Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Over the past several years, I’ve passed this big blue whale more times than I can count, but I never stopped for a closer look until recently.

 

It was built in the early 1970’s by Hugh Davis as a surprise anniversary gift for his wife Zelta who collected whale figurines. I guess a dozen roses and maybe a small crystal whale to adorn the coffee table wasn’t quite enough; and really what says love like a humongous blue whale? I wonder what Freud would have to say about it?

The whale and the pond surrounding it were meant for family use, but eventually the Davises opened it to the public.

The park was closed in 1988 and old Blue soon fell into disrepair. In the late 90’s volunteers restored the landmark. Mr. Davis had also built the A.R.K. (Animal Reptile Kingdom) in the park. However, it hasn’t been restored, and its remains still—umm—remain.