| ROUTE 66: PEOPLE |
A WHO’ S WHO OF ROUTE 66
THE VISIONARIES, LUMINARIES, AND PRESERVATIONISTS OF THE MOTHER ROAD
By MARISA MCINTURFF, GREG DREVENSTEDT & ALLISON PARKER
Before it was a road, Route 66 was an idea. The idea wasn’ t just about transportation or travel; it was about possibilities, about the flourishing of the American spirit and free enterprise.
Route 66 became not just a road but a vital artery in the growth of America thanks to the vision and dedication of many people. And what keeps it alive decade after decade is a small but dedicated network of people who choose, often against the odds, to preserve its stories, restore its landmarks, and welcome travelers the same way the Mother Road always has.
Cyrus Avery: The Founding Father
Known as the“ Father of Route 66” for his role in the highway’ s creation, Cyrus Avery’ s involvement didn’ t end when Route 66 was designated in 1926. He continued to nurture Route 66 throughout his life, ensuring its lasting legacy in the American imagination.
Avery was born in Stevensville, Pennsylvania, in 1871, and his family moved to Missouri a couple years later. Missouri is where Avery grew up, graduated from college, married, and began working. He held many job titles throughout his life, especially after he moved his young family to Oklahoma. At various times, Avery was a teacher, sold life insurance, worked in real estate, and eventually became involved in the booming oil industry. In 1907, he set up the Avery Oil and Gas Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, kickstarting his interest in improving roadways.
Before the U. S. Highway system, roadways were locally maintained and to inconsistent degrees. They were often disconnected and poorly marked – all challenges for businessmen like Avery. He became involved in the Good Roads Movement early on, and in 1913 Avery was elected as
48 / AUGUST 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM