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Will Rogers Highway Marker

3075 Schaefer Ave, Vinita, OK
Phone:

East < GO > West

This marker was place in 1999 by the American Legion Post 40 and Friends of Route 66. It is located on Route 66 just past the Relax Inn on the north side.)

The front of the marker reads:

"Will Rogers formed lifelong ties to Vinita by attending school here, the Worcester Academy, 1889 and the Willie-Hasell College, 1894 and 1895 terms.

In 1934, Will returned for a WHC reunion and spoke at Old Settlers Day. He urged friends, "have a rodeo next year, and I'll be back."

American Legion Post 40 organized a rodeo for September 1935, but Will and Wiley Post were killed August 15, 1935 in a plane crash. After that the rodeo became the "Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo" and continues annually in Vinita.

"I never met a man I didn't like."
one of many quotes from Will Rogers

U.S. Highway 66 opened Nov. 11, 1925
Renamed in 1936 as Will Rogers Highway

Erected 1999 by the American Legion Post 40 and Friends of Route 66."

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The back contains a list of names that I assumers contributed to the placement of the marker.

Photos: 2016