Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006
Pomp and circumstance, speeches, history, storytelling, and music were the order of the day Saturday, June 17, 2006 in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Among a crowd of 500 visitors, Platt National Park/Chickasaw National Recreation Area celebrated its 100 birthday at the Bromide Pavilion in Historic Platt District. Superintendent Connie Rudd along with Director Mike Snyder of the Intermountain Region and other Federal, state, and local dignitaries kicked off the celebration with a Rededication Ceremony. President Theodore Roosevelt, re-enacted by history teacher Brandon Fentem, read the proclamation that established Platt National Park followed by Oklahoma Representative Wes Hilliard presenting the resolution passed by the Oklahoma Legislature proclaiming June 17-29, 2006 as Platt National Park week. A plaque rededicating the commitment by the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Governor of Oklahoma, Director of the National Park Service, and the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to the next 100 years of service to the public was unveiled.
Thirteen of the top 15 songwriters from the Fall 2005 Songwriters Festival returned and performed their winning songs along with local musical groups. Oklahoma Territory Tellers told stories of the Civilian Conservation Corp and the Red River War. Visitors were greeted by park staff dressed in period costume and an antique buggy and Model-T truck added ambience to the festivities. The day ended with a concert by Les Gilliam, Oklahoma’s official balladeer.
Photo caption: (left to right) Eddie Postoak, Chickasaw Nation; Wes Hilliard, Oklahoma Representative; Kirk Perry, Chickasaw Nation; Jill Daughtery, Field Representative to Congressman Tom Cole; President Theodore Roosevelt (Brandon Fentem); Director Mike Snyder, Intermountain Region; Kennedy Brown, Chickasaw Nation; and Oklahoma Senator, Johnnie Crutchfield, Bromide Pavilion, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur, Oklahoma June 17, 2006
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