J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

05/31/2026

Yesterday, we had the honor of hosting the Southwest Bonanza Society during their SWBS 50 Plus 1 Anniversary Weekend.

This wonderful group flies across the country in Beechcraft Bonanza airplanes, choosing different locations to visit and explore along the way. We were grateful that they selected the J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum as one of their stops during this special anniversary weekend.

Although we currently have construction taking place inside the museum, they were gracious, patient, and supportive during their visit. We truly appreciate their understanding as we continue working through these exciting changes.

Thank you to the Southwest Bonanza Society for visiting the museum and spending part of your journey with us. We hope you enjoyed your time here, and we were honored to be included in your travels.





https://www.facebook.com/groups/220979203241847

05/28/2026

Today, a visitor from Tyrone, Oklahoma came to the museum on a mission.

His small town in far western Oklahoma has a World War I memorial statue of a United States Doughboy standing in full field kit. For generations, this silent sentinel has represented service, sacrifice, freedom, and remembrance.

But time has not been kind to him.

Over the years, the statue has been damaged and vandalized. The soldier’s rifle is now almost entirely gone, with only a small piece remaining near the Doughboy’s right hand. The community is working to restore the memorial to its former dignity, and that is what brought today’s visitor to the J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum.

Using old photographs of the statue, the original rifle was identified as a United States Model of 1917 Rifle, often called the “American Enfield.” Thankfully, we had one in Collection Storage and were able to bring it out so he could take the measurements needed for the sculptor creating the replacement rifle.

We love helping visitors experience history.

Today, that meant helping a community restore a piece of history, honor its World War I memorial, and preserve the memory of the Doughboys of the Great War.

If anyone from Tyrone sees this, we would love to see the finished restoration when it is complete. Thank you for letting us play a small part in helping preserve this important memorial.



Images from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/courthouselover/4785278160/

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

Yesterday afternoon we had the honor of hosting a local Rotary Club at the museum. Our Executive Director, Randy Ramer, spoke to the group about the museum, its history, and the lasting impact of Addie Smith Davis.

It is always a pleasure to share the story of the museum and the people who helped shape its legacy. We truly appreciate community groups like Rotary who take the time to learn more about the history found right here in Claremore.

If your organization or group would like to schedule a visit or presentation, we would love to welcome you to the museum.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion helped protect the freedoms we continue to cherish today. As we reflect on their service, may we never forget the cost of freedom or the families who carry that sacrifice with them.

The J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum will be open Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM. We invite you to stop by, walk through history, and take a moment to remember those who served and sacrificed.

05/24/2026

Something Big Is Rolling Into The J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum 🇺🇸

Our tank is on the move as exciting changes continue at the museum. From powerful military history displays to one of the most fascinating collections in America, there is always something new to discover inside the halls of the museum.

As the outside changes begin to take shape, the stories inside remain just as incredible. From historic fi****ms and military artifacts to unique pieces of Americana, every corner of the museum has a story waiting to be told.

If you have not visited lately, now is a great time to come explore history, Route 66 heritage, and the spirit of America all under one roof.

📍 Claremore, Oklahoma
🕙 Open Daily 10 AM to 5 PM

05/22/2026

He built homes, ran a hotel, served the town with pride,
Collected pieces of history and kept them safe inside.
More than a collector, more than what you see,
J. M. Davis helped shape Claremore’s history.

From the Mason Hotel to the streets of Claremore,
His work left a mark we still explore.
A builder, a leader, a man of his day,
He helped our growing town find its way.

He served as mayor and worked with care,
Helping neighbors through burdens they had to bear.
Through hard times and good times, his story still stays,
A piece of Oklahoma from earlier days.

So come walk through history, look close and see,
The man, the town, and the legacy.
At J. M. Davis, the past feels near,
With every display, story, and memory here.

Our newest article takes a closer look at the man behind the name. J. M. Davis was a businessman, builder, landlord, public servant, and collector whose story reaches far beyond the museum walls.

Come learn why his legacy still matters today at the J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum.

Learn the fuller story of J. M. Davis, the Claremore contractor, Mason Hotel owner, builder, landlord, mayor, and collector behind the J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum.

05/14/2026

Before Route 66 became America’s most famous highway, a visionary named William “Coin” Harvey was already helping shape the future of American road travel through the Ozark Trails road system.

But that is only part of the story.

Harvey also built a resort community in the Ozarks, promoted early automobile tourism, and became connected to unusual pyramid structures that still spark curiosity today.

Our newest blog explores the fascinating connection between the Ozark Trails road system, early Oklahoma automobile travel, Monte Ne, and the highway movement that helped pave the way for Route 66.

And yes… some of the historic Ozark Trails obelisks still exist today.

Known surviving obelisks can still be found:

• Southwest of Stroud, Oklahoma
• Langston, Oklahoma
• Wellington, Texas
• Tampico, Texas
• Tulia, Texas
• Dimmitt, Texas
• Lake Arthur, New Mexico

Additional documented or historical obelisk locations once included:
• Miami, Oklahoma
• Bluejacket, Oklahoma
• Anadarko, Oklahoma
• Dawson, Oklahoma
• Joplin, Missouri
• Chickasha, Oklahoma
• Chandler, Oklahoma
• Hobart, Oklahoma
• Buffalo, Missouri
• Lowell, Kansas
• Tucumcari, New Mexico

These stone markers once guided travelers across early automobile routes long before modern highway signs existed.

History is often stranger and more interesting than people expect.



Oklahoma Route 66 Association
Visit Claremore
Oklahoma Historical Society

Discover William “Coin” Harvey, the Ozark Trails road system, Monte Ne, and the early automobile routes that helped pave the way for Route 66.