TULSA — Friday, a space cowboy took up permanent residence along historic Route 66 in the heart of Tulsa.
"Buck Atom" is the brainchild of Mary Beth Babcock, owner of Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios near 11th Street and Peoria Avenue.
“Here he is!” she exclaimed happily as Buck took up residence outside her small store. “He landed here today to help revitalize Route 66!”
She’s been a fan of Route 66 and roadside attractions for many years, and did her research on “muffler men,” giant fiberglass statues that became iconic in the 1960s and 70s.
Buck Atom was built using the mold of the very first "muffler man," a statue of Paul Bunyan that stood outside a café in Flagstaff, Arizona along - you guessed it - Route 66.
Saturday, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Mayor G.T. Bynum will attend the Space Cowboy Launch Party to officially welcome Buck to his new home.