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Coleman Furniture
Oklahoma City, OK
A little over a century ago there were no stores, restaurants, or for that matter much more than grassland and rolling hills on the spot that is now Oklahoma City. This vast area of 625 square miles was once referred to as the “Unassigned Land”. During the 1800’s, various Native American tribes were being relocated to the southern plains territory. This one section was left “Unassigned”. This all changed on March 2, 1889, when President Harrison opened this stored area up to anxious settlers. Over 50,000 homesteaders gathered at the boundary line to wait for the cannon to fire at noon that would cause a stampede to claim a piece of this promise land. Not everyone was so patient. In fact, some individuals snuck through the boundary line early. They hid from the guards and staked off their land before the cannon fired. Thus, the name “Sooners” was born. Nearly 10,000 people created a tent town overnight complete with stores. The population doubled by 1900. In 1910, with a population of 64,000, Oklahoma City officially became the location of the state’s capital after a victorious vote. The discovery of oil in 1928 created a whirlwind of activity. As more people moved in to make their fortunes, stores cropped up to supply them with all of the essentials, including food, furniture, and clothing.
Although the region was rich in oil, the 1930’s hit this area hard. Oklahoma was gripped by one of the worst droughts on record. The drought stricken area known as the “Dust Bowl” effected three states, but it had devastating effects on the town and its people. As the Great Depression took its toll on the Country, areas like this, which were already suffering from dust storms and crop failures, couldn’t hold up any longer. This included local stores, as well. People began to pack up everything they could pile onto one truck or car. At one time you might see a line of trucks piled high with furniture, clothing, and even mattresses strapped down with family members piled on top all heading to California. Many families left possessions, such as furniture behind, because there was no way to transport it. These individuals would stop at the local store to purchase supplies, and sell unwanted furniture. This massive exodus of former residents left little hope for the merchants in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. Banks failed, and stores closed. Those that tried to hang onto to their dreams found themselves fighting off foreclosure, and buying food, as well as other necessities from local stores on credit. Many of the citizens that left this state never returned after the Depression ended, but some came back and opened new stores, hotels, and other businesses.
Today, Oklahoma City is the home of over one million residents. This metropolitan area, which started out as a mass of tents, is now filled with sophisticated restaurants, upscale furniture stores, and numerous entertainment facilities. Visitors flock to the areas numerous museums, art galleries, and shopping malls, as well. This region offers a very diverse culture with more Native Americans living in their state than anywhere else in the Country. As you can imagine, the people of this area take great pride in this rich heritage. In fact, there are several stores that specialize in Native American products, such as jewelry, pottery, and furniture accessories.
This area is known for its vibrant nightlife with locations, such as Bricktown, dedicated to entertainment. Bricktown was transformed from a dingy warehouse district into an exciting place to dine at the various restaurants, window shop at the quaint furniture stores, and dance your cares a way at several trendy night clubs. Other parts of the region offer hand made furniture, pottery, as well as other arts and crafts in their stores. Performing and visual arts are a major part of Oklahoma City today. The area ballet, as well as the many live theaters and exquisite music halls have brought an urban sophistication to this up and coming metropolis. This is not a stuffy place to visit. There are some great ways to let loose, and have fun, as well. From the Adventure District to Frontier City stores, there is something that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Oklahoma City has a wealth of diversity and culture that has lured visitors through its doors for years. This area offers the entire family an opportunity to relax and play. Whether you enjoy shopping at the many stores filled with upscale furniture and Native American pottery, or strolling through the fascinating museums, you can rest assured that you will not get bored. After a long day of visiting stores and enjoying rides at the amusement park, you can head over to Bricktown for a thrilling evening of lively dancing and entertainment. With everything that this booming metropolis has to offer, it is a wonder they aren’t overwhelmed with people trying to relocate. |
Coleman Furniture is UpFront
