What does Elk City, Sayre, Erick, Texola, Route 66, Yow Auto Supply, The Red Carpet Community Theater, the Elk City Carnegie Library, and the United States all have in common? They are all celebrating a milestone anniversary this year!
On March 19th, 2001; the Elk City Carnegie Library buried a time capsule. Members from the community, then Director Pat Sprowls, and the Friends of the Elk City Library gathered items to put in the capsule. Letters from parents to their children, letters from one spouse to another, letters to themselves, and other items were sealed up and buried only to be opened 25 years later. This year on March 19th, in Carnegie Hall at 11AM, the library will be unveiling what’s inside. Mayor Micah Kilhoffer and State Rep Nick Archer will be there to say a few words about the occasion.
The Red Carpet Community Theatre was established in 1966. One of the first few plays the theater produced was Harvey; which happens to be its current upcoming show premiering March 20th. “We wanted to do something to honor the history of the theatre.” said Ashley Underwood. This upcoming 60th season is jam packed with some amazing plays and talented casts. If you are looking to start acting or directing, this is the place to be.
Also in 1966, Yow Auto Supply opened and was run by William Yow. A small family owned parts store that has been serving its hometown for 60 years. Now run by William’s kids Jeff Yow and Jaye Womack, as well his grandson Eric Yow. They will be having their annual customer appreciation cook out this coming April, you don’t want to miss it!
On November 11, 1926 Route 66 was established and opened as one of the original U.S. Highways. It spans 2,448 miles from Chicago, IL, all the way to Santa Monica, CA. Known as “The Mother Road” it goes through 8 states and features iconic roadside establishments and beautiful scenery. Beckham County is no stranger to this road, it’s running straight through it. Oklahoma will be having year long events to celebrate the birthday of the Mother Road.
If you thought 60 and 100 was a lot, try 125. That’s the age of Elk City, Sayre, Erick and Texola! With the oldest being Elk City, it started out as a “tent city” before the Choctaw and Gulf railroad arrived and the city started growing rapidly. The same rapid growth helped to strengthen the populations in Erick, Sayre, and Texola; all of which were founded in the following months of 1901. The first passenger train arrived in Sayre in September of 1901, bringing in hundreds of settlers to the area.
The biggest anniversary to be had will be on July 4th this year. We will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 250 years since we declared ourselves free from the rule of England. Celebrations all over the country will be held; I would be willing to bet there will be extra fireworks ordered for shows, and extra barbecues this summer. It’s a time for joy, reflection, family, and freedom.
