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Arcadia and the
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[HOME] [WESTERN AMERICANA GALLERY] [ROUTE 66 HOME] [ROUTE 66 WEST] [ROUTE 66 EAST]
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Arcadia and the
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In the spring of 1898 William Harrison Odor, members of his family and his neighbors starting building a unique structure in the green countryside of Oklahoma. Little did they know at the time that the barn they were building would become a landmark on one of the most celebrated highways in America. This was the beginning of what would become know as Arcadia’s Round Barn. The circular form of the barn presented special problems, Odor figured that each rafter would have to be green lumber and soaked in water. The rafter was then shaped in a special jig to form the exact curve of the roof. Odor’s critics said the barn couldn’t be built, but he persevered to create the architectural wonder seen today. When the barn was new the lower level was used to shelter cattle, mules and hay. The upper level or loft was used for barn dances and other social gatherings. | |||
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| After years of hard use and then neglect the barn was in bad shape by the 1980s. In 1988 the barn was donated to the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society in an effort to save it. The Society believed it was an important part of Oklahoma history and every means should be made to save it. Luther Robinson, a retired building contractor from Oklahoma City, was up to the task of restoration and he saved the Round Barn with the help of the volunteer group known as the over-the-hill-gang (most were over 65 years of age). Due to the efforts of Luther and his volunteers the Old Round Barn still stands as a roadside attraction along old Route 66. | ||||
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The Round Barn dominates the town of Arcadia. |
Downtown Arcadia offers many photo opportunities. |
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| The Hillbillee's has been an institution in Arcadia for many years. In fact it once was the Route 66 Gas Station, Cafe and Motor Inn.It is said that in the early days you could rent a room for the night that came complete with a companion if so desired. Now I'm not too sure about that, but it is an intriguing idea. | ||||
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Looking at the sign makes me wonder if the rumors aren't true though. |
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Photographs Taken May, June 2003
Click on an area or city of Route 66 on the map below to take a cyber tour of that section of the Mother Road |
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NAVIGATION NOTE: Buckle up and hold on to your mouse! These pages are arranged like the map above, from the western state border to the eastern state border. I have set up this site as if you were traveling from EAST to WEST, much like the Joad family in The Grapes of Wrath. You can click on the Route 66 shields to "travel" the Mother Road in either direction though. Or you can select any shield below to take you to that specific state. |
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