As The "Whirled" Turns...

[Rico]

I'm sorry.... But I am damn glad I had not eaten when I read the following Good News!


There is a fairy tale come true.........Story in todays "World..."

Heritage Oklahoma State Chairperson is Roxana Lorton. Ms Lorton has been quoted as saying"the renovated building will be a world-class facility that will preserve and present in a compelling manner the fascinating story of Oklahoma as told by its fascinating people."

I want to donate $money$ to create a Skelly Room....

The Article from the Daily Oklahoman.

quote:
Oklahoma Heritage Association members unveiled plans Thursday for $15 million in renovations to a historic building that will become an interactive museum where technology will help tell the state's story.

The Edward L. Gaylord/Boone Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Center will be in the Mid-Continent Life Building, 1400 Classen Drive, after the building is restored.

Association members plan to include a historical library, an event garden, an Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery and other attractions to acquaint visitors with Oklahomans who helped make the state great, said Oklahoma Heritage Association President Shannon Nance.

Unlike other historical organizations, the Oklahoma Heritage Association illustrates the state's unique history through the lives of its people rather than artifacts, Nance said.

Designed and built in 1926 by architect Solomon Layton, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The association was able to buy the building with a $3 million gift from Edward L. Gaylord, the late editor and publisher of The Oklahoman. Holdenville native Boone Pickens also gave $3 million.

Both donors had been inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

Including the Gaylord and Pickens gifts, about 60 percent of the $15 million needed for renovations has been raised, said Oklahoma Heritage Association chairman emeritus Clayton I. Bennett.

Plans include integrating existing design elements with modern touches, said head architect Rand Elliott.

"I feel inspired as an architect to see this building that still stands," Elliott said.

Many original components of the neoclassical building will be retained, including the original limestone stairs, brass doorknobs stamped with the Mid-Continent logo, and light fixtures.

A garden is planned outdoors, including waterfalls, event seating and pillars. A lighted panel will replicate fireflies, Elliott said.

Northern Light Productions of Boston will provide holographic images of famous Oklahomans telling their stories. Northern Light has produced holographs for the Smithsonian Institution, Elliott said.

"It will become a real symbol of the strength of Oklahoma to tell these wonderful stories," Elliott said.