Oklahoma has had many robust leaders and neighborhood advocates in our 115-year historical past. The achievements of Oklahoma girls haven’t at all times been celebrated as they need to, nevertheless there are a number of spots across the Sooner State paying tribute to girls — some particular, some normal — that make for excellent native journey locations.
Exterior of the State Capitol in Oklahoma Metropolis is a statue of a Native American girl titled “As Lengthy because the Waters Move.” Contained in the Capitol sits a statue of Kate Barnard, the primary girl elected to state workplace in Oklahoma. If you happen to haven’t been inside recently, make a while for a go to. The prolonged constructing renovation undertaking is full and features a museum displaying the historical past of the Capitol. The close by Florence’s Restaurant, owned and operated by Florence Kemp, makes for a pleasant companion cease, as it’s Oklahoma’s first James Beard Basis Award Profitable restaurant.
Are you aware the identify Alice Robertson? The Muskogee native was Oklahoma’s first congresswoman. She additionally based a boarding college that ultimately grew to become Henry Kendall Faculty, which right now is called the College of Tulsa. The Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee has a show that tells the remainder of her story and extra. Guided excursions can be found.
The city of Luther was the house of Elizabeth Threatt. The Threatt household was well-known within the area because of their farm and repair station on Route 66 that grew to become a recognized refuge for Black vacationers. She and her husband ran the station for many years, however she is greatest recognized domestically as an educator. She began her educating profession in 1932 at 21 years outdated. She was one of many first 5 Black college students to graduate from the newly built-in College of Central Oklahoma in 1959. She gained many awards for her neighborhood engagement over time and the native library carries her identify. Take a look at the Threatt Filling
Station subsequent time you’re cruising Historic Route 66 (presently underneath renovation) and get a chew to eat on the Farmstead Cafe — a terrific domestically sourced eatery run by pleasant people.
A towering statue of a girl in a bonnet, titled “Pioneer Lady,” stands exterior of the Pioneer Lady Museum in Ponca Metropolis. The bronze sculpture portrays a mom of confidence, main her son into the frontier. It was commissioned by well-known oilman E.W. Marland and erected in 1930; the museum got here alongside a couple of a long time later. The power offers a showcase to these early days of Oklahoma settlement, together with craft demonstrations and a Pioneer Lady Stroll of Fame. It’s a terrific place to be taught extra concerning the many ladies which were influential all through Oklahoma’s historical past.