The neon sign from the historic Glancy Motor Hotel in Clinton, Oklahoma, is set to find a new home at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. This move comes more than a year after the demolition of the motel itself. The vintage sign, which has remained on its original spot on Route 66, will be removed and undergo extensive restoration.
The City of Clinton has decided to transfer the sign to the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) during the week of June 9. The OHS, in collaboration with the Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, plans to restore it in Oklahoma City. Once restored, it will be displayed at the museum in Clinton, located less than two miles from where the motel once stood.
Trait Thompson, executive director of OHS, expressed pride in preserving this piece of history: “The OHS is proud to do its part to save the sign that once stood tall at a motel that welcomed hundreds of thousands of travelers during the heyday of Route 66.” He also acknowledged city leaders for their efforts: “I am grateful to city leaders in Clinton for recognizing the historic importance of the sign and working with us to ensure future generations will be able to enjoy this icon of the Mother Road.”
Brian Aneshansley, president of Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, highlighted community involvement: “The Glancy Hotel was a Clinton institution, opened by Chester and Gladys Glancy in 1950,” he said. “Our group recognizes the importance of preserving this important piece of our community’s history, and we are thrilled it will be fully restored and placed on the grounds of the finest Route 66 museum in the nation.”
In 2024, an agreement was made between Clinton city officials and OHS for transferring ownership rights over to OHS for preservation purposes.
Robert Johnston emphasized local pride: “The City of Clinton is proud to be a Route 66 community and looks forward to centennial celebrations.” He mentioned ongoing partnerships with organizations like OHS as they work towards preserving such landmarks together.
Once vacated by current occupants—the Oklahoma Highway Patrol building—the site will host reinstallation efforts involving iconic signage from decades past when highways were main travel arteries throughout America’s heartland region.
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