Work took me way out to western Oklahoma last week to the oilfield and ranching town of Leedey. I got there a little early and so checked out the local city park.
In amongst the war memorial and playground was a seemingly friviolous steel structure. It was twisty and turney (that is a word here in Oklahoma) and had Christmas lights on it and several everyday objects.
It turns out that it is not frivolous at all. It is a memorial to the six people who died in a tornado that hit Leedey on May 31, 1947.
What a memorial. Apparently it was built by school children aged seven through eighteen during art classes. I think the monument is a tribute to the kids as well as the victims of the storm.
And guess what there was a geocache hidden right nearby named “Leedey Park” placed by kbaldeagle and Jeritexas.
(I actually don’t think this is the real jail.)
Another sight in town is the Jail. It seems pretty secure although they have a little work to do to get it up to standard. If you are a person that likes to engage in criminal behavior, western Oklahoma is not the place for you to be.
that is some incredible piece, I looked at it before reading and thought ‘it looks like a tornado’
Some clever young people live in Leedey! It does indeed look like a tornado!! The jail is a great reminder to behave myself — never easy!! And why am I not surprised about the geocache???? Sounds like a worthwhile trip! Hope your week is off to a good start!
Sylvia
That’s a great memorial and I agree, a tribute to the ingenuity and creativity of the students as well.
That’s a fantastic memorial, more so as it comes from the imagination of children. Re. the jail, it looks as though it would make a delightful bijou residence.
Perhaps a holiday home for the Yogi family?
Great sculpture, but really love the jail. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
You always seem to find the most interesting places!
A wonderful memorial made even better at the hands of children.
The jailhouse isn’t grandfathered? Well, it sure has me rethinking heading west to embark on a life of crime.
That creation and that first stop are just plain amazing. I love the way you tied in the water tower.
Thanks for sharing the treasures along the byways of your world. Everything’s big, I think. And wonderful.
A fitting tribute!
A very interesting piece of sculture and full marks to the children who made it!
un post tres interesssant, avec une creation vraiment originale
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What an unusual and lovely tribute that twisty sculpture is.
Incredible — makes me want to cry, but it is amazing.
It is an interesting sculpture, Yogi. So sad those people lost theri lives that way. Tornadoes are so frightening! I can’t believe one hit Dallas, TX this afternoon.