Last Updated on February 26, 2024, 1:15 PM | Published: February 26, 2024
The Arcadia Round Barn sends this information as posted below:
ARCADIA – Students and other tour groups who visit the Arcadia Round Barn can learn more about agriculture, history, transportation, architecture, building construction and what it was like to live during a time when most machines were powered by humans and horses.
The narrative of how the barn was built in 1898 begins with a series of storyboards just inside the door, and continues nearly 100 years until the day the restored barn was dedicated as a museum. Other exhibits include photos and sketches of the town of Arcadia dating to the early days of the barn, a collection of vintage farm equipment and hand tools, artifacts donated by the descendants of the barn builders, a restored railroad baggage cart and a refurbished black buggy, and photos and other memorabilia that tell the story of Route 66, which is approaching its 100th birthday.
Tour group members are invited to end their narrated tours in the loft, where they can view the majestic ceiling and test out the acoustics.
The length of a guided tour can be customized to fit the needs of the group, with visits of at least 30 minutes recommended. Visitors are also welcome to take self-guided tours.
The suggested donation for tour groups and all visitors is $2 per person. Bottled water is sold in the gift shop, and hot coffee is available with advance notice.
Joe Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the barn, also provides narrated tours.
“I am a lifelong resident of Oklahoma and have been volunteering at the barn for nearly 20 years,” Baxter said. “I am constantly hearing new stories and gaining new insight about the contributions of pioneers such as the Round Barn builders to Arcadia, Oklahoma territory and the state of Oklahoma. Some of my ancestors were among those pioneers. I love to share what I know and to learn from our visitors.”
Wednesday morning volunteer Andrea Moon also gives guided tours.
“I became a volunteer last year at the invitation of my aunt, Karlena Risenhoover, who is a longtime member of the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society Board,” Moon said.
“I’ve come to love welcoming our visitors from all over the world, and have caught the vision of how the Round Barn can continue to be a community gathering place, as it was during the early days when dances were often held in the loft on Saturday nights,” Moon said.
The barn is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on historical Route 66 and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours can be arranged for any day of the week, with Tuesday and Wednesday mornings ideal for the tour guides. Drop-in tours can also be accommodated.
To arrange a tour, call Baxter at 405-833-1350.
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