The Western Oklahoma Historical Society Strives to Perpetuate the History, Study, and Appreciation of Western Oklahoma.
About Us
Learn about our organization and how you too can participate to promote and preserve western Oklahoma history.
Historic Places
Explore the rich history of western Oklahoma by learning about and visiting all its historic places.
Visit the National Route 66 and Old Town Museum Complex
The Elk City Route 66 and Old Town Museum Complex allows you to take a nostalgic journey down the Mother Road, Route 66, and immerse yourself in western Oklahoma’s rich pioneer history.
Preserving and Promoting Western Oklahoma History
As a nonprofit organization, the Western Oklahoma Historical Society concentrates its efforts on preserving artifacts related to western Oklahoma and promoting interest in the study and research of the area. The organization concentrates on all of western Oklahoma but specifically on Beckham and Roger Mills Counties. The National Route 66 Museum and Old Town Museum complex is the largest history museum in western Oklahoma, and as such, much of the Society’s work focuses on that. Over the years, the Western Oklahoma Historical Society has helped to fund several additions to the museum including the Farm and Ranch Museum, the Blacksmith Shop, the General Store, and the Education Building.
In addition, WOHS hosts an annual flea market in Ackley Park the first weekend of October and an ongoing art show in the Education Building featuring western Oklahoma artists. Each year, the Society also honors individuals from western Oklahoma who have made significant contributions to the area by inducting them into the Western Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
The Latest News and Events
-
From Cowboys and Pie to World War II: Memories of Pie Flat School
Located between Hammon and Butler, public school district number 41, known as Pie Flat was established in 1900. Public schools in Cheyenne-Arapaho country came about as a result of the Organic Act of 1890, which designated two sections in each township of Oklahoma Territory for public schools. Until that time, if children attended school, they… Read More »From Cowboys and Pie to World War II: Memories of Pie Flat School
-
100 Years Ago: January 1926
It was business as usual when 1926 arrived. Beckham County newspapers reported on organizations, schools, and churches. The front page of the January 14, 1926, edition of the Elk City News-Democrat reported that 172 people attended the Chamber of Commerce banquet. After dinner, the audience enjoyed a sing-along and a violin concert. One of the… Read More »100 Years Ago: January 1926
-
100 Years Ago: Christmas 1925
The Beckham County newspapers provide a glimpse into the lives of people in 1925, including how they celebrated Christmas. The December 17, 1925, newspapers were full of ads for all manner of Christmas presents. The Diamond C Dry Goods store advertised “Useful and Friendly Gifts to Make the Yuletide Joyous,” including everything from men’s overcoats… Read More »100 Years Ago: Christmas 1925
-
100 Years Ago: November 1925
Elk City High School Football was front-page news in the November 19, 1925, edition of the Elk City News-Democrat. In the article “Elk City High Took a Game From Texola,” Elk City reportedly “waded through the team from Texola High.” The final score was 25 to 6 for Elk City’s first win of the season.… Read More »100 Years Ago: November 1925
-
One Hundred Years Ago: October 1925
Cotton harvest was the big news in Beckham County in October 1925. The front page headline of the October 8, 1925, issue of the Elk City News-Democrat declared, “Elk City Gins Running Day and Night.” Farmers were expecting yields comparable to those of 1924. Small communities surrounding Elk City were harvesting cotton also. Many of… Read More »One Hundred Years Ago: October 1925
-
One Hundred Years Ago: September 1925
In the September 10, 1925, edition of the Elk City News-Democrat, the Beckham County Fair was the big news. A new parking lot had been created to accommodate the expected crowds. In addition to the fair exhibits, a variety of entertainment was on the schedule. Bands, animal acts, and acrobats were just a few of… Read More »One Hundred Years Ago: September 1925
