0:59 to build them something on the edge of the old swimming hole here. Of course,

1:00 the old swimming hole here. Of course,

1:00 the old swimming hole here. Of course, by the time that old blue was built,

1:02 by the time that old blue was built,

1:02 by the time that old blue was built, Hugh's kids had already grown up and

1:04 Hugh's kids had already grown up and

1:04 Hugh's kids had already grown up and gone. But still, this blue whale was

1:06 gone. But still, this blue whale was

1:06 gone. But still, this blue whale was just for the family to swim around and

1:09 just for the family to swim around and

1:09 just for the family to swim around and play on. It took almost 10 tons of stone

1:12 play on. It took almost 10 tons of stone

1:12 play on. It took almost 10 tons of stone and nearly 130 bags of concrete mixed.

1:15 and nearly 130 bags of concrete mixed.

1:15 and nearly 130 bags of concrete mixed. But in 1972, Hugh's masterpiece was

1:18 But in 1972, Hugh's masterpiece was

1:18 But in 1972, Hugh's masterpiece was complete, just in time for his wife's

1:20 complete, just in time for his wife's

1:20 complete, just in time for his wife's 34th wedding anniversary, assumably to

1:23 34th wedding anniversary, assumably to

1:23 34th wedding anniversary, assumably to him. Wow, look at this. When I was

1:25 him. Wow, look at this. When I was

1:25 him. Wow, look at this. When I was around 12 years old, my family went out

1:28 around 12 years old, my family went out

1:28 around 12 years old, my family went out to the bookstore one day and I saw a

1:30 to the bookstore one day and I saw a

1:30 to the bookstore one day and I saw a book in the bargain pile about roadside

1:33 book in the bargain pile about roadside

1:33 book in the bargain pile about roadside attractions and prominently featured on

1:35 attractions and prominently featured on

1:35 attractions and prominently featured on the cover was this blue whale. I never

1:38 the cover was this blue whale. I never

1:38 the cover was this blue whale. I never knew where old Blue was located, but I

1:40 knew where old Blue was located, but I

1:40 knew where old Blue was located, but I always kept an eye out for the whale on

1:43 always kept an eye out for the whale on

1:43 always kept an eye out for the whale on my travels. And now, 20 something years

1:45 my travels. And now, 20 something years

1:45 my travels. And now, 20 something years later, I'm in the belly of the beast. I

1:48 later, I'm in the belly of the beast. I

1:48 later, I'm in the belly of the beast. I feel like Jonah. Like I said, normally

1:50 feel like Jonah. Like I said, normally

1:50 feel like Jonah. Like I said, normally this would make me so hyper, but I'm

1:52 this would make me so hyper, but I'm

1:52 this would make me so hyper, but I'm just having a a weird moment. A picture

1:54 just having a a weird moment. A picture

1:54 just having a a weird moment. A picture of this is what got me interested in

1:57 of this is what got me interested in

1:57 of this is what got me interested in roadside attractions. I would love this

1:59 roadside attractions. I would love this

1:59 roadside attractions. I would love this blue whale no matter what. But what

2:01 blue whale no matter what. But what

2:01 blue whale no matter what. But what makes me love it even more is how DIY it

2:03 makes me love it even more is how DIY it

2:04 makes me love it even more is how DIY it is. I cannot even imagine how much work

2:06 is. I cannot even imagine how much work

2:06 is. I cannot even imagine how much work this took to build. Look at all that

2:08 this took to build. Look at all that

2:08 this took to build. Look at all that mesh in there and the concrete. And

2:10 mesh in there and the concrete. And

2:10 mesh in there and the concrete. And check this out. It's all pipes. There's

2:13 check this out. It's all pipes. There's

2:13 check this out. It's all pipes. There's no blueprint for something like this.

2:15 no blueprint for something like this.

2:15 no blueprint for something like this. There was no architect. Just one man and

2:17 There was no architect. Just one man and

2:17 There was no architect. Just one man and chunks of scrap, some concrete, and a

2:20 chunks of scrap, some concrete, and a

2:20 chunks of scrap, some concrete, and a dream. I bet when Mrs. Davis saw this,

2:22 dream. I bet when Mrs. Davis saw this,

2:22 dream. I bet when Mrs. Davis saw this, she told her friends that her husband

2:24 she told her friends that her husband

2:24 she told her friends that her husband was quite a catch. You know, in all the

2:26 was quite a catch. You know, in all the

2:26 was quite a catch. You know, in all the hundreds of pictures I've seen of this

2:27 hundreds of pictures I've seen of this

2:27 hundreds of pictures I've seen of this thing, I never noticed the baseball hat.

2:30 thing, I never noticed the baseball hat.

2:30 thing, I never noticed the baseball hat. This thing is the ultimate fun pick

2:33 This thing is the ultimate fun pick

2:33 This thing is the ultimate fun pick opportunity. I think part of why I'm

2:35 opportunity. I think part of why I'm

2:35 opportunity. I think part of why I'm tripping out so hard is I'm just

2:36 tripping out so hard is I'm just

2:36 tripping out so hard is I'm just picturing somebody building this

2:38 picturing somebody building this

2:38 picturing somebody building this basically by themselves. Like I said,

2:40 basically by themselves. Like I said,

2:40 basically by themselves. Like I said, originally this was just built for the

2:42 originally this was just built for the

2:42 originally this was just built for the family to enjoy. But what makes that

2:44 family to enjoy. But what makes that

2:44 family to enjoy. But what makes that extra weird is that Hugh and Zelta Davis

2:47 extra weird is that Hugh and Zelta Davis

2:47 extra weird is that Hugh and Zelta Davis were no strangers to tourist

2:48 were no strangers to tourist

2:48 were no strangers to tourist attractions. Right over here across the

2:50 attractions. Right over here across the

2:50 attractions. Right over here across the gravel from the Blue Whale is the

2:52 gravel from the Blue Whale is the

2:52 gravel from the Blue Whale is the remains of Nature's Acres. Apparently,

2:55 remains of Nature's Acres. Apparently,

2:55 remains of Nature's Acres. Apparently, they had worked for the Tulsa Zoo and

2:57 they had worked for the Tulsa Zoo and

2:57 they had worked for the Tulsa Zoo and then came here and established their own

2:58 then came here and established their own

2:58 then came here and established their own reptile park, snake pit, alligators,

3:01 reptile park, snake pit, alligators,

3:01 reptile park, snake pit, alligators, that type of thing, and later changed

3:03 that type of thing, and later changed

3:03 that type of thing, and later changed the name to Animal Reptile Kingdom or

3:06 the name to Animal Reptile Kingdom or

3:06 the name to Animal Reptile Kingdom or Ark. Would you look at the size of that

3:09 Ark. Would you look at the size of that

3:09 Ark. Would you look at the size of that boat? Wow, that is amazing. In another

3:13 boat? Wow, that is amazing. In another

3:13 boat? Wow, that is amazing. In another context, this would be a piece of folk

3:15 context, this would be a piece of folk

3:15 context, this would be a piece of folk art, but it was in fact a roadside

3:17 art, but it was in fact a roadside

3:17 art, but it was in fact a roadside attraction. A very nice woman who was

3:19 attraction. A very nice woman who was

3:19 attraction. A very nice woman who was eating at the taco stand here told me

3:21 eating at the taco stand here told me

3:21 eating at the taco stand here told me that the ark came long before the whale.

3:24 that the ark came long before the whale.

3:24 that the ark came long before the whale. And if that's true, this must have been

3:26 And if that's true, this must have been

3:26 And if that's true, this must have been pretty good practice. Oh, check out

3:28 pretty good practice. Oh, check out

3:28 pretty good practice. Oh, check out these old signs. These giant fingers

3:30 these old signs. These giant fingers

3:30 these old signs. These giant fingers pointing the way to the ark. It keeps

3:32 pointing the way to the ark. It keeps

3:32 pointing the way to the ark. It keeps starting to sprinkle out here. I hope it

3:33 starting to sprinkle out here. I hope it

3:33 starting to sprinkle out here. I hope it doesn't rain too hard cuz I don't think

3:36 doesn't rain too hard cuz I don't think

3:36 doesn't rain too hard cuz I don't think that this thing is going to carry us to

3:37 that this thing is going to carry us to

3:38 that this thing is going to carry us to safety. Look at this rusting old turn

3:40 safety. Look at this rusting old turn

3:40 safety. Look at this rusting old turn style on the back. This must have been

3:42 style on the back. This must have been

3:42 style on the back. This must have been the entrance to the old animal reptile

3:44 the entrance to the old animal reptile

3:44 the entrance to the old animal reptile kingdom. Look at these old thingies to

3:46 kingdom. Look at these old thingies to

3:46 kingdom. Look at these old thingies to hold the ropes. I forget the name of a

3:48 hold the ropes. I forget the name of a

3:48 hold the ropes. I forget the name of a thingy that holds ropes. Built out of

3:50 thingy that holds ropes. Built out of

3:50 thingy that holds ropes. Built out of old wheels and concrete. That's what I

3:52 old wheels and concrete. That's what I

3:52 old wheels and concrete. That's what I love about old roadside attractions.

3:54 love about old roadside attractions.

3:54 love about old roadside attractions. They're so DIY, handbuilt, just

3:57 They're so DIY, handbuilt, just

3:57 They're so DIY, handbuilt, just creativity and a lot of hard work. Oh

3:59 creativity and a lot of hard work. Oh

3:59 creativity and a lot of hard work. Oh wow, look at that old sign for Nature's

4:01 wow, look at that old sign for Nature's

4:01 wow, look at that old sign for Nature's Acres. I've seen thousands of pictures

4:03 Acres. I've seen thousands of pictures

4:03 Acres. I've seen thousands of pictures of the blue whale, but I've never seen a

4:05 of the blue whale, but I've never seen a

4:05 of the blue whale, but I've never seen a picture of this. Check out this giant

4:09 picture of this. Check out this giant

4:09 picture of this. Check out this giant fairy ring made up of giant concrete and

4:13 fairy ring made up of giant concrete and

4:13 fairy ring made up of giant concrete and plastic metal. I don't know what that

4:15 plastic metal. I don't know what that

4:15 plastic metal. I don't know what that is. All I know is Mario would love to

4:17 is. All I know is Mario would love to

4:17 is. All I know is Mario would love to get his hands on these mushrooms. This

4:19 get his hands on these mushrooms. This

4:19 get his hands on these mushrooms. This part now sits firmly on private

4:21 part now sits firmly on private

4:21 part now sits firmly on private property, but there is a sign that says

4:22 property, but there is a sign that says

4:22 property, but there is a sign that says it's okay to come in and take pictures

4:25 it's okay to come in and take pictures

4:25 it's okay to come in and take pictures as long as you leave by dark. Dude, look

4:27 as long as you leave by dark. Dude, look

4:27 as long as you leave by dark. Dude, look at this. Obviously, this is one of the

4:29 at this. Obviously, this is one of the

4:29 at this. Obviously, this is one of the old animal enclosures. Look at that,

4:32 old animal enclosures. Look at that,

4:32 old animal enclosures. Look at that, man. Who knows what could have been in

4:34 man. Who knows what could have been in

4:34 man. Who knows what could have been in this thing? Hugh Davis was one time

4:36 this thing? Hugh Davis was one time

4:36 this thing? Hugh Davis was one time director of the Tulsa Zoo, like I said,

4:38 director of the Tulsa Zoo, like I said,

4:38 director of the Tulsa Zoo, like I said, and the lady I was talking to swears she

4:40 and the lady I was talking to swears she

4:40 and the lady I was talking to swears she remembers seeing a lion cub here when

4:43 remembers seeing a lion cub here when

4:43 remembers seeing a lion cub here when she was a little girl. I've only seen

4:45 she was a little girl. I've only seen

4:45 she was a little girl. I've only seen pictures of alligators and snakes and

4:47 pictures of alligators and snakes and

4:47 pictures of alligators and snakes and stuff like that, but you never know. All

4:48 stuff like that, but you never know. All

4:48 stuff like that, but you never know. All through the trees here are short little

4:51 through the trees here are short little

4:51 through the trees here are short little fences and wire mesh enclosures. See

4:53 fences and wire mesh enclosures. See

4:53 fences and wire mesh enclosures. See that one right there? And then there's

4:56 that one right there? And then there's

4:56 that one right there? And then there's things like this. Imagine that. Hey,

4:59 things like this. Imagine that. Hey,

4:59 things like this. Imagine that. Hey, look down there. There's a tortoise

5:01 look down there. There's a tortoise

5:02 look down there. There's a tortoise inside that enclosure. I can see on the

5:04 inside that enclosure. I can see on the

5:04 inside that enclosure. I can see on the other side that there's a gap in the

5:05 other side that there's a gap in the

5:05 other side that there's a gap in the fence. Maybe this tortoise's great great

5:07 fence. Maybe this tortoise's great great

5:07 fence. Maybe this tortoise's great great grandpappy once lived in here. Man, I

5:09 grandpappy once lived in here. Man, I

5:09 grandpappy once lived in here. Man, I wasn't expecting this weird creepy path

5:12 wasn't expecting this weird creepy path

5:12 wasn't expecting this weird creepy path through all the forest. A lot of spiderw

5:14 through all the forest. A lot of spiderw

5:14 through all the forest. A lot of spiderw webs in here. Oh wow, look at all this

5:17 webs in here. Oh wow, look at all this

5:17 webs in here. Oh wow, look at all this stuff. There's just cage after cage. I

5:19 stuff. There's just cage after cage. I

5:19 stuff. There's just cage after cage. I had no idea any of this was back here.

5:23 had no idea any of this was back here.

5:23 had no idea any of this was back here. This is so unbelievable. A giant deer

5:25 This is so unbelievable. A giant deer

5:26 This is so unbelievable. A giant deer just bounded through the woods right

5:28 just bounded through the woods right

5:28 just bounded through the woods right there and scared the living daylights

5:30 there and scared the living daylights

5:30 there and scared the living daylights out of me. Well, into the trail down

5:31 out of me. Well, into the trail down

5:32 out of me. Well, into the trail down there. nothing but swamp. But check

5:33 there. nothing but swamp. But check

5:33 there. nothing but swamp. But check these out. This is so cool. All these

5:36 these out. This is so cool. All these

5:36 these out. This is so cool. All these homemade, handmade cages. This must have

5:39 homemade, handmade cages. This must have

5:39 homemade, handmade cages. This must have been a very cool attraction at one time.

5:41 been a very cool attraction at one time.

5:41 been a very cool attraction at one time. Right now though, it feels almost more

5:43 Right now though, it feels almost more

5:43 Right now though, it feels almost more like something out of a horror movie.

5:45 like something out of a horror movie.

5:45 like something out of a horror movie. See, all of this stuff here is what

5:47 See, all of this stuff here is what

5:47 See, all of this stuff here is what makes it so unbelievable. But everybody,

5:50 makes it so unbelievable. But everybody,

5:50 makes it so unbelievable. But everybody, including Hugh's son, Blaine, that was

5:52 including Hugh's son, Blaine, that was

5:52 including Hugh's son, Blaine, that was here for years and years, all stick to

5:54 here for years and years, all stick to

5:54 here for years and years, all stick to the story that the blue whale wasn't

5:56 the story that the blue whale wasn't

5:56 the story that the blue whale wasn't built to be part of this attraction at

5:58 built to be part of this attraction at

5:58 built to be part of this attraction at first, just as a family surprise. I

6:00 first, just as a family surprise. I

6:00 first, just as a family surprise. I don't know if I buy that, though. I

6:01 don't know if I buy that, though. I

6:01 don't know if I buy that, though. I mean, somebody who built this clearly

6:03 mean, somebody who built this clearly

6:03 mean, somebody who built this clearly had an eye for what would pull visitors

6:05 had an eye for what would pull visitors

6:05 had an eye for what would pull visitors off the highway. Man, I wish I could buy

6:07 off the highway. Man, I wish I could buy

6:07 off the highway. Man, I wish I could buy one of these old signs and keep it.

6:09 one of these old signs and keep it.

6:09 one of these old signs and keep it. Pretty stinking cool, right? The Ark.

6:11 Pretty stinking cool, right? The Ark.

6:11 Pretty stinking cool, right? The Ark. Anyway, whatever it was built for,

6:13 Anyway, whatever it was built for,

6:13 Anyway, whatever it was built for, eventually the Blue Whale was

6:14 eventually the Blue Whale was

6:14 eventually the Blue Whale was incorporated into the attraction.

6:17 incorporated into the attraction.

6:17 incorporated into the attraction. Concrete restrooms were built, epic

6:19 Concrete restrooms were built, epic

6:19 Concrete restrooms were built, epic picnic tables were added, and Jonah's

6:21 picnic tables were added, and Jonah's

6:21 picnic tables were added, and Jonah's whale here became part of the ark. Look

6:23 whale here became part of the ark. Look

6:23 whale here became part of the ark. Look at these concrete seats here. These are

6:26 at these concrete seats here. These are

6:26 at these concrete seats here. These are rad. I'm assuming these weren't

6:27 rad. I'm assuming these weren't

6:27 rad. I'm assuming these weren't handbuilt. These were probably ordered

6:29 handbuilt. These were probably ordered

6:29 handbuilt. These were probably ordered from somewhere. But that's amazing. For

6:31 from somewhere. But that's amazing. For

6:31 from somewhere. But that's amazing. For almost 50 years, old blue out there has

6:34 almost 50 years, old blue out there has

6:34 almost 50 years, old blue out there has been delighting children. Even the big

6:36 been delighting children. Even the big

6:36 been delighting children. Even the big ones. There's Route 66 right there. If

6:38 ones. There's Route 66 right there. If

6:38 ones. There's Route 66 right there. If you were to see this out of your

6:39 you were to see this out of your

6:39 you were to see this out of your windows, wouldn't you stop? I know the C

6:42 windows, wouldn't you stop? I know the C

6:42 windows, wouldn't you stop? I know the C on the blue whale's baseball cap

6:43 on the blue whale's baseball cap

6:43 on the blue whale's baseball cap probably stands for Katusa, but I would

6:45 probably stands for Katusa, but I would

6:45 probably stands for Katusa, but I would pay good money to see that hat get a

6:47 pay good money to see that hat get a

6:47 pay good money to see that hat get a makeover and get the R for adventure. I

6:48 makeover and get the R for adventure. I

6:48 makeover and get the R for adventure. I feel like this blue whale knows a thing

6:50 feel like this blue whale knows a thing

6:50 feel like this blue whale knows a thing or two about adventures. And speaking of

6:52 or two about adventures. And speaking of

6:52 or two about adventures. And speaking of adventures, I think my time has come. It

6:55 adventures, I think my time has come. It

6:55 adventures, I think my time has come. It is time to go upstairs. Oh, that's

6:57 is time to go upstairs. Oh, that's

6:57 is time to go upstairs. Oh, that's right. There's an upstairs. Look at

6:59 right. There's an upstairs. Look at

6:59 right. There's an upstairs. Look at this. I never knew from the old pictures

7:01 this. I never knew from the old pictures

7:01 this. I never knew from the old pictures that the blue whale was basically just

7:04 that the blue whale was basically just

7:04 that the blue whale was basically just walls. You can see straight down into

7:06 walls. You can see straight down into

7:06 walls. You can see straight down into the water. I love that his fins are

7:08 the water. I love that his fins are

7:08 the water. I love that his fins are slides. And there's climbing ladders

7:10 slides. And there's climbing ladders

7:10 slides. And there's climbing ladders from the days when this was the old

7:11 from the days when this was the old

7:11 from the days when this was the old swimming hole. There's no swimming

7:13 swimming hole. There's no swimming

7:13 swimming hole. There's no swimming allowed here now, but the tail used to

7:15 allowed here now, but the tail used to

7:15 allowed here now, but the tail used to be a diving board. Okay. Okay, enough

7:17 be a diving board. Okay. Okay, enough

7:17 be a diving board. Okay. Okay, enough procrastination. Here goes nothing.

7:25 [Music]

7:25 [Music] Wa! This is awesome. Those boards aren't

7:29 Wa! This is awesome. Those boards aren't

7:29 Wa! This is awesome. Those boards aren't very thick, so I'm a little nervous, but

7:31 very thick, so I'm a little nervous, but

7:31 very thick, so I'm a little nervous, but I got to be cool. How often do you get

7:33 I got to be cool. How often do you get

7:33 I got to be cool. How often do you get to go upstairs in a blue whale's head?

7:35 to go upstairs in a blue whale's head?

7:35 to go upstairs in a blue whale's head? Oh, those are some very flexible boards.

7:38 Oh, those are some very flexible boards.

7:38 Oh, those are some very flexible boards. Okay, just not going to she's not going

7:40 Okay, just not going to she's not going

7:40 Okay, just not going to she's not going to focus on that. How about this? We're

7:42 to focus on that. How about this? We're

7:42 to focus on that. How about this? We're under the big hat. Wow, look at that. A

7:44 under the big hat. Wow, look at that. A

7:44 under the big hat. Wow, look at that. A lot of people have signed their names up

7:45 lot of people have signed their names up

7:45 lot of people have signed their names up here. Apparently, that's encouraged. I

7:47 here. Apparently, that's encouraged. I

7:47 here. Apparently, that's encouraged. I was expecting even more signatures than

7:49 was expecting even more signatures than

7:49 was expecting even more signatures than I see here, but I now realize probably

7:51 I see here, but I now realize probably

7:51 I see here, but I now realize probably very few adults actually climb up in

7:53 very few adults actually climb up in

7:53 very few adults actually climb up in this thing, and I can see why. Anyway,

7:55 this thing, and I can see why. Anyway,

7:55 this thing, and I can see why. Anyway, the story of the whale. Eventually, by

7:57 the story of the whale. Eventually, by

7:57 the story of the whale. Eventually, by the late8s, Hugh and Zelta were getting

8:00 the late8s, Hugh and Zelta were getting

8:00 the late8s, Hugh and Zelta were getting on in years, and they were getting a

8:02 on in years, and they were getting a

8:02 on in years, and they were getting a little too old to run their roadside

8:05 little too old to run their roadside

8:05 little too old to run their roadside attraction. For at least 10 years, the

8:07 attraction. For at least 10 years, the

8:07 attraction. For at least 10 years, the Blue Whale was closed to the public.

8:09 Blue Whale was closed to the public.

8:09 Blue Whale was closed to the public. Visitors passing by on Old Route 66

8:11 Visitors passing by on Old Route 66

8:11 Visitors passing by on Old Route 66 would stop by and take pictures of the

8:14 would stop by and take pictures of the

8:14 would stop by and take pictures of the decaying ruins of the whale. But

8:16 decaying ruins of the whale. But

8:16 decaying ruins of the whale. But eventually the family with the help of

8:18 eventually the family with the help of

8:18 eventually the family with the help of the local businesses and the local

8:19 the local businesses and the local

8:19 the local businesses and the local community got enough money together to

8:22 community got enough money together to

8:22 community got enough money together to restore old blue. By the way, I keep

8:25 restore old blue. By the way, I keep

8:25 restore old blue. By the way, I keep saying blue whale because the color is

8:26 saying blue whale because the color is

8:26 saying blue whale because the color is blue, but yes, I know this is supposed

8:28 blue, but yes, I know this is supposed

8:28 blue, but yes, I know this is supposed to be a sperm whale. This is so cool. I

8:32 to be a sperm whale. This is so cool. I

8:32 to be a sperm whale. This is so cool. I feel like Jonah, except I'm pretty sure

8:33 feel like Jonah, except I'm pretty sure

8:33 feel like Jonah, except I'm pretty sure that Jonah didn't have electricity.

8:35 that Jonah didn't have electricity.

8:35 that Jonah didn't have electricity. Okay, down the ladder of terror. This is

8:37 Okay, down the ladder of terror. This is

8:37 Okay, down the ladder of terror. This is the reason I don't like heights. Getting

8:39 the reason I don't like heights. Getting

8:39 the reason I don't like heights. Getting up is easy. Going down is something

8:42 up is easy. Going down is something

8:42 up is easy. Going down is something else. At least it's not that far. Okay,

8:44 else. At least it's not that far. Okay,

8:44 else. At least it's not that far. Okay, now for the

8:51 tail. For some reason, this is worse. Oh

8:52 tail. For some reason, this is worse. Oh yeah, that would be one heck of a diving

8:56 yeah, that would be one heck of a diving

8:56 yeah, that would be one heck of a diving board. Wow, I'm on the tail of a whale.

8:59 board. Wow, I'm on the tail of a whale.

9:00 board. Wow, I'm on the tail of a whale. And boy, it'd be a whale of a tail

9:01 And boy, it'd be a whale of a tail

9:01 And boy, it'd be a whale of a tail telling you how I got here. I know that

9:03 telling you how I got here. I know that

9:03 telling you how I got here. I know that in the grand scheme of things, this

9:04 in the grand scheme of things, this

9:04 in the grand scheme of things, this really isn't that high up. And yes, I

9:06 really isn't that high up. And yes, I

9:06 really isn't that high up. And yes, I know that small children dived off of

9:08 know that small children dived off of

9:08 know that small children dived off of this for decades. Still totally freaks

9:11 this for decades. Still totally freaks

9:11 this for decades. Still totally freaks me out. That was awesome. See, that's

9:15 me out. That was awesome. See, that's

9:15 me out. That was awesome. See, that's what you're standing on up there. One of

9:17 what you're standing on up there. One of

9:17 what you're standing on up there. One of the coolest places I've ever been. The

9:20 the coolest places I've ever been. The

9:20 the coolest places I've ever been. The blue whale. Captain Ahab would have a

9:22 blue whale. Captain Ahab would have a

9:22 blue whale. Captain Ahab would have a field day out here. Oo, so would my

9:24 field day out here. Oo, so would my

9:24 field day out here. Oo, so would my dentist. They need a deep cleaning

9:26 dentist. They need a deep cleaning

9:26 dentist. They need a deep cleaning there. I really don't want to leave.

9:28 there. I really don't want to leave.

9:28 there. I really don't want to leave. Like I said, this was a goal for me for

9:30 Like I said, this was a goal for me for

9:30 Like I said, this was a goal for me for more than 20 years to come and see this.

9:33 more than 20 years to come and see this.

9:33 more than 20 years to come and see this. I checked something off the bucket list,

9:35 I checked something off the bucket list,

9:35 I checked something off the bucket list, but is it weird that I'm a little sad

9:36 but is it weird that I'm a little sad

9:36 but is it weird that I'm a little sad about it? I don't know how to explain.

9:38 about it? I don't know how to explain.

9:38 about it? I don't know how to explain. Not that I won't be back, but there can

9:39 Not that I won't be back, but there can

9:39 Not that I won't be back, but there can only be one first time seeing this. And

9:42 only be one first time seeing this. And

9:42 only be one first time seeing this. And yes, would you look at the size of that

9:45 yes, would you look at the size of that

9:45 yes, would you look at the size of that whale? That's one gargantuan beast.

9:49 whale? That's one gargantuan beast.

9:49 whale? That's one gargantuan beast. That's a bigger mammal than my

9:50 That's a bigger mammal than my

9:50 That's a bigger mammal than my mother-in-law. I actually stole that one

9:52 mother-in-law. I actually stole that one

9:52 mother-in-law. I actually stole that one off one of those signs from the round

9:53 off one of those signs from the round

9:54 off one of those signs from the round barn yesterday. There were a lot of

9:55 barn yesterday. There were a lot of

9:55 barn yesterday. There were a lot of mother-in-law jokes in there. Well,

9:57 mother-in-law jokes in there. Well,

9:57 mother-in-law jokes in there. Well, goodbye, old blue. You're my boy,

10:00 goodbye, old blue. You're my boy,

10:00 goodbye, old blue. You're my boy, Blue. You're my boy,

10:02 Blue. You're my boy,

10:02 Blue. You're my boy, [Music]

10:03 [Music] Blue. All right, time to be moving

10:06 Blue. All right, time to be moving

10:06 Blue. All right, time to be moving along. Quite a monument to the American

10:08 along. Quite a monument to the American

10:08 along. Quite a monument to the American dream where you can still come out and

10:09 dream where you can still come out and

10:10 dream where you can still come out and make something of yourself or make

10:11 make something of yourself or make

10:11 make something of yourself or make something for yourself. And speaking of

10:13 something for yourself. And speaking of

10:13 something for yourself. And speaking of the American dream, it's time to head

10:15 the American dream, it's time to head

10:15 the American dream, it's time to head down the bucket list highway towards

10:18 down the bucket list highway towards

10:18 down the bucket list highway towards another American icon. This is the grave

10:21 another American icon. This is the grave

10:21 another American icon. This is the grave of Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers.

10:25 of Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers.

10:25 of Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers. I don't know much about Will Rogers, or

10:27 I don't know much about Will Rogers, or

10:27 I don't know much about Will Rogers, or not nearly as much as I should perhaps,

10:29 not nearly as much as I should perhaps,

10:29 not nearly as much as I should perhaps, but of course, Route 66 is named the

10:31 but of course, Route 66 is named the

10:31 but of course, Route 66 is named the Will Rogers Highway, and I've heard a

10:33 Will Rogers Highway, and I've heard a

10:33 Will Rogers Highway, and I've heard a lot about him so far in my travels. I

10:35 lot about him so far in my travels. I

10:35 lot about him so far in my travels. I know that he was a funny guy. He was a

10:37 know that he was a funny guy. He was a

10:37 know that he was a funny guy. He was a newspaper columnist, a radio show host.

10:39 newspaper columnist, a radio show host.

10:39 newspaper columnist, a radio show host. And of course, I'm familiar with his

10:40 And of course, I'm familiar with his

10:40 And of course, I'm familiar with his famous quote that's right here on his

10:42 famous quote that's right here on his

10:42 famous quote that's right here on his grave. I never met a man I didn't like,

10:45 grave. I never met a man I didn't like,

10:45 grave. I never met a man I didn't like, but I don't feel like I know enough. So,

10:46 but I don't feel like I know enough. So,

10:46 but I don't feel like I know enough. So, I came here to the Will Rogers Memorial

10:49 I came here to the Will Rogers Memorial

10:49 I came here to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum to learn more about the Mark

10:51 Museum to learn more about the Mark

10:52 Museum to learn more about the Mark Twain of his day, Will Rogers, mayor of

10:55 Twain of his day, Will Rogers, mayor of

10:55 Twain of his day, Will Rogers, mayor of Beverly Hills. I know when he died, he

10:57 Beverly Hills. I know when he died, he

10:57 Beverly Hills. I know when he died, he was originally buried in California, but

10:59 was originally buried in California, but

10:59 was originally buried in California, but his wife moved him to what was supposed

11:00 his wife moved him to what was supposed

11:00 his wife moved him to what was supposed to be the retirement house here in

11:02 to be the retirement house here in

11:02 to be the retirement house here in Oklahoma, and now he and most of his

11:05 Oklahoma, and now he and most of his

11:05 Oklahoma, and now he and most of his family are buried right here. Now, I'm

11:07 family are buried right here. Now, I'm

11:08 family are buried right here. Now, I'm hoping to learn more about the man. Wow,

11:10 hoping to learn more about the man. Wow,

11:10 hoping to learn more about the man. Wow, there's a lot of stuff in here. Will

11:13 there's a lot of stuff in here. Will

11:13 there's a lot of stuff in here. Will Rogers was a famous cowboy, but he was a

11:15 Rogers was a famous cowboy, but he was a

11:15 Rogers was a famous cowboy, but he was a quarter Cherokee, which is what my

11:17 quarter Cherokee, which is what my

11:17 quarter Cherokee, which is what my grandma always said about herself. He

11:19 grandma always said about herself. He

11:19 grandma always said about herself. He grew up out here in Oklahoma, where his

11:21 grew up out here in Oklahoma, where his

11:21 grew up out here in Oklahoma, where his dad have a lot of property. His dad was

11:23 dad have a lot of property. His dad was

11:23 dad have a lot of property. His dad was one of those guys that was always like,

11:24 one of those guys that was always like,

11:24 one of those guys that was always like, "Well, why don't you get a real job?"

11:26 "Well, why don't you get a real job?"

11:26 "Well, why don't you get a real job?" See his eyebrow up there? He's like,

11:27 See his eyebrow up there? He's like,

11:27 See his eyebrow up there? He's like, "Come on. You think you're going to make

11:28 "Come on. You think you're going to make

11:28 "Come on. You think you're going to make money with your lasso?" Well, he did

11:31 money with your lasso?" Well, he did

11:31 money with your lasso?" Well, he did make money with his lasso as the

11:33 make money with his lasso as the

11:33 make money with his lasso as the Cherokee Kid in Texas Jack Circus.

11:36 Cherokee Kid in Texas Jack Circus.

11:36 Cherokee Kid in Texas Jack Circus. People who are the entertainment types

11:37 People who are the entertainment types

11:38 People who are the entertainment types are often misunderstood, aren't they?

11:39 are often misunderstood, aren't they?

11:39 are often misunderstood, aren't they? First, he was a champion lassoer, and

11:41 First, he was a champion lassoer, and

11:41 First, he was a champion lassoer, and then he became a vaudeville star when he

11:43 then he became a vaudeville star when he

11:43 then he became a vaudeville star when he realized he was funny. He was known as

11:46 realized he was funny. He was known as

11:46 realized he was funny. He was known as the roping fool. Even then, people were

11:48 the roping fool. Even then, people were

11:48 the roping fool. Even then, people were like, "What are you doing with your

11:49 like, "What are you doing with your

11:49 like, "What are you doing with your life? A vaudeville act? Come on." But

11:51 life? A vaudeville act? Come on." But

11:51 life? A vaudeville act? Come on." But then just like Mark Twain, the more and

11:53 then just like Mark Twain, the more and

11:53 then just like Mark Twain, the more and more Will Rogers traveled, the more his

11:56 more Will Rogers traveled, the more his

11:56 more Will Rogers traveled, the more his letters were published in newspapers,

11:57 letters were published in newspapers,

11:57 letters were published in newspapers, and his career really picked up when he

11:59 and his career really picked up when he

11:59 and his career really picked up when he became a writer. Turns out that Will

12:02 became a writer. Turns out that Will

12:02 became a writer. Turns out that Will Rogers was a really funny writer and a

12:05 Rogers was a really funny writer and a

12:05 Rogers was a really funny writer and a really prolific one. He only ever missed

12:06 really prolific one. He only ever missed

12:06 really prolific one. He only ever missed his deadline on two columns, and he

12:08 his deadline on two columns, and he

12:08 his deadline on two columns, and he wrote columns, I'm pretty sure, every

12:10 wrote columns, I'm pretty sure, every

12:10 wrote columns, I'm pretty sure, every day. The Oklahoma cowboy became very

12:12 day. The Oklahoma cowboy became very

12:12 day. The Oklahoma cowboy became very well known for his wit and charm and his

12:14 well known for his wit and charm and his

12:14 well known for his wit and charm and his very likable way of making fun of

12:17 very likable way of making fun of

12:17 very likable way of making fun of everyone, especially politicians. he

12:19 everyone, especially politicians. he

12:20 everyone, especially politicians. he could get away with making fun of

12:22 could get away with making fun of

12:22 could get away with making fun of everybody and making a point at the same

12:24 everybody and making a point at the same

12:24 everybody and making a point at the same time with his signature by line, "All I

12:27 time with his signature by line, "All I

12:27 time with his signature by line, "All I know is what I read in the papers."

12:28 know is what I read in the papers."

12:28 know is what I read in the papers." Naturally, being a writer and a wit,

12:31 Naturally, being a writer and a wit,

12:31 Naturally, being a writer and a wit, Will Rogers was a perfect candidate for

12:33 Will Rogers was a perfect candidate for

12:33 Will Rogers was a perfect candidate for radio. And he soon became a radio

12:36 radio. And he soon became a radio

12:36 radio. And he soon became a radio sensation. Look, there he is right there

12:39 sensation. Look, there he is right there

12:39 sensation. Look, there he is right there talking on the radio. Well, you've

12:41 talking on the radio. Well, you've

12:42 talking on the radio. Well, you've already conquered the stage, the

12:43 already conquered the stage, the

12:43 already conquered the stage, the newspaper, and the radio. What's next?

12:45 newspaper, and the radio. What's next?

12:45 newspaper, and the radio. What's next? Why, the movies, of course. Will Rogers

12:48 Why, the movies, of course. Will Rogers

12:48 Why, the movies, of course. Will Rogers moved to California and became a huge

12:51 moved to California and became a huge

12:51 moved to California and became a huge movie star. Dang, look at all these

12:53 movie star. Dang, look at all these

12:53 movie star. Dang, look at all these movie posters. Oh, here's one I haven't

12:54 movie posters. Oh, here's one I haven't

12:54 movie posters. Oh, here's one I haven't seen. Cupid the Cow Puncher. Wow, some

12:57 seen. Cupid the Cow Puncher. Wow, some

12:57 seen. Cupid the Cow Puncher. Wow, some of these are really old timey old Howal

12:59 of these are really old timey old Howal

12:59 of these are really old timey old Howal Roach Presents films. Silent movies,

13:01 Roach Presents films. Silent movies,

13:01 Roach Presents films. Silent movies, Takis, Color, a misunderstood traveling

13:04 Takis, Color, a misunderstood traveling

13:04 Takis, Color, a misunderstood traveling funny man. I like it. He was a man after

13:07 funny man. I like it. He was a man after

13:07 funny man. I like it. He was a man after my own heart. The ladies at the museum

13:09 my own heart. The ladies at the museum

13:09 my own heart. The ladies at the museum told me that there's one of these in the

13:11 told me that there's one of these in the

13:11 told me that there's one of these in the capital of the United States. And before

13:12 capital of the United States. And before

13:12 capital of the United States. And before the State of the Union speeches, the

13:14 the State of the Union speeches, the

13:14 the State of the Union speeches, the president will rub his toes for good

13:17 president will rub his toes for good

13:17 president will rub his toes for good luck. Well, I could use some good luck.

13:19 luck. Well, I could use some good luck.

13:19 luck. Well, I could use some good luck. Thanks, Will. Ooh, there's a gallery of

13:21 Thanks, Will. Ooh, there's a gallery of

13:21 Thanks, Will. Ooh, there's a gallery of miniatures in here. I love miniatures.

13:24 miniatures in here. I love miniatures.

13:24 miniatures in here. I love miniatures. Oh, there's young Will at his birthplace

13:27 Oh, there's young Will at his birthplace

13:27 Oh, there's young Will at his birthplace on his dad's ranch. Oh, look at this

13:29 on his dad's ranch. Oh, look at this

13:29 on his dad's ranch. Oh, look at this troublemaker. Even in his school days,

13:31 troublemaker. Even in his school days,

13:31 troublemaker. Even in his school days, he was doing a little bit of roping.

13:33 he was doing a little bit of roping.

13:33 he was doing a little bit of roping. Can't rope yourself a girlfriend now,

13:34 Can't rope yourself a girlfriend now,

13:34 Can't rope yourself a girlfriend now, fellas. Remember that. There he is in

13:36 fellas. Remember that. There he is in

13:36 fellas. Remember that. There he is in Claremore, which is a Route 66 town that

13:38 Claremore, which is a Route 66 town that

13:38 Claremore, which is a Route 66 town that we're in right now. Then he was a cattle

13:40 we're in right now. Then he was a cattle

13:40 we're in right now. Then he was a cattle rancher in Texas. says there's a part I

13:42 rancher in Texas. says there's a part I

13:42 rancher in Texas. says there's a part I don't see in here where he went to

13:43 don't see in here where he went to

13:43 don't see in here where he went to Argentina and tried to open a ranch

13:44 Argentina and tried to open a ranch

13:44 Argentina and tried to open a ranch there and then South Africa and he

13:46 there and then South Africa and he

13:46 there and then South Africa and he traveled around the world a lot before

13:47 traveled around the world a lot before

13:48 traveled around the world a lot before he was finally in the Wild West shows

13:50 he was finally in the Wild West shows

13:50 he was finally in the Wild West shows and then on stage in New York and the

13:52 and then on stage in New York and the

13:52 and then on stage in New York and the radio. And let's not forget about the

13:54 radio. And let's not forget about the

13:54 radio. And let's not forget about the newspaper. Ooh, and the movies. Look,

13:56 newspaper. Ooh, and the movies. Look,

13:56 newspaper. Ooh, and the movies. Look, there he is on set typing his newspaper

13:58 there he is on set typing his newspaper

13:58 there he is on set typing his newspaper column while he's working on the movies.

14:00 column while he's working on the movies.

14:00 column while he's working on the movies. Apparently, he also went to Nicaragua.

14:02 Apparently, he also went to Nicaragua.

14:02 Apparently, he also went to Nicaragua. Yes, sir. That man lived one heck of a

14:05 Yes, sir. That man lived one heck of a

14:05 Yes, sir. That man lived one heck of a life and he was wise. Look at this. That

14:08 life and he was wise. Look at this. That

14:08 life and he was wise. Look at this. That is so true. This one's pretty true, too.

14:11 is so true. This one's pretty true, too.

14:11 is so true. This one's pretty true, too. LOL. Wow, there's a movie theater in

14:14 LOL. Wow, there's a movie theater in

14:14 LOL. Wow, there's a movie theater in here. Showing Will Rogers movies. Man,

14:17 here. Showing Will Rogers movies. Man,

14:17 here. Showing Will Rogers movies. Man, that guy was one heck of a roper. I've

14:19 that guy was one heck of a roper. I've

14:19 that guy was one heck of a roper. I've never really thought about lassoing

14:20 never really thought about lassoing

14:20 never really thought about lassoing before, but you should look that up. He

14:22 before, but you should look that up. He

14:22 before, but you should look that up. He had a lot of good lasso tricks. Just

14:24 had a lot of good lasso tricks. Just

14:24 had a lot of good lasso tricks. Just watched the roping fool. Pretty

14:26 watched the roping fool. Pretty

14:26 watched the roping fool. Pretty entertaining. Then, of course, sadly,

14:28 entertaining. Then, of course, sadly,

14:28 entertaining. Then, of course, sadly, there's the final journey. These were

14:30 there's the final journey. These were

14:30 there's the final journey. These were some of the things found in his pocket

14:32 some of the things found in his pocket

14:32 some of the things found in his pocket when he was recovered from the wreckage

14:34 when he was recovered from the wreckage

14:34 when he was recovered from the wreckage of a crashed plane. plane went down in

14:37 of a crashed plane. plane went down in

14:37 of a crashed plane. plane went down in an area of Alaska so remote that this

14:39 an area of Alaska so remote that this

14:39 an area of Alaska so remote that this native Alaskan here had to run 15 miles,

14:43 native Alaskan here had to run 15 miles,

14:43 native Alaskan here had to run 15 miles, 15 miles to go report the crash. The

14:46 15 miles to go report the crash. The

14:46 15 miles to go report the crash. The whole world was super upset. He was

14:50 whole world was super upset. He was

14:50 whole world was super upset. He was perhaps the most beloved man of his

14:52 perhaps the most beloved man of his

14:52 perhaps the most beloved man of his time. And just look at some of those

14:55 time. And just look at some of those

14:55 time. And just look at some of those travels. Speaking of travels, it was

14:57 travels. Speaking of travels, it was

14:57 travels. Speaking of travels, it was great to come and learn more about Will

14:59 great to come and learn more about Will

14:59 great to come and learn more about Will Rogers and pay my respects to the man

15:01 Rogers and pay my respects to the man

15:01 Rogers and pay my respects to the man out there. Pretty sure I'm going to need

15:03 out there. Pretty sure I'm going to need

15:03 out there. Pretty sure I'm going to need to pick up a Will Rogers book. The Will

15:05 to pick up a Will Rogers book. The Will

15:05 to pick up a Will Rogers book. The Will Rogers Children's Museum section is

15:07 Rogers Children's Museum section is

15:07 Rogers Children's Museum section is closed, so yep, definitely time to go.

15:09 closed, so yep, definitely time to go.

15:09 closed, so yep, definitely time to go. That was so cool. His birthplace is also

15:11 That was so cool. His birthplace is also

15:11 That was so cool. His birthplace is also nearby and free. I think I'm going to

15:13 nearby and free. I think I'm going to

15:13 nearby and free. I think I'm going to save that for the trip back. For now,

15:14 save that for the trip back. For now,

15:14 save that for the trip back. For now, there's something I want to see down the

15:16 there's something I want to see down the

15:16 there's something I want to see down the road a little ways. Oh yeah, that's what

15:18 road a little ways. Oh yeah, that's what

15:18 road a little ways. Oh yeah, that's what I like to see. Some old school road. I

15:21 I like to see. Some old school road. I

15:21 I like to see. Some old school road. I get a kick out of finding these little

15:22 get a kick out of finding these little

15:22 get a kick out of finding these little places. I'm telling you, there are a lot

15:24 places. I'm telling you, there are a lot

15:24 places. I'm telling you, there are a lot of guide books out there, and I have a

15:25 of guide books out there, and I have a

15:25 of guide books out there, and I have a few with me, but I haven't used any of

15:27 few with me, but I haven't used any of

15:27 few with me, but I haven't used any of them in Oklahoma. You can just see this

15:30 them in Oklahoma. You can just see this

15:30 them in Oklahoma. You can just see this very distinctive type of pavement. Oh,

15:32 very distinctive type of pavement. Oh,

15:32 very distinctive type of pavement. Oh, what's this? Look at this little main

15:34 what's this? Look at this little main

15:34 what's this? Look at this little main street here with this old gas station.

15:36 street here with this old gas station.

15:36 street here with this old gas station. Wow, the foil filling station. I never

15:39 Wow, the foil filling station. I never

15:39 Wow, the foil filling station. I never heard of this one or seen any pictures

15:41 heard of this one or seen any pictures

15:41 heard of this one or seen any pictures of it. But it looks like it's

15:42 of it. But it looks like it's

15:42 of it. But it looks like it's experiencing a current restoration.

15:45 experiencing a current restoration.

15:45 experiencing a current restoration. Somebody is fixing this place up. Oo,

15:49 Somebody is fixing this place up. Oo,

15:49 Somebody is fixing this place up. Oo, more information on Facebook, I guess.

15:50 more information on Facebook, I guess.

15:50 more information on Facebook, I guess. Well, this is good cuz this means we're

15:52 Well, this is good cuz this means we're

15:52 Well, this is good cuz this means we're in Foil, Oklahoma. We're not too far

15:55 in Foil, Oklahoma. We're not too far

15:55 in Foil, Oklahoma. We're not too far from our next stop. This one's a little

15:56 from our next stop. This one's a little

15:56 from our next stop. This one's a little ways off the highway, but it's become a

15:59 ways off the highway, but it's become a

15:59 ways off the highway, but it's become a Route 66 icon. Anyway, we just turn off

16:02 Route 66 icon. Anyway, we just turn off

16:02 Route 66 icon. Anyway, we just turn off the main route, go up and down a few

16:03 the main route, go up and down a few

16:03 the main route, go up and down a few hills here, and bam, the world's largest

16:07 hills here, and bam, the world's largest

16:07 hills here, and bam, the world's largest and tallest concrete totem pole. Would

16:11 and tallest concrete totem pole. Would

16:11 and tallest concrete totem pole. Would you look at the size of that totem pole?

16:15 you look at the size of that totem pole?

16:15 you look at the size of that totem pole? A guy by the name of Ed Galloway retired

16:18 A guy by the name of Ed Galloway retired

16:18 A guy by the name of Ed Galloway retired to this quiet spot after 20 years of

16:20 to this quiet spot after 20 years of

16:20 to this quiet spot after 20 years of teaching orphans woodworking. And

16:22 teaching orphans woodworking. And

16:22 teaching orphans woodworking. And apparently retirement wasn't a good fit

16:25 apparently retirement wasn't a good fit

16:25 apparently retirement wasn't a good fit because Ed got bored and spent the next

16:27 because Ed got bored and spent the next

16:27 because Ed got bored and spent the next several years building himself a 60ft

16:30 several years building himself a 60ft

16:30 several years building himself a 60ft tall 30 ft around down here totem pole.

16:34 tall 30 ft around down here totem pole.

16:34 tall 30 ft around down here totem pole. This is one very ornate, very crazy

16:38 This is one very ornate, very crazy

16:38 This is one very ornate, very crazy looking piece of folk art. Now, as far

16:41 looking piece of folk art. Now, as far

16:41 looking piece of folk art. Now, as far as we know, Ed Galloway wasn't a Native

16:44 as we know, Ed Galloway wasn't a Native

16:44 as we know, Ed Galloway wasn't a Native American, just a fan, and this was his

16:46 American, just a fan, and this was his

16:46 American, just a fan, and this was his tribute to Native American culture.

16:49 tribute to Native American culture.

16:49 tribute to Native American culture. There are many large Native American

16:51 There are many large Native American

16:51 There are many large Native American groups around here. Most notably, of

16:52 groups around here. Most notably, of

16:52 groups around here. Most notably, of course, the Cherokee Nation, and it was

16:54 course, the Cherokee Nation, and it was

16:54 course, the Cherokee Nation, and it was partially a tribute to them, but mostly,

16:56 partially a tribute to them, but mostly,

16:56 partially a tribute to them, but mostly, Ed said, it's because he just needed to

16:58 Ed said, it's because he just needed to

16:58 Ed said, it's because he just needed to give himself something to do. Look at

17:00 give himself something to do. Look at

17:00 give himself something to do. Look at it. It's bigger than his house.

17:02 it. It's bigger than his house.

17:02 it. It's bigger than his house. Supposedly, his wife taunted him with a

17:04 Supposedly, his wife taunted him with a

17:04 Supposedly, his wife taunted him with a poem. Totem poles are made by fools like

17:06 poem. Totem poles are made by fools like

17:06 poem. Totem poles are made by fools like thee, but only God can make a tree. So,

17:08 thee, but only God can make a tree. So,

17:08 thee, but only God can make a tree. So, of course, you know what Ed's response

17:10 of course, you know what Ed's response

17:10 of course, you know what Ed's response was? Challenge accepted. He built his

17:13 was? Challenge accepted. He built his

17:13 was? Challenge accepted. He built his own tree just to stick it to his wife,

17:15 own tree just to stick it to his wife,

17:15 own tree just to stick it to his wife, and he put a bunch of holes in it for

17:17 and he put a bunch of holes in it for

17:17 and he put a bunch of holes in it for birds to live in there. Oh, there's some

17:19 birds to live in there. Oh, there's some

17:19 birds to live in there. Oh, there's some other sculptures here, too. Some smaller

17:20 other sculptures here, too. Some smaller

17:20 other sculptures here, too. Some smaller totem poles over here. I wonder if these

17:22 totem poles over here. I wonder if these

17:22 totem poles over here. I wonder if these came first. Were those practice poles? A

17:24 came first. Were those practice poles? A

17:24 came first. Were those practice poles? A giant arrow head here. A big old

17:26 giant arrow head here. A big old

17:26 giant arrow head here. A big old barbecue pit complete with creative

17:29 barbecue pit complete with creative

17:29 barbecue pit complete with creative seating, of course. And this crazy

17:31 seating, of course. And this crazy

17:31 seating, of course. And this crazy multi-sided building here known as the

17:33 multi-sided building here known as the

17:33 multi-sided building here known as the fiddle house. I don't know why it's

17:35 fiddle house. I don't know why it's

17:35 fiddle house. I don't know why it's called that, but I'm dying to go inside.

17:37 called that, but I'm dying to go inside.

17:37 called that, but I'm dying to go inside. So, that's why it's called the Fiddle

17:39 So, that's why it's called the Fiddle

17:39 So, that's why it's called the Fiddle House. Oh, this is where he made the

17:42 House. Oh, this is where he made the

17:42 House. Oh, this is where he made the fiddles. Dang, I'm not good at making

17:44 fiddles. Dang, I'm not good at making

17:44 fiddles. Dang, I'm not good at making anything except a mess. Wow, he didn't

17:46 anything except a mess. Wow, he didn't

17:46 anything except a mess. Wow, he didn't even make them to play. Just for fun. I

17:49 even make them to play. Just for fun. I

17:49 even make them to play. Just for fun. I wasn't expecting fiddles in here. I

17:51 wasn't expecting fiddles in here. I

17:51 wasn't expecting fiddles in here. I guess I should have been given the name,

17:52 guess I should have been given the name,

17:52 guess I should have been given the name, but I wasn't. Some people are just

17:55 but I wasn't. Some people are just

17:55 but I wasn't. Some people are just craftsmen. I guess it's amazing that you

17:57 craftsmen. I guess it's amazing that you

17:57 craftsmen. I guess it's amazing that you could start out with a concrete turtle

17:58 could start out with a concrete turtle

17:58 could start out with a concrete turtle and go from that to all of this on your

18:03 and go from that to all of this on your

18:03 and go from that to all of this on your own. You just can't stop some people

18:04 own. You just can't stop some people

18:04 own. You just can't stop some people from being creative. It doesn't work.

18:06 from being creative. It doesn't work.

18:06 from being creative. It doesn't work. All these concrete sculptures are very

18:09 All these concrete sculptures are very

18:09 All these concrete sculptures are very impressive and very old. They're built

18:11 impressive and very old. They're built

18:11 impressive and very old. They're built in the 40s. But apparently Ed's main jam

18:13 in the 40s. But apparently Ed's main jam

18:13 in the 40s. But apparently Ed's main jam was still woodworking. And the fiddle

18:16 was still woodworking. And the fiddle

18:16 was still woodworking. And the fiddle house over there used to be full of way

18:18 house over there used to be full of way

18:18 house over there used to be full of way more stuff, but it was vandalized back

18:19 more stuff, but it was vandalized back

18:20 more stuff, but it was vandalized back in the day. And half of it was stolen.

18:22 in the day. And half of it was stolen.

18:22 in the day. And half of it was stolen. Shame. Shame. Look at this. You can even

18:25 Shame. Shame. Look at this. You can even

18:25 Shame. Shame. Look at this. You can even go inside the world's largest totem

18:29 go inside the world's largest totem

18:29 go inside the world's largest totem pole, man. 11 years to build this. And

18:33 pole, man. 11 years to build this. And

18:33 pole, man. 11 years to build this. And at one time, you could climb all the way

18:36 at one time, you could climb all the way

18:36 at one time, you could climb all the way up inside of there. You can still see

18:39 up inside of there. You can still see

18:39 up inside of there. You can still see the old ladders. There is no way I would

18:42 the old ladders. There is no way I would

18:42 the old ladders. There is no way I would climb on those. Kind of grateful that's

18:43 climb on those. Kind of grateful that's

18:43 climb on those. Kind of grateful that's not an option. Hey, don't give me a hard

18:45 not an option. Hey, don't give me a hard

18:45 not an option. Hey, don't give me a hard time. I did the Eiffel Tower. I got to

18:47 time. I did the Eiffel Tower. I got to

18:47 time. I did the Eiffel Tower. I got to say though, as impressive as the Eiffel

18:49 say though, as impressive as the Eiffel

18:49 say though, as impressive as the Eiffel is, this is much weirder. That is pretty

18:53 is, this is much weirder. That is pretty

18:53 is, this is much weirder. That is pretty darn cool. All right. Well, the Blue

18:55 darn cool. All right. Well, the Blue

18:55 darn cool. All right. Well, the Blue Whale and the Will Rogers Museum sucked

18:57 Whale and the Will Rogers Museum sucked

18:57 Whale and the Will Rogers Museum sucked up a lot more time than I thought they

18:58 up a lot more time than I thought they

18:58 up a lot more time than I thought they were going to. So, I better hit the road

19:00 were going to. So, I better hit the road

19:00 were going to. So, I better hit the road again now, cuz there's a lot more to see

19:02 again now, cuz there's a lot more to see

19:02 again now, cuz there's a lot more to see before we leave Oklahoma. For example,

19:04 before we leave Oklahoma. For example,

19:04 before we leave Oklahoma. For example, welcome to Route 66 through Chelsea,

19:07 welcome to Route 66 through Chelsea,

19:07 welcome to Route 66 through Chelsea, Oklahoma. Not a very busy place. That

19:09 Oklahoma. Not a very busy place. That

19:09 Oklahoma. Not a very busy place. That was one car that passed. Any others?

19:13 was one car that passed. Any others?

19:13 was one car that passed. Any others? One car crossing. Nope, nobody else. But

19:16 One car crossing. Nope, nobody else. But

19:16 One car crossing. Nope, nobody else. But once upon a time, this highway wasn't so

19:18 once upon a time, this highway wasn't so

19:18 once upon a time, this highway wasn't so peaceful. And that's why Chelsea is home

19:20 peaceful. And that's why Chelsea is home

19:20 peaceful. And that's why Chelsea is home to one of the weirdest, coolest things

19:22 to one of the weirdest, coolest things

19:22 to one of the weirdest, coolest things that we've seen so far on Route 66.

19:25 that we've seen so far on Route 66.

19:25 that we've seen so far on Route 66. Something that used to be quite common

19:26 Something that used to be quite common

19:26 Something that used to be quite common on the Mother Road, a pedestrian

19:29 on the Mother Road, a pedestrian

19:29 on the Mother Road, a pedestrian underpass,

19:31 underpass,

19:31 underpass, aka a tunnel. Wo! Listen to the echo.

19:37 aka a tunnel. Wo! Listen to the echo.

19:37 aka a tunnel. Wo! Listen to the echo. Check it out. We are now walking

19:39 Check it out. We are now walking

19:39 Check it out. We are now walking underneath Route 66. There's an epic

19:43 underneath Route 66. There's an epic

19:43 underneath Route 66. There's an epic mural on one wall over here and on the

19:46 mural on one wall over here and on the

19:46 mural on one wall over here and on the other a place for visitors to sign their

19:48 other a place for visitors to sign their

19:48 other a place for visitors to sign their name. You ever come out to Chelsea,

19:50 name. You ever come out to Chelsea,

19:50 name. You ever come out to Chelsea, Oklahoma? Look for my name. There we go.

19:54 Oklahoma? Look for my name. There we go.

19:54 Oklahoma? Look for my name. There we go. I almost forgot.

19:59 You know what I just did there? I was

20:00 You know what I just did there? I was getting my kicks under Route 66. How

20:03 getting my kicks under Route 66. How

20:03 getting my kicks under Route 66. How crazy is it that the highway used to be

20:04 crazy is it that the highway used to be

20:04 crazy is it that the highway used to be so busy that they needed tunnels like

20:07 so busy that they needed tunnels like

20:07 so busy that they needed tunnels like this in places like Chelsea, Oklahoma? I

20:10 this in places like Chelsea, Oklahoma? I

20:10 this in places like Chelsea, Oklahoma? I mean, basically, you got to picture

20:11 mean, basically, you got to picture

20:12 mean, basically, you got to picture modern interstate traffic, but going

20:13 modern interstate traffic, but going

20:13 modern interstate traffic, but going down these roads, and it starts to make

20:15 down these roads, and it starts to make

20:15 down these roads, and it starts to make a little sense, but still, this is

20:17 a little sense, but still, this is

20:17 a little sense, but still, this is awesome. There are others like it that

20:19 awesome. There are others like it that

20:19 awesome. There are others like it that are still in use in super urban areas

20:21 are still in use in super urban areas

20:21 are still in use in super urban areas and some out in the middle of nowhere

20:23 and some out in the middle of nowhere

20:23 and some out in the middle of nowhere that are now filled in. Thanks to these

20:25 that are now filled in. Thanks to these

20:26 that are now filled in. Thanks to these lovely restoration efforts, you can

20:27 lovely restoration efforts, you can

20:27 lovely restoration efforts, you can still walk through the one in Chelsea,

20:29 still walk through the one in Chelsea,

20:29 still walk through the one in Chelsea, Oklahoma,

20:38 or you can run through it. Okay, that's

20:38 or you can run through it. Okay, that's awesome. kicks under Route 66 achieved.

20:41 awesome. kicks under Route 66 achieved.

20:41 awesome. kicks under Route 66 achieved. Route 66 Nether World, or as my friend

20:45 Route 66 Nether World, or as my friend

20:45 Route 66 Nether World, or as my friend Adam would say, Nether Regions. Man,

20:48 Adam would say, Nether Regions. Man,

20:48 Adam would say, Nether Regions. Man, it's been one heck of a long and

20:50 it's been one heck of a long and

20:50 it's been one heck of a long and beautiful drive through Oklahoma. Hills

20:52 beautiful drive through Oklahoma. Hills

20:52 beautiful drive through Oklahoma. Hills and trees and gorgeous scenery. Looks a

20:54 and trees and gorgeous scenery. Looks a

20:54 and trees and gorgeous scenery. Looks a little more flat now, but boy, long was

20:57 little more flat now, but boy, long was

20:58 little more flat now, but boy, long was definitely the word. It's been a long

20:59 definitely the word. It's been a long

20:59 definitely the word. It's been a long time I've been in this state. I'm

21:00 time I've been in this state. I'm

21:00 time I've been in this state. I'm looking forward to seeing the next one.

21:02 looking forward to seeing the next one.

21:02 looking forward to seeing the next one. And if everything goes right, we should

21:04 And if everything goes right, we should

21:04 And if everything goes right, we should be crossing the border tomorrow. We have

21:07 be crossing the border tomorrow. We have

21:07 be crossing the border tomorrow. We have now reached Afton, Oklahoma. Before I

21:09 now reached Afton, Oklahoma. Before I

21:09 now reached Afton, Oklahoma. Before I say goodbye to you guys for the day,

21:11 say goodbye to you guys for the day,

21:11 say goodbye to you guys for the day, there's one more thing I want to take a

21:12 there's one more thing I want to take a

21:12 there's one more thing I want to take a look at. Oh, sweet. Some of Afton's

21:15 look at. Oh, sweet. Some of Afton's

21:15 look at. Oh, sweet. Some of Afton's downtown isn't looking so good these

21:17 downtown isn't looking so good these

21:17 downtown isn't looking so good these days, but there is an exception. This is

21:20 days, but there is an exception. This is

21:20 days, but there is an exception. This is the famous Afton station, a restored DX

21:23 the famous Afton station, a restored DX

21:23 the famous Afton station, a restored DX gas station and approved Packard service

21:26 gas station and approved Packard service

21:26 gas station and approved Packard service center. Apparently, I never heard of

21:27 center. Apparently, I never heard of

21:27 center. Apparently, I never heard of Diamond DX before this trip, but there

21:29 Diamond DX before this trip, but there

21:29 Diamond DX before this trip, but there was plenty of old gasoline that you

21:31 was plenty of old gasoline that you

21:31 was plenty of old gasoline that you can't find on the road anymore. I love

21:32 can't find on the road anymore. I love

21:32 can't find on the road anymore. I love that they have this old U-Haul sitting

21:34 that they have this old U-Haul sitting

21:34 that they have this old U-Haul sitting out in front with this cool Route 66 map

21:37 out in front with this cool Route 66 map

21:37 out in front with this cool Route 66 map on it. There are lots of old vintage

21:39 on it. There are lots of old vintage

21:39 on it. There are lots of old vintage cars in there and lots of stuff inside.

21:41 cars in there and lots of stuff inside.

21:41 cars in there and lots of stuff inside. Sadly, the station is closed at the

21:42 Sadly, the station is closed at the

21:42 Sadly, the station is closed at the moment, but that wasn't going to stop me

21:43 moment, but that wasn't going to stop me

21:43 moment, but that wasn't going to stop me from pulling over to have a look anyway.

21:45 from pulling over to have a look anyway.

21:45 from pulling over to have a look anyway. You know, the only thing cooler than

21:46 You know, the only thing cooler than

21:46 You know, the only thing cooler than seeing old abandoned gas stations on

21:48 seeing old abandoned gas stations on

21:48 seeing old abandoned gas stations on Route 66 is seeing all these lovingly

21:51 Route 66 is seeing all these lovingly

21:51 Route 66 is seeing all these lovingly restored stations. I love seeing all the

21:53 restored stations. I love seeing all the

21:53 restored stations. I love seeing all the old buildings and old cars and even old

21:56 old buildings and old cars and even old

21:56 old buildings and old cars and even old towns coming back to life. You know,

21:57 towns coming back to life. You know,

21:57 towns coming back to life. You know, Route 66 isn't really a destination.

21:59 Route 66 isn't really a destination.

21:59 Route 66 isn't really a destination. It's an excuse, a chance to see the

22:01 It's an excuse, a chance to see the

22:01 It's an excuse, a chance to see the heart of America. An excuse to take a

22:03 heart of America. An excuse to take a

22:03 heart of America. An excuse to take a peek at the past, live in the present,

22:05 peek at the past, live in the present,

22:05 peek at the past, live in the present, and hopefully gain some experience for

22:07 and hopefully gain some experience for

22:08 and hopefully gain some experience for the future. Also, an excuse to peek in

22:10 the future. Also, an excuse to peek in

22:10 the future. Also, an excuse to peek in at giant penguins inside old 1930s gas

22:13 at giant penguins inside old 1930s gas

22:14 at giant penguins inside old 1930s gas stations. Look at the size of that bad

22:15 stations. Look at the size of that bad

22:15 stations. Look at the size of that bad boy. There's nothing shares Oklahoma

22:17 boy. There's nothing shares Oklahoma

22:17 boy. There's nothing shares Oklahoma like a penguin. All right, gang. I'm

22:19 like a penguin. All right, gang. I'm

22:19 like a penguin. All right, gang. I'm going to head a little further on down

22:20 going to head a little further on down

22:20 going to head a little further on down the highway. It's not because I don't

22:22 the highway. It's not because I don't

22:22 the highway. It's not because I don't love you. In fact, I'm going to leave

22:23 love you. In fact, I'm going to leave

22:23 love you. In fact, I'm going to leave you guys at the luxurious Palmer Hotel.

22:25 you guys at the luxurious Palmer Hotel.

22:26 you guys at the luxurious Palmer Hotel. Ooh, looks cozy. If everything goes

22:28 Ooh, looks cozy. If everything goes

22:28 Ooh, looks cozy. If everything goes according to plan, tomorrow we'll be in

22:31 according to plan, tomorrow we'll be in

22:31 according to plan, tomorrow we'll be in Kansas together. Thanks for cruising

22:33 Kansas together. Thanks for cruising

22:33 Kansas together. Thanks for cruising with me down the highway. Here's your

22:35 with me down the highway. Here's your

22:35 with me down the highway. Here's your hotel. Check out the links in the

22:36 hotel. Check out the links in the

22:36 hotel. Check out the links in the description and you'll have done your

22:37 description and you'll have done your

22:38 description and you'll have done your duty. You can hotel and sleep well. See

22:41 duty. You can hotel and sleep well. See

22:41 duty. You can hotel and sleep well. See you tomorrow.

23:19 I've been in Oklahoma so long I feel

23:19 I've been in Oklahoma so long I feel like I'm starting to go cuckoo. Uh,

23:23 like I'm starting to go cuckoo. Uh,

23:23 like I'm starting to go cuckoo. Uh, cuckoo. Get it? Cuz cuckoo. It's funny.

THE BLUE WHALE! Epic Roadside Attractions on old Route 66!

Transcript