Oklahoma Hall of Fame(22)
- Jonathan Elmore
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 10
OKLAHOMA CITY
I didn't realize it but there are a lot of famous Oklahomans. Whether it's for sports, music, film and theatre, judicial, radio and television, writers, Tribal leaders, or philanthropists, our state can definitely be proud of the people that have called Oklahoma home.
I went down to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame recently for my second trip to this collection. The first trip didn't involve much photography on my part since I hadn't started this Okie Museum Crawler venture yet. The only photograph I took was of Gary England. HA! Short story about Gary. We were watching him on afternoon because we were in the middle of a tornado warning and, since he was the best, we had him of the tv. He was going crazy trying to coordinate the screen, his information, his staff, remote cameras, and the computers. He was manic. "This is bad, folks! Everyone needs to take cover becuase these cells are spinning and dropping out of the sky! Look at this satellite! Look at this doppler radar!" And just like a switch turned off or a producer shouted in his earpiece, Gary became very calm and looked right into the camera and said in quiet calm tones, "Now children, if you're at home by yourselves, you need to calmly but quickly go to your storm shelter. If you don't have one, get blankets or a mattress and get in the bathtub. Bring your brothers and sisters and the dog and cover yourselves up. Please take cover. I want you all to be okay, so go do that right now." The switch went back on and he started his weather coverage again. This is why his portrait was the only picture I took. His behavior that day is burned into my memory. Mania!! Calm. Mania! It was a tense situation, but it made me laugh. His main goal in life was keeping us safe. Endless thanks to him.
On this trip, I took a few more, well quite a few more, pictures to share with you. Since I'm such an Oklahoma nut, I knew a fair number of the people who I saw in the halls and galleries. But there were quite a few I didn't know so I looked them up when I got home. And the ones I researched were appropriately in the Hall of Fame. There were a few portraits that I was expecting to see, but didn't. Two in particular are one of my favorite musicians, Hoyt Axton from Duncan and spaceman, Owen K. Garriott from Enid. Could be I just missed their portraits. I've been know to do that. I was on my way out and forgot to ask about them and then remembered on the way home. Maybe I'll send an email.
In addition to all the portraits, there is a fun area for kids to explore the careers of some famous Okies. They can take photos of themselves as a weather person, a bronc rider, or an astronaut. I also saw a special collection of artwork in the Tulsa World | Lorton Family Gallery on the second floor. It was filled with some great pieces, a few of which are at the bottom of the photos below. Not only am I a nerd about Oklahoma, I'm a nerd about finding new art to look at too. And this little gallery delivered.
If you like portraits, art, and Oklahoma, then this is a must see place. You'll be amazed by the work that so many Oklahomans have contributed to the world over the years.
1400 Classen Dr., Oklahoma City
405-235-4458
