New ‘Visit Luther’ sign dedicated along Route 66 - Luther, OK - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

Article text:

If you’re driving along Route 66 in Luther, you’ll see a new flashy sign. It was paid for with dollars from the Oklahoma Rt. 66 Project Grant, ahead of the “Mother Road’s” centennial next year.

The new sign has two arrows. One points towards the Couch Pecan Orchard, which donated the land. The other points towards downtown Luther, where they’re hoping you’ll exit for a visit.

“3… 2… 1…” Cheered the crowd as the new Visit Luther sign along Route 66 was turned on.

The dedication ceremony was a retro blast from the past with classic cars and a barbershop quartet singing “Oklahoma!” and “Get your kicks on Rt. 66.”

The artist, Cameron Eagle, grew up along the mother road.

“I can’t seem to get away from route 66. So I’m getting my kicks,” said Eagle.

He’s always admired the style, so the design only took him about a day and a half.

“It’s like a musician. You already know the notes in your head. You go in the studio and it just came out,” said Eagle.

The $70,000 sign was paid for by the Oklahoma Rt. 66 Project Grant ahead of its centennial next year. The grant awards millions of dollars to communities along the stretch of road over the next two years.

“It’s helping people stop in those towns, spend the money, and creating sales tax, which is just so valuable. We live or die on sales tax,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell.

Pinnell said Oklahoma has the most drivable Rt. 66 miles in the country.

“To take that money and put it back in rural Oklahoma, for projects like this, is incredible,” said Sen. Grant Green R-Wellston.

Those funds will also go towards restoring and preserving other attractions in Luther, like the Threatt Filling Station, a historically black-owned property, and the Tillman Cemetery, believed to be the only Black cemetery along Route 66 and the final resting place of former slaves.

The sign will be a beacon to direct folks to downtown Luther.

“Those travelers along the mother road can stop and enjoy our town with us,” said Mayor Terry Arps.

Eagle said the sign takes on a different light at night. It’s equipped with durable LEDs, instead of neon, and the letters themselves illuminate.

“At the golden hour, right at dusk, you’ll see the twinkly lights, you’ll see the neon banding and see that big Luther lit up. ‘Visit Luther Oklahoma,'” said Eagle.

The artist also included an homage to his mother. The base of the sign, with the hollowed-out circles, was actually the front-porch poll from his mother’s house.

Type of publication: Television When was the article reported?: 04/11/2025 Publication: kfor Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: local News Category: Arts/Culture

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