Skywatch Friday - Oklahoma's Favorite Son

Recently we took a day trip to the Will Rogers Memorial & Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma. If you are from or live in Oklahoma, this is a must see place for you. Will Rogers was a cowboy, entertainer, and humorist. He is probably the most quoted "Okie" in history. Will was born November 4, 1879 in Indian Territory near Oologah, Oklahoma. He died August 15, 1935 in a private plane crash in Alaska. Will was 1/4 Cherokee native American. The memorial/museum celebrates his life on 20 acres of land in Claremore that Rogers purchased with the intent of building a home when he retired.

 Since we went with the Senior Adults from our church, upon arrival we were ushered into a small theater where this gentleman gave us an overview of Will Rogers life and what we could find in the museum. He was very good.

This is perhaps the most iconic image of Will Rogers. It stands in the foyer, leading to the outdoor area where the burial vault is located.

 One room that I did not get to spend as much time in as I would have liked was the room dedicated to telling the story of Rogers last days and the flight that took his life. Will became a huge advocate of flight. He knew the Wright Brothers, Lindburgh,  and Airheart.

 This a portion of a wall mural that is probably thirty feet long in one of the exhibit areas.

 There are numerous paintings and portraits of Will around the museum. The one thing that is consistent throughout is his easy going smile that reflects a man who is quietly confident, humble, and is always ready with the next humorous quote. Once or twice in a generation an individual is born to be is timeless. Will Rogers is one of those people. The memorial/museum is worth the trip. Have a blessed day.