Whale North Side (2016-08-20) by Rhys MartinOklahoma Route 66 Association
Fish out of water
The Blue Whale is one of the most beloved attractions on Historic Route 66. This quirky, smiling creature has been greeting travelers from all around the world since 1972. But what is he doing in Oklahoma? Well, the story of ol’ Blue is actually a love story!
Mohawk Park (1937) by Paul CorrubiaOklahoma Route 66 Association
A man of nature
Hugh Davis was born in 1909 and found his calling early in life. He was very active in the Boy Scouts and found a knack for woodcarving. But he loved the natural world and the creatures within. He started working for the Tulsa Zoo in 1929, not long after graduating high school.
Hugh and Zelta Nature Lectures 4 by Hugh DavisOklahoma Route 66 Association
At the age of 23, Hugh joined explorers Osa and Martin Johnson on a year-long photo safari to Africa, South and Central America. This included hanging from the runners of a Sikorsky airplane! The work resulted in the 1934 film Baboona. When he returned home, he was made curator of the Tulsa Zoo...a position he would hold for nearly four decades.
Hugh and Zelta met at Tulsa's Cain's Ballroom in 1937. She shared in his love of nature; when they announced their marriage in the local paper, it was with a picture of Zelta holding three lion cubs. They hosted rattlesnake hunts and gave lectures together across the country.
Whale Tale 7 by Hugh DavisOklahoma Route 66 Association
Birds of a feather
Zelta was often at Hugh's side for demonstrations and care. In this photo, she is pictured with Scarlet the parrot at approximately one month old.
Whale Tale 3 by Hugh DavisOklahoma Route 66 Association
All in the family
From their log cabin home in Tulsa (which Hugh built himself), they raised zoo-born babies that needed an extra bit of care and attention. Eventually, their own children Blaine and Dee Dee chipped in to help. When the animals were old enough, they went back to the zoo.
Whale Tale 10 by Hugh DavisOklahoma Route 66 Association
Moving to Catoosa
The Davis family moved to the neighboring town of Catoosa in 1952, right beside Highway 66. Hugh retired from the zoo…but it didn’t stick. Their land became an Alligator Farm and Nature’s Acres, a place where children and adults could learn about the local environment.
Blue Whale Postcard 4 by Oklahoma Route 66 AssociationOklahoma Route 66 Association
Nature's Acres
Trails were forged, a snake pit was constructed, and a large ARK (Animal Reptile Kingdom) was built to host birthday parties and field trips. Hugh's craftsmanship was on display everywhere, from woodcarvings to concrete sculptures.
In 1970, Hugh began building something mysterious at the family pond. It was about 80 feet long, made out of sucker rod pipes and covered in concrete. After much prodding, Hugh finally told Zelta what he was up to: inspired by her collection of whale figurines, he was building a giant Blue Whale as an anniversary present. It took two years to complete.
Whale Tale (1984) by Hugh DavisOklahoma Route 66 Association
Fun in the sun
Although it was originally built only for the family, locals soon learned of this fantastic creation and kept sneaking onto the property. The spot was opened up as a public swimming hole; for many years, the Whale was a magnet on hot, summer days.
Infrared Whale (1993) by Shellee GrahamOklahoma Route 66 Association
A sinking feeling
Like Highway 66 itself, the years brought a slow decline to ol' Blue. It closed in 1988 and Hugh passed away two years later. Although Zelta lived for another decade, NO TRESSPASSING signs turned the park into an overgrown curiosity; many locals wanted it completely torn down.
Whale Summer (2020) by Rhys MartinOklahoma Route 66 Association
Back to the surface
Route 66's revival era spread to the Whale, too. Blaine Davis carried on his parents' legacy, and with the help of volunteers turned it back into the vibrant roadside attraction it had been in its younger days. Swimming did not return, but fishing became a regular occurrence.
Whale in the Summertime (2020-07) by Rhys MartinOklahoma Route 66 Association
All's whale that ends whale
Today, the Blue Whale is owned by the City of Catoosa. Although Nature's Acres is gone and the snake pit is empty, the Whale is still smiling. The city is also working on plans to further revitalize the park for the Route 66 Centennial.
Our great thanks to Blaine Davis for the usage of Davis family photos, complete with Hugh's handwriting. Credit to former Association President Brad Nickson and Apertures Photo in Tulsa for getting them scanned in and touched up.
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