Tulsa’s Owen Park, Tulsa’s oldest public park, is a jewel just to the northwest of downtown. As peaceful as it is now, it began with a accidental nitroglycerine explosion in 1904 in a nitroglycerine storage shed. Nitroglycerine was used for oil field purposes. The explosion’s crater became what is now Own Creek Pond pictured above. I love that story, another account said that the pond came about when the city dammed a ravine in the park. That definitely lacks in drama and thus is probably not true, at least in my thinking.
The property has been a park since 1909. It sold by Chauncy Owen to the city of Tulsa. Apparently it was the major park in Tulsa for years.
I love old obscure memorials. I loved the brass work on the one above. It is the Indian Memorial. Just several hundred feeet east is the junction of the Creek, Osage, and Cherokee tribal nations. Let me tell you something, there is not much of anything more complicated than the history of the Indian Tribes in Oklahoma.
There is another monument nearby that commemorates a barbecue held on the property in 1921. It was for families who had been in the area for 30 years or more. Not exactly the welcome wagon is it?
I noticed that Chancey Owens attended, and several branches of the Perryman family who played a huge role in early day Tulsa. I find it amazing that somebody considered a barbecue so important that they built a monument to it. Have you ever been to a event that good? Me neither.
So, is that it for Owen Park? A remnant of early day history, well I think things are happening.
A brand spanking new play park with splash pad. Splash pads are all the rage now. We just need some kids. They’ll show when school’s out.
When the weather is hot there is nothing like these dumping buckets. They’ll cool you off in no time.
Also, an old building on site is being converted to the Discovery Lab of the Tulsa Children’s Museum. Check out the link, it sounds fun. It opens later this month.
Also, the neighborhood seems to be coming back. This house above is rght across the street. I just love those first floor doors and windows and the staircase to the left.
So, I think things are looking up for Owen Park.
Good to know that the historical park is being updated for today’s families while still leaving memorials to its history. That must have been some amazing barbecue back then! (
I thought at first that those dumping buckets were some kind of a kids playground ride or climbing toy — I thought wow they raise ’em tough in Tulsa!
Nice to have parks to hang out in in the city. Though I’ve never been to such a memorable BBQ as to be put on a plaque. Love the architecture and the idea of a children’s museum.
Looks like a nice place to get away from the busy downtown. That house is just grand!
Such a lovely and very interesting and historic park. Love your captures and that old house is awesome! Great post for the day! Hope your week is off to a good start! Enjoy!
The idea of making a memorial for a barbecue makes me smile. I like your explosion version of the pond the best, too – shows that when a bad thing happens, maybe some good will come out of it.
Like you, I am a sucker for old monuments. Any family that had been in Oklahoma for 30 years, prior to 1921, had roots in the territory 16 years prior to statehood. My great aunt and her husband moved into Oklahoma territory in 1901.
Words cannot describe how cool that house is. It is just spectacular.
I’m glad they used the crater for something useful. That BBQ monument must have been huge with the whole families attended. Must have had lots of chicken and ribs.
That is a great house!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
What a lovely park and the house is beautiful. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing your world. Have a happy week!
Oh, I love those dumping buckets!
What a peaceful park… and that house is gorgeous!
Nice to have parks in the city to take children.
Such an interesting post Yogi. Boy, oh boy, a memorial to a BBQ, now that’s really something! Thanks for the giggle.
We don’t need to make dumping buckets, we have the clouds in the sky to do that for us. Love it when you give us a history lesson and, as for that house, FAB-U-LOUS.
I meant to add “and not a car in sight”:-)
I really enjoyed this tour of your world. Have a wonderful day!
Lea
Lea’s Menagerie
The park certainly has some interesting history. I like the nitroglycerin explosion story for the creation of the pond. Much more interesting than the alternative.
Nope, I’ve never been to a BBQ that was worthy of a memorial. The one in your park must’ve been pretty special.
I’m not surprised you prefer the nitroglycerine story. I like it too.
Such a wonderful tour and wonderful post!
Cheers from Cottage Country!