"National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum" Oklahoma City Travelogue by Paulie_D

The End of the Trail
by James Earle Fraser
1876 - 1953

This lone figure on his weary horse is one of the most recognized symbols of the American West. By many it is viewed as a reverent memorial to a great and valiant people. To some Native Americans, however, it is viewed as a reminder of defeat and subjugation a century ago.

The monumental, 18' plaster sculpture was created for San Francisco's 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition and received the exposition's Gold Medal for sculpture. The subject of immediate popular acclaim, the image was widely reproduced in postcard, print, curio and miniature form.

Although Fraser hoped his masterpiece would be cast in bronze and placed on Presidio Point overlooking San Francisco Bay, material restrictions during the First World War made the project impossible. Instead, in 1920, the city of Visalia, California, obtained the discarded statue and placed it in Mooney Park, where it remained, in a gradually deteriorating condition, for 48 years. In 1968, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum acquired this original plaster statue, restored it to its original magnificence, and made it a focal point of the museum.

Canyon Princess
by Gerald Balciar
1942-present

The Canyon Princess stands as the focal point at the entrance to the Gaylord Exhibition Wing where it serves as guardian of all that lies within. Evoking all the grace and power of western wildlife in general, this monumental likeness of a female cougar was sculpted from a single 31-ton block of Colorado yule marble. The finished piece is twice life-size, soars 15' above its base, and weighs slightly more than eight tons.

This sculpture was donated by the artist in 1995 in appreciation of winning the museum's annual Prix de West Award for fine artistic accomplishment at a critical point early in his career. The process of creating the piece took well over a year, with the actual sculpting process consuming some five months. The work began in Balciar's Colorado studio, where the statue was approximately 75 percent completed and then moved to its present location where the more delicate elements were finished to coincide with the opening of the first phase of the wing.

I wish I could tell you the name of this piece or the artist but I couldn't see a plate & it's not mentioned on their website, but it's another beautiful example of the treats in store.

Western Performers Gallery

This 4,000 square-foot presentation explores the various ways the west has been interpreted in literature and film.

Honoring western performers who have contributed to the making and preservation of the stories and legends of the west, the gallery also displays an entirely new presentation of the museum’s extensive collection of memorabilia, including the John Wayne collection of personal firearms, artwork, and memorabilia.

Significant, biographically associated artifacts, from the 101 Ranch Wild West Show to the recent western films of actor Tom Selleck, will lend a tangible feeling to extensive holdings of movie posters and portraits.

Also showing is a short film showing the way in which the west was portayed from the earliest silent pictures all the way to Unforgiven.

The Duke

In the Western Performers Gallery is an wall containing John Wayne memorabilia & art.

This picture is, unfortunately, a little out of focus

Prosperity Junction

The blurb - Prosperity Junction is a replica of a turn-of-the-century cattle town built in an area of the museum where a 40' high ceiling allows two story structures.

There are 19 buildings in Prosperity Junction. All of them are built as historically correct as possible. The lumber is rough-cut and circular sawn with dimensions true to 2 x 4 or 2 x 12 sizes common to the era. Doors, window frames, and trim work are milled to circa 1900 specifications as indicated in millwork catalogues of the day. Interiors have metal ceilings, wallpaper, wood treatments, paint, and other design elements all done in period style. All structures are furnished with authentic circa 1900 artifacts in secure areas and a combination of reproductions and authentic artifacts in public access areas.

The time of day in the town is just after sunset. Most of the buildings stand two stories tall with light streaming from doors and windows illuminating the dusty main street. Thirteen of the structures can be entered by the public, and all are well lighted inside by a combination of gas fixtures and kerosene lamps and lanterns. The only electric lights are hanging streetlights that are powered by a brand new generator which is the pride of the town and a portent of the prosperity to come.

Sounds lend life to the town with the mournful tones of a distant train whistle, the faintly heard barking of a dog, the rushing of the wind across the prairie. Meanwhile, the tinny noise of a piano in the saloon contrasts with the peaceful strains of religious music coming from the church organ. This balanced combination of light and sound enhance an already dramatic setting designed for the visitor's return to a bygone era.

I found this display a little soulless. By this I mean that, I suppose it's an accurante enough recreation, but without actual people in it, how can you get a feel for how it was.

I wish we were allowed to take pictures of the incredible artwork available for viewing at the museum but for preservation & other reasons, photography is not permitted except in certain spots.

You'll just have to visit in person or visit their website's online shopping area.

Greeting you, or wishing you farewell, is a statue entitled 'Welcome Sundown' by Edward Fuller.

Well, that's all I have room for...hope you liked it!