Press Release
April 29, 2026
Contact: Madison Flores
Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 580-336-2405
[email protected]
cherokee-strip-museum.org
New Exhibit at Cherokee Strip Museum to Highlight Century-Old Diner
PERRY, Okla. — On Friday, May 8, the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School will open its doors to a new exhibit serving up treasures from the Kumback Lunch, Perry’s beloved hometown diner. Thanks to restaurant owner Marilee Macias, these keepsakes will invite visitors to explore the eatery’s rich history.
When the Kumback Lunch first opened its doors in 1926, it welcomed guests with only six barstools, a counter and a humble “EAT” sign. Today, it proudly claims to be one of Oklahoma’s oldest continuously operated restaurants, a downtown Perry landmark famous for its timeless comfort food and irresistible desserts.
Through the decades, the Kumback Lunch has welcomed everyone from celebrities and dignitaries to the infamous outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd. Remarkably, it has had just three owners over the years, preserving its unique spirit.
The exhibit joins a week of festivities in Perry celebrating the Kumback Lunch from April 25 to May 2. Guests can savor daily specials inspired by the original menus, enjoy a lively concert and street dance on April 25 and witness a centennial ceremony with honored guests on May 1. The celebration continues with the exhibit opening on May 8.
The Cherokee Strip Museum is located at 2617 W. Fir St. in Perry. For more information about activities and exhibits at the museum, please call 580-336-2405.
The Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School is an affiliate of the Oklahoma Historical Society, operated in partnership with the Cherokee Strip 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 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 okhistory.org.
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Editor’s Note: Photos of the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School are available upon request.
