We short changed Oklahoma :-(

We short changed Oklahoma with a quick stop (26 – 29 May).  It was enough to know that someday it will be a destination trip. 

 

Using our Passport America ap we found Cedar Valley RV Park in Guthrie.  A nice clean spot surrounded by fields, ponds and fun red dirt for Brady.

* Good thing dogs are washable

 At one point in OK history Guthrie was the territory capital and then the state capital (1889 – 1910). But publishing and political enemies found that Oklahoma City would win the seat. Anyway, what was left behind was a cute town with great old store fronts, with lots of antiquing and museums. 

The rainy day of our visit caused many of the museums to be closed. Most are run by volunteers. 

As our touring options were limited we did spend a lot of time in the Frontier Drug Store museum and Apothecary Garden. We were greeted by a cute little lady having a cup of coffee with the gardener. Apparently the apothecary garden was to be maintained by the garden club, but the responsibility had fallen in to his willing though begrudging hands. It was great to have the time to read the old labels of the cure all products for the day. We always appreciate great building construction and preservation. It was a nice little visit. 

*This little town is several blocks of great original building fronts

 

* State Capital is the name of the local newspaper - Not OK State Capital  - But yet one more great building in this town

 

 

* Don't miss this cool funky spot - Take your time and read those labels

 

 

*Pharmacy log prescribing Cocaine for habit?  Makes you wonder how the habit started.

 

* Sharpen and a shave anyone?

* yes I would buy a sundae from this friendly face

 

 

 

The next day was bright and sunny for the day trip to Oklahoma City.

We knew that our first stop was to the National Memorial. This is the site of the Federal building bombing on 19 April 1995. The initial chain link fence put in place as a safety barrier was made permanent. New mementos are placed here to remember these victims and victims around the world. The End Walls at each end represent innocence of a day and life changing tragedy. 168 glowing chairs large and small over looking the reflective pool represent each adult and child that were murdered that day. It is a beautiful thoughtful place.

 

* The Survivor Tree gets it name for beating Dutch Elm Disease, a lightning strike and the 1995 bombing.  A she is a natural inspiration for the memorial

* Park Rangers tell a great story of the memorial

 

 

We had a coupon for the Oklahoma HistoryCenter – But wait – Military ID card holders are free.   The center covers the land rush, Native American relocation and culture, outlaws, the oil industrial, the dusty times, Oklahomas place in the film industry and art. It is a great modern building although a bit cold. I will try to remember a sweater from here on out. This full afternoon destination is completed with a linear sculpture park. 

*OK Capital Building is in veiw of the sculpter linear park

* CCC made an impact across the nation

 

* Wiley Posts Winnie Mae replica - The first plane and pilot to fly around the world ( The real Winnie Mae is in the Smithsonian)

 

*A buggy and wagon that were part of the land rush, 22 April 1889

* Sod house Replica

* originals were made from cuts of clay dirt and grass

* Black Gold - Oklahoma Tea?

* Native Saddle made with raw hide, cottonwood and deer antlers

 * Amazing art on hides

*This dress made of deer hide and beads was made in 1915 for Vida Roman Nose by her Grandmother Bear Woman

*The bead work is mind bending

*This is the dress

* Loven the silver work on Gene Autrys Saddle

                                                                                                                                                                                      * I would have loved to have been in the film section longer but I was freezeing!!! I think Les was too

*It is hard not to see the art work in Oil Rigs

* Watching the changes

* If you get it you get it.  If you don't, Sorry

 

 

We finished up our day at Bricktown. Formerly the warehouse district.  It now has the Chickasaw Ball Park, a movie theater, restaurants and hotels all along a manmade river walk. It is just flat out cute down here. After dinner we went looking for the real reason we came to Bricktown. Follow the river and you come to the Oklahoma Land Run Monument. 1889 and the promise of cheap land caused settlers to wait for the starting gun. Bang – they are off to catch their piece of the dream.    The monument is 45 life and a half size run participants. Not part of the monument, whether intentional or not you can see native statues watching the rush from a distance. It is a hugely exciting statue collection to see. The finishing touches will happen in 2015.

* Manmade river walk in The Brickyard

* Original buildings are the cornerstone of this entertainmnet area

*Where there is water - there will be wildlife

*The rush is on!!

*Lost my hat

 

*Stop the Rush for tourist

 

I will admit, we were surprised by the modern spirit we felt in this western state.  True, we only saw a small bit, but it is enough to make us want to see more.

 

29 May 2014

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