The Osage County Historical Society Museum Pawhuska

08/30/2026

Bathroom to shelter

Kihekah Avenue at Sixth Street in Pawhuska…

Originally built as a sandstone-walled public bathroom more than a century ago in the middle of Pawhuska‘s historic district, it was converted into a civil defense fallout shelter in the Cold War days of the Eisenhower administration. Also used for decades as a storm shelter, a popular spot in seek refuge as recently as July Fourth when severe winds hit downtown Pawhuska. Above is a platform used long ago for concerts and political campaign speeches, plus the iconic Sixth Street Staircase leading to the under-renovation Osage County Courthouse, the only hilltop courthouse in Oklahoma. Adjoining the shelter are James Stroud’s first two Pawhuska buildings, both older than the Mercantile Building. C.R. Anthony had his first local store at left, and then he moved to the larger Stroud (1859-1935; founder of Stroud, by the way) structure to the right. In 1934, Anthony’s needed more spaces, moving to the building vacated by the Tucker brothers’ defunct Osage Mercantile business at Osage Avenue and Main Street.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Ice cream social there Sept. 12. On your next visit, be sure to check out the huge sleeping porch that Addie added.

Visit Hominy to explore a one-of-a-kind piece of Oklahoma history at the Frederick and Addie Drummond Home. This Victorian-style estate was built by the Drummonds – ancestors of The Pioneer Woman - Ree Drummond's husband Ladd – in 1905 after finding success in a variety of fields including ranching, banking and real estate, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981. You can find more info at https://tinyurl.com/VTODrummondHome

08/26/2026

The atmospheric haze in the mornings and evenings makes for some dramatic sunrises and sunsets.

08/25/2026

Bill Sweeden, Helen Lewis, James Willett, Catherine Pearson and Mike McCartney

Thanks for being our top followers in the past week!

08/24/2026

The Osage Nation executive branch closed its private school dedicated to language and culture immersion. The decision has since sent community members and leaders scrambling to find other alternatives.

08/24/2026

The Marland Gas Station is getting some much-needed TLC!

Recent inspections revealed that a portion of the wooden beams supporting the roof had rotted and needed to be replaced on this 103-year-old piece of Hominy history. The mansard tiles on the roof also needed replacing.

Okie Brothers Construction is handling the repairs, and we truly appreciate the hard work they’re doing—especially in this Oklahoma heat! 🥵☀️

We also want to send a huge THANK YOU to a Hominy resident who prefers to remain anonymous for donating the rental cost of the dumpster. Your generosity means so much!

The Marland Gas Station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1923. With the unique triangular design, it is one of the few remaining Marland Stations still standing.

The Hominy Heritage Association is proud to be the caretaker of this treasure from Hominy’s past. While being listed on the National Register is a great honor, there is no funding that comes with the designation. Donations play an important role in helping us maintain and preserve this historic property.

If you would like to donate, volunteer, or simply learn more about the Hominy Heritage Association, please call 918-885-4486.

❤️ Thank you, Hominy, for helping us preserve our past and build a legacy for the future!

08/22/2026

Have a preservation project in mind? Send a letter of intent for the PlanFirst Grant, generously sponsored by BancFirst. This matching funds grant encourages a thoughtful planning process for undertaking a preservation project. See details below and at preservationok.org/planfirst-grant.