Tulsa is the capital of the historic Route 66. It is also called the Mother Road because it was the main road from Chicago, Illinois, to the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. Tulsa is where the road turns from going north-south to east-west and it is here the Mother's history is being told. Unfortunately, there is are more of the historical buildings being overlooked and it is where I find my Wednesday Walk's Street Art of Tulsa.
The Rose Bowl, even though it was not built until 1961, is a fixture along the original Route 66 and it is one of the most recognizable buildings in Tulsa.
"Located at 7419 East 11th Street along the Route 66 corridor in Tulsa, this unique building was constructed by a prominent Tulsa doctor, who commissioned Tulsa architect William Henry Ryan, to design the structure. The unique structure with its 2 ½ symmetrical concrete domes, bubble gum pink color, and soaring windows, quickly became a hotspot when it opened in 1962 as the Rose Bowl Lanes. Boasting audience seating, a game room, food counter and other traditional elements of the 10-pin heyday, it not only drew many locals but also became known for its regional bowling tournaments, drawing people from all over the country.
"For 45 years, the building entertained bowling enthusiasts along Route 66, changing ownership several times throughout the years until it was purchased by bowling giant AMF. In 2005, the bowling center closed its doors forever, quickly becoming a target of vandalism and fires."
From the website of the Rose Bowl Vision organization. You can view the quote source HERE.
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Image from Ramblings of a Route 66 Business Owner website.
While Scott and I were walking about taking photos at McClure Park, I saw something on the back of the Rose Bowl building. As we approached the building to have a closer look, we noticed a clear view of the building's roof.
Tulsa is known for its art deco style buildings that were popular during the Route 66 heyday; however, there were many modern buildings built here in the 1960s. This is just one of them.
We found this amazing bit of graffiti word art. There is just something about the shape and colors of these two pieces. Below the photo, you will find some more detailed photos of this piece.
Two different styles of writing, but still amazing in artwork.
Here you can see the pink paint from the past. The building was named "Rose Bowl" because of the color.
When I first saw the painting, I did not realize there were purple VIPs on the piece; not until I saw the close-up photo.
The only signature I found on the whole wall was in the corner. I tried to take out the two iron ropes but was only able to get one out of view. The second one had to stay because the reconstruction that PhotoShop does distort the image too much.
I don't really like graffiti when it used to tag, but I do not think these two were completely intended to be used as such. They are such good examples of the style. However, I definitely do not condone the practice.
