The Bristow Historical Society is excited to embark on the renovation of the iconic 1949 Chrysler sign, a Bristow landmark that has captured the spirit of Route 66 for decades. Last week, the group learned they had won an Oklahoma Department of Commerce Route 66 Grant for $774,677 which will move, restore, and relight the Chrysler Tower sign. After factoring in donations and other grants, the total for this Main Street project will top out at over a million dollars.
Sparked by the ambition of a flamboyant business owner in the 1940s, this project aims to preserve and relight the 102foot-tall neon beacon that once attracted Route 66 travelers to the 24-hour Beard Motor Company. In 2020, the Bristow Historical Society began actively raising funds to restore and relight the sign, opening the door to preserving this unique piece of eclectic, historic art.
Recognized as one of Oklahoma’s most notable signs, the Chrysler Tower has been highlighted on Preservation Oklahoma’s Endangered Places List and featured in national discussions on the lists of roadside architecture in dire need of preservation.
The sign will be moved to Bristow’s Main Street, Route 66, where it will be renovated, repainted, and relit over the Chrysler Tower Plaza.
The corner lot at 9th and Main, which has been empty for years, will become a beautiful parklike area for locals and visitors to enjoy. It will feature benches, brick sidewalks, and personalized bricks celebrating Route 66, our community, and tourists from around the world. Embedded in the brick wall will be a large Route 66 emblem for photo opportunities. Plaques will tell the story of the Tower, its connection to Route 66 and Oklahoma, and Bristow’s rich history, while also inviting tourists to enjoy a walking tour of historic downtown Bristow, visit our great businesses, tour the 100-yearold Train Depot Museum and meet some of the friendliest people in Oklahoma. By bringing Route 66’s tallest freestanding advertising sign back to life, the Historical Society ensures it can be enjoyed for generations to come. Increased tax revenue from tourists and improved quality of life for Bristow residents are just a couple of the benefits expected from this project. Historical Society President Debbie Corwin will be working closely with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce who operate the Route 66 Grant Program. This investment in the Bristow economy is very exciting and the Historical Society can’t wait to begin! More details on the project will be released soon.