The Stroud Neon Sign Project began with a group of passionate individuals who came together to brainstorm ways to enhance the Route 66 experience for travelers passing through Stroud. The idea to apply for the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant quickly gained momentum. While dozens—perhaps even over a hundred—ideas were discussed, the vision became clear and organized after the Stroud City Council awarded the competitive bid to Five Tool Management. This bid was for professional services, appointing Five Tool Management as the City of Stroud’s official Grant Administrator and Project Manager.
Five Tool Management, the official Grant Administrator and Project Manager for the City of Stroud, hit the ground running to coordinate the Round 2 Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant application. Their leadership brought structure, direction, and momentum to the project.
One of the most important goals of the project was to support Stroud’s ongoing efforts to rebuild. May 2024 marked 25 years since the devastating F-3 tornado on May 3, 1999, which destroyed the Tanger Outlet Center on the north side of the Turner Turnpike. The economic impact of that loss has continued to affect the city ever since.
The Stroud Neon Sign Project represents a renewed effort to revitalize the city by celebrating its Route 66 heritage. Through the grant, the City of Stroud aims to support local businesses located directly on Route 66, as well as those just one block off the historic highway. This initiative proudly embraces Stroud’s rich tradition of neon signage, exemplified by longstanding landmarks like the Skyliner Motel and the Rock Café—both of which remain popular photo stops for tourists traveling the Mother Road.
Sign No. 001 - Westbound
Encino 3D was selected as the Neon Sign Vendor to create the Stroud Gateway Signs. Westbound following the official direction of Route 66 is located on 7th Street with the Stroud High School as the official backdrop.
Sign No. 002 - Eastbound
The discussion of the Stroud Gateway signs began in May of 2024. The official location of the Eastbound (Sign No. 002) has been selected and approved. Visitors along Route 66 will be greeted at 9th Avenue just before Highway 99.
Sign No. 003
Encino 3D's replicated a current sign that has been hanging inside the dispensary since it was established in 2020. The Stroud Dispensary installed a 4 foot round double-sided neon sign that compliments the recent upgrades completed to the building.
Sign No. 004
It was a pleasure working with Gathering Grounds to bring their official brand to neon. We are excited to see the craftsmanship of Cooper Smith (Neon Lights) when the neon sign is installed.
Sign No. 005
The staff at Carpenter Insurance is excited to see their animated design featured on one of our largest neon signs, proudly showcasing the Carpenter Insurance brand.
Sign No. 006
In 2008, the Rock Café in Stroud was gutted after fire ripped through the building. When the building was rebuilt there was a missing piece to the original design. The green neon trim.
The green neon trim is being reinstalled as a part of the Stroud Neon Sign project.
Sign No. 007
The owner of Encino 3D was inspired by the connection between Dawn Welch and the Cars character Sally Carrera when designing a neon sign that captures the spirit of the Stroud Neon Sign Project.
Sign No. 008
Encino 3D honored Dr. Timothy Moore’s request by incorporating his existing logo into a timeless neon sign design—one that can be proudly passed down to future generations of eye doctors.
Sign No. 009
The Locker on Route 66 is a popular Airbnb, named in tribute to the building’s original use as a meat locker. The neon sign brackets were creatively crafted using the building’s original meat locker hinges.
Sign No. 010
The fun-loving turtle that has been a part of Stroud Liquor since 1988 is now being brought to life in neon—ready to welcome Route 66 travelers to the City of Stroud.
Sign No. 011
Signs and Wonders, Inc. was selected as the neon sign vendor to create one of the largest signs in our project. The Fourth and James logo is being brought to life. Owners envisioned a sign so bold and bright that visitors could see it from the turnpike.
Sign No. 012
Signs and Wonders, Inc. is showcasing how tradition and innovation can come together through their latest neon installation. For the owners of Lin Cuisine, it was important to preserve their existing signage while embracing the artistic flair that neon brings. We’re excited to see this creative vision come to life.
Sign No. 013
Stroud First Assembly of God is in the final stages of approving an 8-foot neon sign, created in collaboration with Signs and Wonders, LLC. The design is inspired by their message: "To God, every soul matters."
Sign No. 014
The First United Methodist Church is in the final phase of designing artwork for their neon sign, inspired by the denomination’s iconic Cross and Flame logo. Adopted in 1968 following the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the symbol represents the church’s connection to God through Christ (the cross) and the Holy Spirit (the flame).
Sign No. 015
It was a pleasure working with Encino 3D to design a neon sign for Stroud Laundry that incorporates open-channel letters and animation. The goal was to create a welcoming sign that not only serves Stroud residents but also catches the attention of Route 66 travelers in need of a place to wash and dry their clothes.