Meramec Caverns Barn Mural in Chandler Restored

Barn mural restoration in progress in Chandler, Oklahoma. Photo courtesy of Palmer Studios, Inc.

A local landmark in Chandler, Oklahoma has been restored just in time for the Centennial of Route 66.

Back in the 1930s, Lester Dill turned a series of caves in Stanton, Missouri into a tourist attraction. Meramec Caverns became a big draw for road trippers, thanks to some clever advertising gimmicks including painting large advertising murals on barns across the country. For nearly sixty years, Jim Gauer traveled the highways and painted these murals across fourteen states. Jim retired in 2012.

Although these murals were not exclusive to Route 66, the caverns sit just off of the famous highway and have long been associated with the road’s legendary history. A small barn on the west side of Chandler has been a part of the Meramec Cavern Barn Mural Family for decades and is the last one on Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66. The mural was even featured in a painting by Bob Dylan (yes, that Bob Dylan) within a larger series of Route 66 works.

Extensive damage to the Meramec Caverns Barn in Chandler in April of 2023. Photo courtesy of Mariko Kusakabe.

In April of 2023, a wind storm tore the roof off the barn and half of the mural. Clearly, the structural damage to the small structure threatened the entire building with demolition. The Association sprang into action, engaging the landowner to talk about what was needed to save the barn. Permission to restore the mural was obtained from Les Turilli, the third-generation owner of Meramec Caverns.

In February of 2024, the Tillison Christian Opportunities Foundation donated $6,000 to fund the repair of the barn. This was achieved in short order, but that didn’t cover the restoration of the mural. The Association continued to work behind the scenes, engaging various parties and setting aside money in our Preservation Fund. A strong year of Trip Guide advertising and a sizeable donation from Cycle 66 in Edmond helped get the money together to finish the project in 2025.

Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell was present at the check presentation from the Tillison Christian Opportunities Foundation to fund the rebuilding of the barn in February of 2024.

Oklahoma mural artist Dr. Bob Palmer was engaged to restore the mural. Dr. Palmer has painted nearly 2,000 murals across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Eastern Europe. His art exists in many locations across Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66, including recent work near Chandler City Hall. In October, Dr. Palmer returned to Chandler and brought the Meramec Caverns artwork back to the barn.

Now, travelers enjoying a trip down Route 66 can see this slice of Americana once more. The Association extends our thanks to Dr. Bob Palmer, Les Turilli, Cory Johnson, Thomas Tillison, and everyone that helped make this restoration project possible.