This is our one night in Oklahoma. The weather is “warm” so we’re here. There are 3 sites taken in this campground but 2 of them are hosts! So, I guess that makes us the only camper here. As a rockhound, it’s pretty cool. There’s quartz jutting out of every orifice. It’s not just normal quartz – it’s clear white quartz and if you’re lucky, it’s in crystal form! Okay, Terry’s not so thrilled but he’s nodding and smiling politely.
FOREST HERITAGE CENTER, Beaver Bend State Park, Broken Bow, OK
This was on our way out of Oklahoma and recommended by one of the campground hosts. The area around Broken Bow is a very big logging area. The center displays wood carving items and documents the lives of families who moved from one logging camp to another as trees were cleared. What’s amazing is that those kids who grew up in these transient camps look back with fond memories. Everything was provided to a family, schooling, community, health care. The camps moved from one area to another enmass. The kids and mothers kept their friends and social network. The only problem was after a child finished 8th grade. There were no other options for them unless they left the camp.
Throughout our journey across the US we are constantly reminded of the tremendous work the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) did during the Great Depression. Here, in Broken Bow, OK, the people raised enough money, $1808 to purchase land from a lumber company for a state park. Once the land was purchased, the CCC built all the facilities needed. This is amazing! Why can't we do that now?
Camping: Armadillo RV Campground, Beaver Bend (aka Hochatown) State Park, OK
“Semi-modern site (no sewer)” Electric, water, dump station, showers, Verizon 3 LTE