Press Release
April 9, 2015
Contact: Andi Holland
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-237-1907 x223
aholland@okhistory.org
www.csrhc.org
CSRHC to Open New Exhibit on Grant County
Enid, Okla. — The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid is excited to open a newly developed exhibit called, "Grant County: From Stockade to Strip—1865–1895." The exhibit examines the changing course of commerce in northwest Oklahoma, from the Pond Creek Stockade on the Chisholm Trail to cattle operations and the formation of the Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association, and points to future changes brought about by the exploration of natural resources. This insightful exhibit is sponsored by the James C. Day and Teresa K. Day Foundation and will be on display in the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation Gallery from May 1 to August 15, 2015.
This exhibit, researched and developed by Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center staff and Oklahoma Historical Society Museums and Sites Division staff, will allow visitors to peer into early life in Grant Country through the eyes of a typical cowboy, and will include a chuck wagon, general store and bunk house. Among the objects on exhibit will be an original tent, saddle and other gear from Frank C. Orner, a cowhand from the region and member of the Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association. Original objects from the period and many hands-on activities will add engaging opportunities for even the youngest of guests.
The exhibit begins with one of the most successful business operations in Grant County at the time, Sewell's Stockade, the Walmart of its day. Opening in 1868, and operating throughout the 1880s, Sewell's Stockade operated as a general store, a stage stop and a post office in Grant County near what is today Pond Creek. The station served as the last stop for cattle drovers on the Chisholm Trail before reaching Caldwell, Kan.
Mr. James Day is inviting all Heritage Center members and Oklahoma Historical Society as his guests to celebrate this exhibit. A special viewing reception will be held on Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Please RSVP for this event by May 1 by calling 580-237-1907 x221.
Admission to "Grant County: From Stockade to Strip—1865–1895" is included in museum admission. The Heritage Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information on the exhibit or becoming a Heritage Center member, please contact the Heritage Center at 580-237-1907 or www.csrhc.org. The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is located at 507 S. Fourth Street in Enid.
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains 31 museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
