NOVEMBER 2
Lowell Davis, creator of Red Oak II and many folk art masterpieces has died at age 83.
He is known as "The Norman Rockwell of Rural Arts."
I was only familiar with his Red Oak II where he recreated his childhood town outside of Carthage, Missouri and his wonderful and intricate large metal sculptures scattered around Carthage. But, I see he also did paintings and small figurines.
Liz and I were lucky enough to meet him (and his ever-present pipe) at the Boots Court motel back in 2017 when we did our "Route 66 Cruise When We're 66" tour. We were staying at the Boots and Lowell and crew were putting the finishing touches and his latest creation "Welcome to Carthage" right next to the Boots. This is the one which has a real automobile with cop hiding behind the sign.
We had a nice talk with him sitting out on those famous metal chairs in front of the Boots. And, as we were told, he kept that pipe either in his mouth or nearby. Anyone coming up for a photo and he would quickly grab it and insert in his mouth.
He will be missed. He was one of those characters who make Route 66 so much fun.
--RoadDog
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