06/12/2026
This week, the Route 66 community lost two beloved champions of the Mother Road whose lives and work helped preserve its history, stories, and spirit for future generations.
🕊️Blaine Davis, longtime caretaker of Oklahoma's iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa and a dedicated Route 66 preservationist, was the son of Hugh and Zelta Davis. Route 66 travelers know the story well: Hugh built the Blue Whale as a gift for his wife, Zelta, creating what would become one of the Mother Road's most beloved landmarks. Blaine carried that legacy forward for decades, serving as the Whale's caretaker and steward while sharing its history with visitors from around the world. We were honored to work with Blaine on ROUTE Magazine's feature on the Blue Whale, where he shared his deep knowledge, personal memories, and unwavering passion for preserving his family's remarkable legacy.
🕊️Dr. T. Lindsay Baker was not only one of the foremost historians of Route 66 and the American roadside, but also a respected author of numerous books, including Eating Up Route 66 and also a valued contributor to ROUTE Magazine. We were honored to have collaborated with him to bring some of these stories to you. At the time of his passing, Lindsay was proudly representing Texas in the Route 66 Centennial Caravan traveling the Mother Road in his beloved 1930 Model A Woody Station Wagon—a fitting tribute to a life devoted to preserving America's Main Street.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Davis and Baker families, their friends, and the many Route 66 organizations and businesses fortunate enough to call them members, colleagues, and friends.
Rest easy, gentlemen. Thank you for everything you gave to the road we all love.
