Route 66 Oklahoma ||| Ghost Towns and Backroads Between Chelsea and Tulsa

[@sandiewilliams238]

The road goes on forever Coach, here's praying you never get lost and you always find your way back home.🙏🏽

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I appreciate that!!

[@BrianHepker]

Gene Autry worked as a telegraph operator at the train station in both BushyHead and Chelsea where he'd play his guitar and sing to pass the time and entertain passengers, he met Will Rogers here and they became lifelong friends.

[@julieschossow9315]

Coffee and a Sunday morning trip is always a treasure! Thanks Coach!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

You bet!

[@bertholini2810]

You know.... if there is a merry-go-round to be found, you will find it. Really good video. That blue fish/whale was bizarre. Be good, be safe !!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Haha thank you! Yes it’s quite the roadside attraction!

[@stevebertsch4794]

good show thankyou i like watching how the crops are progressing in Texas Oklahoma Kansas Nebraska thank you

[@justnerdystuff]

I love the unique old maps you find and post along with the old time pictures. It always amazes me how skinny the original route 66 was, and soon after it was made (or during) the cars they used to make were massive. No wonder they had to make a different highway.

[@ronfullerton3162]

Those narrow old roads bring back memories to me as a little kid. Many of the roads were That narrow. And then one by one they started widing them out. Highway 92 through my home county of Louisa in Iowa was still that narrow, and had curbs on both sides of the road yet when I learned to drive, and started driving trucks. You think that width was narrow for a car, try a truck. For us locals, it wasn't bad. But for those who hadn't driven the narrow road with curbs on, it was scary to be on the road and meeting them. They would be bouncing off the curb, and you just kept hoping that they didn't lose control and come across the center line. I had to steer the truck up over the curb and onto the shoulder several times to keep from head-on into a car that bounced off the curb. It was definitely a happy day when they cut the curbs off and widened the road. Even then, I find those old narrow roads a pleasant drive back into time. They just seem to have much undisturbed beauty.

[@rossbryan6102]

I HAVE RAN THE PRESENT MARKED 66 SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NEVER GOT ON THE SMALLER ORIGINAL ROUTES BETWEEN THE KS LINE AND TULSA! LOL, WHAT I MISSED! THE RAILROAD AREA NEAR THE FIRST OIL WELL WAS FOR AN WHILE AN VERY BUSY LOCATION FOR THE IMPORTATION OF THE NEEDED OILFIELD EQUIPMENT AND LOADING AREA FOR TANK CARS TO SHIP THE OIL OUT, BEFORE THE PIPE LINES WERE INSTALLED! THE RAILROADS BENEFITED GREATLY FROM OIL, AS AN CARGO TO DELIVER AND AN FUEL SOURCE FOR LOCOMOTIVES! WHEN THE OIL FIRING WAS PERFECTED MANY OF THE EXISTING COAL FIRED STEAMERS WERE CONVERTED TO OIL FIRED!

[@pigoff123]

I have a rolltop desk that was bought in Oklahoma before it was a state. It was bought for the office of a meat packing plant. The great grandson of the original owner gave it to me.

[@SusanHL]

I haven't looked forward to watching something on Sundays this much since Downton Abbey, and that's not hyperbole. These videos - loaded with historical information - always fascinate, it's just impossible to get tired of them. Thank you for sharing this, your videos are such bright spots in the week, and your drone work is the BEST! ❣🐐🥂

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Wow, thank you! 😊 far too kind!

[@nascarsteve]

We always go to our family reunion in Lamar, Mo every year. Usually our last stop is the truck stop in Big Cabin with the Indian statue outside. I named it Chief Diamond Phillps

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

That is awesome!

[@williammatzek4660]

John a low water bridge is a rare sight. You are good at finding small, odd , out of the way places. Are you aware of the port of Catoosa? Many yrs ago I went to a ware house in Tulsa to get steel for the shop I worked at. It was imported steel., that came thur the port of Catoosa. Their over head crain broke before I got loaded. They delivered the rest of the load.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks! I saw the Port of Catoosa on the map - looked significant!

[@amyquigg2791]

The Port of Catoosa is the furthest inland port in the world! Can you tell I grew up in Claremore??

[@glorialewis4603]

My town had the first oil well in Kansas.😀

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Woohoo 🙌🏼

[@Mikell-h2c]

Another great production, can’t wait for the next one ❤

[@kaymerry369]

This was unique addition of Route 66. Variety interesting.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Yes it was! Thanks!

[@simonmacarthur6808]

watching you from Chisinau, Moldova😊

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks so much!!

[@lingerlonger]

Thanks John. Enjoyed revisiting this area. My lovely bride resisted when I told her we had to stop at the Blue Whale a few years ago. Ended up spending 2 hours there and go some great photos.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

It’s a nice place for a visit - very unique!

[@amyquigg2791]

My Uncle Randy grew up in Bushyhead in the late 50s/early 60s. There wasn't much there then, a little store for the farmers and the strip mine folks. Had to take a day and go into Claremore for any shopping. I think there was a K-8 school nearby, but he went to Claremore for high school. He was in the first class to graduate from the "new" high school. I always took growing up on Route 66 for granted, now that I live in Georgia I realize it was neater than I thought

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks for the info. Makes me feel better that I couldn’t find much about it!

[@Partzman23]

Thanks John for another great video. I always enjoy watching your videos. You do sure a great job of telling the history of the places you visit. 👍 Drive safe and God Bless

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you very much! It was fun to put together!

[@Sharon-s9r3h]

I grew up in Oklahoma and I never heard of these towns. But I didn't get to Northeastern Oklahoma much. I mostly went West and Southwest. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you!

[@stantacker4821]

I grew up in this area. Verdigris. The kids at Claremore called us Verdigreezers. The Blue Whale was constructed by Hugh Davis, former curator of the Tulsa Zoo. It was late comer in 66 road side attractions. Built in the late 60's. Used to be part of Davis's alligator ranch. It closed. The locals believe they never recovered them all.

[@Rags2Itches]

A bit of history: The Osage and the Cherokee were bitter enemies for a very, very long time. The Osage also never broke a treaty with the US Gov't, but the US Gov't still pushed them off their lands in Missouri, Nebraska and then Kansas, By 1872 the Osage were once again forced to move to Oklahoma Territory. Osage men were very tall ...up tp seven foot tall. Average height for a white male at that time was 5' 6". WOW has the Blue Whake changed! Nice to see the area cleaned up. It was so over grown and in such a state of disrepair. Thanks for the virtual trip!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks for the info - interesting stuff!

[@amyquigg2791]

The Cherokee routed the Osage at the Battle of Claremore Mound back in the early 1800s and ran them out of the area. You can see Claremore Mound on old 88, you turn left at Sageeyah Church.

[@nathonics]

Right up my alley! My grandma and many of her siblings were born in Bushyhead, and were living in Foyil when they moved to the valley of Texas in 1920. My aunt and uncle are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Claremore, my grandma’s brother’s wife’s nieces used to live in Chelsea, and I believe one of her niece’s still does. Been to the Blue Whale many times, and the Totem Pole. My aunt/uncle lived in Broken Arrow, and my cousins, ( their children and grandchildren )still do. I’m from the Dallas area and visit that area often. Great video.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Very cool 😎 really fun and historic area to explore!

[@rustyclaflin2242]

Love around the corner by Blue whale, awesome video of route 66.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you 😊

[@kristinakahila8914]

I like your comments about "big cabin".

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😎

[@jonketcher8325]

The large brick building you thought was a school house between Big Cabin and Vinita was the old Bell Telephone transfer station

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Interesting! Thanks!

[@lifewithjosef]

7:13 is a tornado shelter, I first saw one like this at Lake Coldwater, in Coldwater KS. The deputies had keys to open the shelter, my brother was a deputy for Comanche County back in the day. 13:14 I love riding on original pour concrete roads, I mention it often enough in my content. We skipped the Blue Whale in 2014, which I ended up regretting. Last year we did stop, it was well worth it. The Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch is northwest of Claremore, off of US-169. I recommend stopping here, it seems to be a popular spot for weddings. As always...

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I wanted to stop at the Will Rogers museum but knew it would make me late for the rest of the day 😂😂

[@peterselten500]

Hi john another great tour its good to see some towns are growing . Cheers mate🇦🇺

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks and I agree - hopefully the promotion of Route 66 has helped these towns.

[@Meeganclark]

My grandmother helped put the stain glass windows at the Methodist Church in Big Cabin with her best friend. ❤

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Nice!

[@DavidsExecutiveTouch17]

Awesome video my Friend. Keep up the good work. We have to run this route up to Catoosa now.... ROADTRIP!! 🤓👍

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Sounds great!

[@sueelliott3206]

Very nice video! I, like you, prefer to drive the back roads as opposed to the interstate. Finding small towns at a leisurely pace is so relaxing. Take care and thanks for sharing.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Always better unless you get a flat tire 😂

[@eburro62331]

Always enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing them!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Glad you like them! It’s much appreciated!

[@juliogonzales5441]

LET IT ROLL DOWN THE HIGHWAY 66...THANKS 🛣 COACH 😅

[@kylewasham3754]

I live in Florida but I was born and raised around there. Just south of big cabin, Adair.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Nice area!

[@sherriganske4292]

I really like your videos

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😎

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Loved 66

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Awesome road trip!

[@jeffsmith846]

Big Cabin in famous for one thing: a speed trap. I used to drive from Warrensburg MO to southern Oklahoma about four times a year to visit family. The speed trap on Hiway 69 got so bad that the big truck stop on 69/I44 junction put an unused tractor trailer in a field south of town and painted "SPEED TRAP AHEAD" A year or so later it was changed to "SPEED ZONE AHEAD" probably due to litigation between the town and the truck stop. The last time I went through there it was gone. Oh BTW. yes they did extract $110 from me when I was returning to Missouri after my Mom's funeral. They local cop would sit there on 69 hidden off to the side where the speed changed from 65 to 45. There was no tolerance I suppose unless you were a local. I hope that the state has shut down their money making scheme by now.

[@empressvogt]

That one goose was eyeing you. lol

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😂😂

[@bigjimslade6250]

Enjoyed this video. It’s good to see a few of the small towns maintain or increase their populations. A thought for a series in the future. It might be sensitive but how about a tour of the capitols of the Nations in Oklahoma. I guess Pawhuska has been covered but what about some others like Tahlequah, Ponca City, etc.?

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Would be interesting! My knowledge is limited so I'd have to study up!

[@royburris4126]

Good vid. nice to see someone do something other that complain about something

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😊

[@roberteshaw9520]

Hey coach. May I suggest you tell your distance guys about A. H. Payne if they start to complain about extra laps during practice. As far as U.S track history I put him up there with Bannister, Ryun's 3;51.1. Although he didn't get much press, I like Normans 20 flat 200 M. in '68 @ the Olympics.I have the clippings somewhere for that.I like the oil well history and those stills.These places look peaceful and clean, We need more of that in this old world. Safe travels.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Good idea and a heckuva story!

[@da1andonlyO1]

Hey, your trip thru Bowlin Springs is my family's homestead and property. There's so much more about Bowlin Springs amd White Oak, where a lot of my family, including myself, went to school

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Very cool! Nice area to visit!

[@lonerglide]

Your basically in my back yard,, lol, 20 miles from vinita

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Woohoo 🙌🏼 nice area!

[@edanddorapattison6512]

You're close to Centralia, OK , and Childers, OK. Both ghost towns. North of Chelsea on Hwy. 28. I grew up going to Childers school, (the rock church there, was the school cafeteria). Childers store is across the road from the old school house area. The road to Centralia branches off at the sharp curve there on 28, to the northeast, about six miles (black top).

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Yep! I did a video on Centralia a couple years ago. Interesting area!

[@sherriganske4292]

Movie Oklahoma was at claremore

[@stixstat]

Thanks for goin’ all the way to Alluwe! When are you going to Wutsnex?

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

😂😂

[@ronalddailey5208]

😢 You wasn't on my feed today, so I looked you up. Interesting video. I hope you didn't pay to see the whale.😂

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

It’s a free attraction! I’m gonna have to talk to KZbin to get me on your feed 😂😂

[@Pauldeerborne]

Surprised you didn’t get mugged Homeless population is crazy there

[@Lugeix]

At 6:50 , What is that two for? I've never seen those in my travels on the west coast.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I’m not sure. At 6:50 is a water tower right?

[@royburris4126]

Why not take it all the way to Cali.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I did and documented it on this channel 😊

[@royburris4126]

@@TravelwithaWiseguy Sweet cant wait to get to it

[@michaelgraves5188]

Awesome video Mr. Wise! I love the Native American towns and art. Your drone work is outstanding- the bridges are beautiful. ❤️🙏😎👍

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you kindly!!

[@wunsagin]

All in my backyard. Love all of the Rt 66 videos.

[@vickiwood9192]

Thank you for taking us along on your adventures. I enjoy seeing new places through your camera. Love the blue whale!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks! The blue whale is pretty cool 😎

[@mikehilliard3865]

Thank you sir for sharing your travel quest. They are always enjoyable. Mike from Purcell, Ok.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Thanks for another great video. I really enjoy the back road tours through the small towns and ghost towns.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Glad you like them! They’re fun to do!

[@navajoindian4988]

That town Bushyhead just happens to be my last name how cool it that we really enjoy your videos another big W my friend 💯👌

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Very cool 😎 thanks so much!!

[@jimsalabim9203]

I went to school with some kids named bushyhead." Clara"

[@EverettBaland]

Someday I'm going to the whale. And now seeing the caboose, I have to see it as well. I enjoy finding a caboose from back in the day.

[@ronfullerton3162]

I remember them being at the end of most any freight train. Now days they are a treat just to see.

[@EverettBaland]

@@ronfullerton3162 I hated when they did away with them. But I enjoy finding how they repurpose them, ha.

[@ronfullerton3162]

@@EverettBaland Very true!

[@onrycodger]

Crap! I passed thru Oaklahoma last Spring and missed seeing the Blue Whale!.....D'oh!😆 Cool video, Thumbs up!😎👍

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Darn it!! Thank you 😊

[@pamelacrowe4971]

Thanks for shating John. Great video!!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thank you!

[@larryhutchens7593]

There was once an old derelict brick building in Chelsea on 66 where a Casey's is now that had a sign proclaiming Frazer or Kaiser or (Kaiser/ Frazer) dealer & service. Those were automobile companies that went defunct in the early 50s. The phone number on the building had a prefix rather than a full number like we have today. Like BR-549. You might find it interesting to research what they had to do for those old oil wells when they put in lake Oolagah. The lake also flooded the old home of Will Rogers.

[@louispaparella5766]

Chelsea also has a Sears pre-fab home still being lived in

[@deborahross9974]

Gee golly and holy moly. This was a fun trip too. There's only one thing I keep wondering about, you keep saying 'we' do this and that and I keep wondering if you have a mouse in your pocket. Ha! Yes I know you mean those of us who watch your videos but it still tickles me when you say 'we'. I love all of the art work and the horse at the end. Happy trails to you and God bless. P.S. I wonder if that body of water you showed, built by the Corps of Engineers built if there were fish in it. Sure would make a good fishing spot for those who like to fish.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

I’m guessing they have good fishing!

[@ExKUKicker]

Wiseman... I believe Adam the Woo is looking for you? Something about a combined exploration adventure in dual form...According to his last vlog. Being from Kansas...enjoy your Route 66 travels. Keep doin wat'cha doin!👍

[@briansmith9720]

I was so hoping you would've made it to the Winganon space capsule road side attraction you were so close! It's actually a concrete mixer drum that was abandoned after a accident and locals painted it to resemble a space capsule.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Actually I did drive past it on my way but it was a little too far from 66 to include on this video 😊

[@dc-py9dz]

Thank you so much for your videos. I really appreciate your time and effort.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

So nice of you to say!

[@louispaparella5766]

Lived in Tulsa till 11. Drove/rode all of the old sections of 66 from Ks to Tx. Very interesting!!!

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks!

[@ShellyBorgstrom]

The Big Cabin school was right across the street from the Methodist Church.

[@gh2687]

Great video John 😊

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks 👍

[@ivanflores-ramirez8105]

The last part of the video is trashy and dangerous area of Tulsa. Be careful if you go there.

[@kimballamram552]

Nice shots of the Chelsea underpass as Roman Rich another KZbinr who is exclusively dedicated to Route 66 has documented. Be sure to check out Pops the largest soda store which is near either Tulsa or OKC

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Thanks! And I did a video on Pops and Arcadia here … kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJyUeHmJa9d2h7Msi=PBgt65B7-ZZ5D5vN

[@tinman7130]

Chelesa stumbled out of her aunt Claremore Big Cabin Tulsa bound and she New Alluwe that a Big Spring awaited her on Route 66 near a Catoosa. Some interesting places. I guess you could say the ending was just ducky. this one was hard John, I’ll do better next time.

[@TravelwithaWiseguy]

Even Tom Brady threw an interception from time to time 😊

[@BILLYBOBB3080]

I hope you ate at The Woodshed gas station.

[@gingercotter9827]

It is we on the end.