Merch Motel

Merch Motel Documenting vintage signage and architecture.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa was built in the early 1970s by Hugh Davis and Harold Thomas. It was created as gift for Davis...
06/01/2026

The Blue Whale of Catoosa was built in the early 1970s by Hugh Davis and Harold Thomas. It was created as gift for Davis’ family and as a place for his grandchildren to play. 🩵 🐳

It grew into a popular spot for locals and travelers on Route 66, eventually becoming a free public attraction.

Over time, it closed and fell into disrepair.

The Blue Whale of Catoosa was later restored and reopened for the public to enjoy.

It’s now owned by the city of Catoosa.

I was excited to see it! It’s been a landmark I’ve wanted to visit for years. It was closed for refurbishments while I was there but it was still super cool to see it from the road!

A new visitor center is being built on the property.

The Coleman Theatre was built in 1929 in Miami, Oklahoma and it still has its original Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ!I was...
05/30/2026

The Coleman Theatre was built in 1929 in Miami, Oklahoma and it still has its original Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ!

I was just driving past it on my Route 66 road trip but had to pull over! I love the double letter board / marquee above the entrance. Not sure how to describe it LOL. (Photos 2 & 10)

I hope to walk inside the theatre next time, it seems stunning!! I took some pictures through the window since they were closed.

The building/entrance across the street caught my attention too! (Photos 11 & 12)

NEW ROUTE 66 COLLECTION! 🚙🌵✨ Happy 100 years to the Mother Road! I just got back from driving the entire road from Chica...
05/30/2026

NEW ROUTE 66 COLLECTION! 🚙🌵✨ Happy 100 years to the Mother Road! I just got back from driving the entire road from Chicago to Los Angeles, it was so special.

This collection is available at merchmotel.com!

A cuckoo clock themed restaurant? Yes please!Ku-Ku drive in was a chain in the 1960s with over 200 locations. This is th...
05/29/2026

A cuckoo clock themed restaurant? Yes please!

Ku-Ku drive in was a chain in the 1960s with over 200 locations. This is the only operating restaurant left! Located in Miami, Oklahoma on Route 66.

The restaurant was renamed to Waylan’s Ku-Ku after it was purchased by Eugene Waylan in the 1970s.

SO happy to see this place! The drive-thru was open but the dining room was closed, so I took some photos through the windows. 🙂

Route 66 passes through 8 states in total. The shortest stretch is in Kansas, it’s about 13 miles of the 2,448 mile road...
05/28/2026

Route 66 passes through 8 states in total. The shortest stretch is in Kansas, it’s about 13 miles of the 2,448 mile road!

It passes through Galena, Riverton & Baxter Springs. 🚗 Here are some photos from the road! Those ghost signs!

A few stops include Gearhead Curios, Cars on the Route & Rainbow Bridge.

Wilder’s restaurant in Joplin, Missouri has some beautiful signage! It’s a family-owned steakhouse that opened circa 192...
05/27/2026

Wilder’s restaurant in Joplin, Missouri has some beautiful signage! It’s a family-owned steakhouse that opened circa 1929.

It’s about five blocks from Route 66 so a huge neon sign was added on top of the building to get the attention of travelers passing by.

Swipe through for more signage in Joplin!

The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri. ♥️Created by Samuel Butcher, the chapel features hand-painted murals,...
05/25/2026

The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri. ♥️

Created by Samuel Butcher, the chapel features hand-painted murals, stained glass windows and hand-carved doors. It opened in 1989 and still welcomes visitors today.

The first building has a beautiful themed space with a waterfall and characters in the windows! The property also features a museum and gardens.

I loved it so much, everyone was so kind, and it was sweet to hear the story behind this meaningful place!

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Alhambra, CA
91801, 91802, 91803

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