History was made on Main Street, Rte. 66, Saturday night, April 11, in Bristow. The Chrysler Tower Plaza was opened to the public and the Chrysler Plymouth Tower was brought back to life after almost 70 years.
The tower is the largest free standing tower, standing 102 ft., along the entire length of Rte. 66 from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica California. The tower was originally built in 1949 by some local welders for the Beard Motor Company, which was later known as Bristow Chrysler Plymouth. A dealership and garage owned by Hubert “Red” Beard. Because of its height, it was designed to be seen for miles by Rte. 66 travelers. Regarded as one of the best advertising gimmicks of its time, the sign functioned as a landmark advertisement.
In 1951, Beard died in a plane crash. The dealership was sold. In 1958 the neon lights were turned off and the sign stayed dark for almost 70 years until the Bristow Historical Society decided to something about it. It was six years of applying for grants, holding fundraisers and donations but the day arrived. A festival was held in the street, with food trucks, bounce houses and dancing in the street, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Lieutenant.Governor Matt Pinnell, along with Bristow Mayor Kris Wyatt were among the guest speakers, speaking of how so much hard work went in to this project and what it means for Rte 66 and the Bristow community. The plaza has over 25,000 bricks and the sign over 700 feet of neon tubing.
Here is a a post from the Historical Society on the eve before the lights came on: “Some said you weren't worth the effort to save Others tried to buy you and take you away We see your beauty, your strength, your deep memories of dreamers long gone You represent the little guy, the worker, the one who doesn't quit Tonight....is your last night of darkness.” The Chrysler Tower will forever shine bright.