From Bushes to Bubbling Brooks: The History of Oklahomans and the Outdoors, Starting This Weekend in Enid
OutdoorHub 08.31.11
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is proud to present a new, temporary exhibit developed by the Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife.
Conservation entitled Field, Forest & Stream: The History of Oklahomans and the Outdoors. Beginning on September 2, 2011, Field, Forest & Stream will relate the history of outdoor recreation and conservation in Oklahoma. The exhibit space will include historical artifacts, dynamic graphics, audio-visual elements, and fun, hands-on interactive features.
Visitors to the exhibition will find lots of interesting things to see and do. Artifacts and manuscripts from collections such as those of the aviator and avid outdoorsman Wiley Post, the pioneering outdoor television producer Don Wallace, and various Oklahoma-based companies will be on display throughout the exhibit space. The beautiful craftsmanship of a Plains Indian bow and quiver, the diverse shapes and colors of Oklahoma-made fishing lures, and the charm of vintage Oklahoma camping equipment are just a few of the artifacts you will discover.
Three main topic sections are represented in the exhibit; hunting, fishing and camping. A special feature of the exhibit for Northwest Oklahoma is the addition of historical material on the Grand National Quail Hunt, held every November in Enid. The Grand National started in 1967 and has grown into the leading invitational celebrity hunting event in the United States.
At the turn of the nineteenth century, rivers and prairie streams were the highways upon which the early explorers and settlers depended as they crossed the wilds of Indian Territory. Later, as some of these waterways were dammed to create the large lakes we know today, sporting opportunities increased for all Oklahomans.
Visitors will learn about the development of Oklahoma’s national forests, game management areas, wildlife refuges, preserves, and state parks. Since the Territorial Legislature of the 1890s enacted the first hunting laws it has been a long road to recovery for Oklahoma’s wildlife. Visitors will experience this dramatic comeback and how Oklahomans past and present have enjoyed this valuable resource. Guests can choose between a number of outdoor sport and conservation activities with a history lesson or two thrown in.
The camp section of the exhibit explores the cultural history behind this popular form of outdoor recreation. See and experience examples of vintage camping equipment, camping methods, and Oklahoma recipes from over the years.
An exhibit Preview Party for the CSRHC membership will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 1. CSRHC members attend free of charge. Non-members admission is $5 at the door.
The Field, Forest & Stream Exhibit will run from September 2, 2011 through January 15, 2012. For more information on the exhibit, please contact the Heritage Center at 580-237-1907 or visit the website, www.csrhc.org.
