An old family photo leads to a little-known piece of Tulsa history
An Art Deco Enigma
Okay No Longer
The Jefferson Highway was one of America's earliest highway systems. It connected New Orleans Louisiana to Winnipeg, Canada about a decade before the federal numbered highway system was created. Over time, it was supplanted by other highways (much like Route 66) but it still enjoys enthusiasm from dedicated fans and communities that take pride in … Continue reading Okay No Longer
Tulsa’s Crystal City
In 1927, the town of Red Fork on Tulsa's southwest side was incorporated into the city. It's where Tulsa County's first oil discovery was made (Sue Bland Well No. 1) and is still home to a large, active rail yard. There were several communities in what is now Southwest Tulsa, actually; all still home to … Continue reading Tulsa’s Crystal City
Speeder Excursion and the K&T Motor 9
This past weekend I was lucky to experience a unique journey through southwest Oklahoma. I wasn't on Route 66 this time, nor was I sitting behind the wheel of my Mustang. This journey put me in a vehicle that was altogether new to me on a path quite a bit older than any highway: the … Continue reading Speeder Excursion and the K&T Motor 9
Saving Skateland’s Neon
For decades, the giant Skateland neon sign stood near the corner of 11th and Sheridan in Tulsa. The roller rink there just off Route 66 was a Tulsa mainstay for decades. Ed and Wanda Enlow, who had been teaching skating at the Continental Roller Rink near 11th and Peoria, opened the family skating rink on … Continue reading Saving Skateland’s Neon
The Hotel Higgins
When I travel, I love to stay at historic properties. You can learn a lot about a place if you get the chance to live its history, even if it's in an abbreviated way. In May, I was exploring Casper, Wyoming and hadn't quite found what I was looking for regarding accommodations. I expanded my … Continue reading The Hotel Higgins
Welcome Back, Big Boy
I love trains. I'm not a "foamer" (a term used by some for die-hard train enthusiasts). I can't tell you what all the parts and pieces do or differences between one train line and the next but I can tell you how they make me feel. There's something about the sight and sound that taps … Continue reading Welcome Back, Big Boy
Terni’s of Millerton
Recently, Samantha and I traveled up to New York state to see her family. It had been over a year since we'd seen them and it felt good to get out of town for a while. We had a lovely time - we didn't go down into the City due to the curtain of COVID's … Continue reading Terni’s of Millerton
The Barnsdall Letterpresses
In February of 2015, a terrible fire ravaged downtown Barnsdall, Oklahoma. It wasn't the first time - many buildings in town have been lost to fire over the years, actually - but this one had a very specific family connection. My great-aunt Estelle ran a beauty parlor in town for most of her life. Her … Continue reading The Barnsdall Letterpresses
Chugwater, Wyoming
As I drove through Wyoming on the morning of May 26, I pulled off of Interstate 25 into the little community of Chugwater: population 212. The iconic bucking bronco that serves as the motif for Wyoming's brand (visible on license plates and many other items), "Steamboat", was born there. Additionally, it's the home of Wyoming's … Continue reading Chugwater, Wyoming
Rhys' Pieces 