Taken from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association:

We are disheartened that the City of Clinton has formally accepted a bid to demolish the Glancy Motor Hotel. The Association was in attendance for this evening's City Council meeting (08-01-2023) and gave a statement imploring the Council to deny the bid. Our statement is below:

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association has been working to preserve and promote Historic Route 66 in the state for over 30 years. Time after time, we have seen communities remove historic assets that contribute to the unique American story that is Route 66. Clinton, Oklahoma is already known internationally for the Route 66 Museum, cited often as a favorite attraction not just in Oklahoma but between Chicago and Santa Monica as a whole. The demolition of the Glancy Motor Hotel represents a loss not just for Clinton, but for Oklahoma and all of Route 66.

Oklahoma suffers from a lack of authentic historic lodging along Historic Route 66. When development plans were announced to renovate and restore the Glancy, we were overjoyed. Rather than push on to Texas, Route 66 travelers would have a place in western Oklahoma to stay overnight in accommodation that provides the experience that thousands of travelers seek when they decide to explore America via its most famous road. However, that excitement turned to despair as plans stalled and news broke that the City of Clinton would rather donate the land to the State rather than continue the pursuit of preservation for this one-of-a-kind landmark.

The Association shouldn’t have to tell you what a positive economic engine Route 66 is for the communities that capitalize on its brand. According to the office of Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, every dollar invested in tourism in Oklahoma returns seven-fold. 2021 was the best year for Oklahoma Tourism in state history, generating over $10 billion in direct visitor spending. Route 66 advertising, specifically, had a 259:1 return on investment that year. Rutgers University has released multiple studies showing the world-wide recognition that Route 66 has and how towns, big and small, see increased tourist spending when the identity of the highway is embraced. By demolishing this property, Clinton is robbing itself of these dollars.

The Centennial of Route 66 is right around the corner. When people from around the world come to Clinton in 2026, we fear they will come through Clinton. Every one of Oklahoma’s Route 66 communities has a unique story to tell; we sincerely hope that Clinton’s story will not have to include missed opportunities and the loss of history that makes Route 66 such a special place.

HELP US SAVE THIS HISTORIC LANDMARK ON THE WORLD FAMOUS ROUTE 66 HIGHWAY! Demolition is to begin within the next few weeks!