Luther, Oklahoma, has always been part of Route 66, but now it has a reason for travelers to stop and take notice. A vibrant new sign inviting visitors to explore Luther was installed Monday at the pecan orchard, and you can’t miss it—the mid-century modern design features a bold arrow pointing toward downtown. Funded by a grant from the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Commission, the 30-foot structure is more than a marker; it’s a welcome mat for the world.
For decades, Luther’s charming downtown sat just a short detour from the Mother Road, but without a clear invitation, many road-trippers cruised right past. That changes today. The grant application, awarded in April 2024, highlighted Luther’s unique blend of nostalgia and small-town authenticity—qualities Route 66 travelers crave. Now, the sign beckons adventurers to slow down and discover the stories, scenery, and hospitality that make this stretch of the highway special.
The “Luther on 66” Lighted Sign Project is part of a broader strategy to reconnect the town with Route 66’s legacy and its modern-day explorers. From the historic Threatt Filling Station to the charm of Main Street, including new stores and anticipated restaurants, Booker T Washington Park, Wildhorse Park, and the new Route 66 DiscGolfPark, Luther offers travelers—and residents—plenty to cherish.
A Community Effort
For years, local businesses dreamed of a Route 66 sign to put Luther on the map, but logistics and funding hurdles stood in the way. That changed when the state’s Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program opened the door—and when Mark and Teri Stroud of Couch Pecan Orchard/Orchard on 66 agreed to host the sign on their property. Incidentally, the sign is located near the original alignment of 66, altered in 1979, adding to the Mother Road’s lore. Cameron Eagle of Ink Ranch Inc, a designer with a passion for nostalgia (and a soft spot for Luther), teamed up with G&S Signs, Inc. to create the eye-catching design. The Luther Town Board of Trustees unanimously approved the project, and on Monday, the sign fabricated with Las Vegas-style lights and other nostalgic details became the town’s new beacon.
Celebration April 11
Friday, April 11 10:00 AM – VISIT LUTHER Sign Dedication
Featuring:
- Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell & state, county, and local leaders
- Appreciation for the Oklahoma Project 66 grant program
- Live entertainment by the LOCKY Barbershop Quartet
- A toast with help from Wildhorse Canyon Farms Winery
- A salute to the Luther High School Cheer Team – State Champs!
- Vintage cars & Route 66 nostalgia
Celebrate Small Town Local Businesses at 11:00 AM:
Downtown Market – Like the sign says, “Visit Luther,” – Grab lunch, shop our local stores, and explore!
Share the hype on the Facebook event page.
More Good News for Luther
The sign isn’t the only win for Luther’s Route 66 revival. The Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Commission awarded two additional grants to local landmarks, with a third under consideration:
- Threatt Filling Station: Thanks to grant funding, this historic site at the edge of town limits at Route 66 and County Line Road will transform into a cultural center. The Threatt family, who’ve preserved the station through decades of volunteer efforts, can now accelerate their vision in time for Route 66’s 2026 Centennial. Their work safeguards a vital piece of American road trip history.
- Tillman Cemetery: Located on Route 66 between Dobbs and Harrah Roads, this hallowed ground—the only known slave cemetery in Oklahoma and likely the entire Route 66 corridor—will receive protective fencing, informative plaques, and restored grounds. Donated in 1941 by Theodore and Lula Wilson, the site stands as a testament to resilience and community pride.
A Warm Welcome
As crews from G&S Signs installed the new structure on Monday, Route 66 travelers and commuters cheered with honks and waves—even amid the highway construction zone nearby. Shellee Graham, Route 66 author and photographer, navigated the detours to document the milestone. “We were thrilled to witness the installation of Luther’s retro-style sign,” she said. “This friendly community is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.”
What’s Next for Luther?
With the new sign guiding travelers off the highway and into town, Luther’s future on Route 66 shines brighter than ever and presents a new opportunity for existing businesses and those to come. These projects aren’t just about attracting visitors—they’re about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building a legacy for generations to come, all in preparation for the 2026 Route 66 centennial.
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So much for the small sleepy town charm. I don’t understand why we have to be bustling metropolist.
Frank – Your point about overdevelopment is heard. That said, ‘sleepy town charm’ vs. ‘bustling metropolis’ is a debate worth having. P.S. ProtonMail’s a solid choice for privacy.