McEwen Farming and Family Stuff

‘O what a beautiful morning, O what a beautiful day’, goes the lead song in the musical, Oklahoma. But we wake up to steady rain and were not that fussed about leaving early as it was one of the better $70 Super 8 chain motels that we have stayed in.

It had a king sized bed, a Jacuzzi and it was on the ground floor with very fast WIFI, what else would you want!

Well try—- the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Ian was here in 1977 on the Farm Study tour hosted by Oz Sanderson and it was one of the special places along with the Grand Canyon and Lake Louise that he promised Alison he would take her to see one day.

Some 38 years later the huge pure white statue is still there, an Indian Brave on his horse, called “The End of the Trail” A picture of utter defeat. (this year they are celebrating 100 years since the sculpture was completed). The end of a defiant nation sets off another iconic American story at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City,

As usual we could have spent a full day here.

The prime exhibit is a western town portrayed just after dusk and the lights are on but it is bathed in light and shadow and depicts the lifestyle of the late 19thC.- a sheriff’s office, school, saloon, newspaper office, church, store and other icon buildings of the time. Authentically fitted out, even the floor is roughed to emulate a dirt road.

The Rodeo `real life 3D exhibits` and the cowboys are honoured here, the video clips illustrate why being named in the Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement. The 1923 winner rode 20 miles to school each day so it is no wonder his balance and skill won him a place as the highest rodeo money winner for that year.

The Indian culture and weapons exhibits are a wonderful collection. So much more than in the Smithsonian Native Indian Museum – skin shirts, beaded bags, papoose cradles, saddles and so much more. The hunting and firearm exhibits are first class. As are the Federal trooper exhibits. No wonder we have a proliferation of stories, film, cartoon, songs of the Wild West as the Indian wars continued for 60 years!!! Heartbreaking when you consider the deprivation experienced.

The day finished with a walk through the Prix de West exhibition of art. Each year a painting or sculpture is awarded the Prix de West prize and placed in the Art Gallery. The art reflects the western landscape or culture of the US. Absolutely beautiful.

Alison had a feeling of excitement as she was surrounded by really beautiful things – the art, the exhibits, the gardens and even the café. The décor was yellow and black – sunflowers in black cowboy boot, yellow serviettes as seen in the photos. The smorgasbord luncheon was delicious. She did not want to leave. – sign of a very special morning.