El Reno: A Journey Along Route 66
For a century, Route 66 has brought people together through food and friendship. In El Reno, Oklahoma, this iconic road remains a vital thread in the community’s fabric.
For many who’ve lived here, Route 66 isn’t just a highway. It’s a stage for countless memories and a magnet for visitors from everywhere. Tess Maune, a local and journalist, shares that her childhood memories are closely tied to this historic road.
Cynthia, Tess’s mother, grew up near Route 66. “It was always busy,” she recalls, remembering a time without traffic lights. As a child, she often crossed the road in search of treats from nearby stores. “It was a safe space,” she remembers fondly, a place where kids could roam freely and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
For families, the road was a lifeline, connecting people and places. Cynthia fondly reminisces about cruising down the highway with friends, reveling in the thrill of the journey, not knowing that these moments would turn into cherished memories.
Community Roots
Karen and Larry Nance reside in a historic house on Route 66, built in 1889. They emphasize the road’s importance in uniting communities, a vision Cyrus Avery had when he designed this route. Though it was decommissioned in 1985, its legacy lingers strong, especially as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Larry, who traveled the road on his motorcycle, encourages people to explore its beauty and history. He’s thrilled to see El Reno promoting events rich in local history, like “Porch Sippin’ on 66,” where residents share stories about their beloved town.
A New Wave of Interest
As the anniversary approaches, El Reno is enjoying a resurgence in tourism. Cynthia notes that visitors flock to the town, with many coming to check out newly restored landmarks and local attractions.
Statistics support this enthusiasm: according to the National Park Service, the Route 66 corridor attracted millions of visitors in recent years, creating opportunities for communities like El Reno to thrive economically.
Culinary Heritage
In El Reno, food is not just sustenance—it’s tradition. The famous onion-fried burger, born during the Great Depression, is a local favorite. Adam Hall, who runs Sid’s Diner, continues the legacy of offering these unique burgers and prepares around 700 patties daily.
“It’s not just about the burger,” Adam explains. He believes that creating these meals is a way of sharing a piece of himself with customers. Just a short drive away, Jobe’s Drive-In has re-opened, bringing back another beloved dining spot that had been closed for years.
The Ongoing Story of Route 66
Returning home has given Tess Maune a fresh perspective on Route 66. “It makes you slow down,” she says, highlighting the beauty of the journey rather than just the destination. In El Reno, that slower pace is part of its charm—a reminder of simpler times and a future filled with possibilities.
For more insights about the history and impact of Route 66, you can explore resources from the National Park Service that delve deeper into its significance.
Route 66 continues to be more than just a road; it’s a connection to the past and an invitation for the future.
