Wild west fans will delight in the memorabilia in a museum dedicated to film screen cowboy Tom Mix in a quaint town where you can also find antiques and a wonderful root beer soda.
Dewey, Okla., is the kind of town where you can still get a root beer soda at an old-fashioned soda fountain where it is served with a smile. Dewey has a friendly, small town atmosphere.
At Linger Longer Antiques and Old Fashioned Soda Fountain, I had my first root beer soda and I loved it. I also spent some time shopping in the antique side of the business where I found an old camera to add to my collection.
For fans of westerns, be sure to visit the Tom Mix Museum where memorabilia from the famous cowboy actor can be found. Costumes, photographs and other items from the personal collection of the local sheriff turned movie star are in the museum.
While at the Tom Mix Museum, also be sure to take some time to watch a few of the black and white films starring the first “King of the Cowboys” as they are featured in a small theater in the museum.
During our visit, we had lunch at Kaffe Bona, which has specialty sandwiches, soups and wraps. The Hawaiin sandwich is a unique twist on a classic ham sandwich. Black forest ham, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion are all placed on moist potato bread with a pineapple cream cheese to top it off. Add a glass of sweet peach tea and you have a great lunch-time treat. For an appetizer, try the salsa chips.
I also spent some time wandering through the downtown area and browsing through antique shops and unique stores. I enjoyed stops in Mimi’s Antique Market, J&W Antiques, Cedar Creek Collectibles, Cherokee Heritage Trading Company and Kay’s Antiques.
I also spent some time in the Dewey Hotel Museum, a restored Victorian hotel built in 1900. Period furnishings, rare photographs, clothing and glassware depicting early lifestyles of the area are all on display. It is one of the oldest buildings in Washington County and is directly connected with most of the early economic and social history of both Dewey and Bartlesville.
As you travel along Bison Road from Durham Ave., you will see a herd of wild Mustangs who have found sanctuary in Dewey. It is a place for relocated Mustangs. The government sponsors the horses so they can live out their lives here instead of living in over-crowded lands out West. Tours are not offered. This is a drive by opportunity. You are welcome to drive by and look at the beautiful horses.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Dewey has several special festivals each year for those who would like to make their plans during one of these special events. The second Saturday in September, the Tom Mix 5K Run is held. It is famous for the “Finish Line Party” of silent movies and hamburgers with all the trimmings. The second Saturday in December, a night time Christmas parade is held. Floats are lit with hundreds of lights while gliding down Don Tyler Avenue. In July, a July 4 celebration feature a spectacular fireworks display, music, children’s games and free watermelon is held.
For more information on visiting Dewey, go to www.cityofdewey.com.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
