Scene Inspection: Dillinger

The life and times of mobster John Dillinger was immortalized in the 1973 film, "Dillinger."  The story of the "gangster's gangster" was partially filmed in Oklahoma.  And the town of Ardmore served as one of the movie's locations.  Check out a screencap from this scene:

Never mind what these two are talking about.  The real draw here is the billboard behind the shoe shine chair.  If you're like me, then you're always looking in the background for interesting details...or even "interesting" details.

 For example, old advertisements in the background of old movies are "interesting" to me.  Looks like it's your lucky day!  So let's break down some of the old ads from Dillinger:

"Oil, Cattle and Beautiful Lake Murray"

The middle ad boasts about some of Ardmore's biggest money makers.  Sure cows and oil pay the bills but the town's crown jewel is definitely the lake. It was built over 1935 (a year after Dillinger died) to 1941 and still bills itself as the "most beautiful lake in Oklahoma."  The lake's other claims to fame are the largest state park in Oklahoma and the first Oklahoma state park listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Sam P. Hall Ford"

This ad is on the right side toward the bottom (and partially obscured) with red letters and yellow-ish.  The Ardmore Ford dealership did big business in the area for decades.  Sam P. Hale was a Ardmore Rotary Club president and community leader.  And right above that ad is:

"Colverts Fine Dairy Products"

Colverts was another big business in Ardmore for the longest time.  It was mainly known for its tasty ice cream and unique sign outside which, unfortunately was taken down not too long ago.  But, thankfully, it was taken to the Greater Southwest Historical Museum.  Nostalgic milk enthusiasts can also join a Facebook Fan Page about the dairy.

The other ads aren't particularly legible but I haven't given up on them.  I'm just one eBay matchbook auction away from continuing to work my way through the rest of the sign.  Stay tuned...

Top 5 Things For Sale at Antiques Etc.

Previously:

Choctaw Welcome Center - -  Sam Noble Museum Gift Shop

Cherokee Trading Post  - -  Cloverleaf

Small-ish towns typically try to broker their small-ish nature with the goal of increasing tourist interest (and tourist dollars).  One of the more common ways to do this is with Ye Olde Antique Shop™ (or Shoppes, preferably).  And it's with this unnecessary factoid that we begin yet another "Top 5 Things For Sale at..." entry.  Today we visit Antiques Etc. in Ardmore.  Let's go...

5.  Ardmore Matchbook & Postcard

I tell ya, man, ya gotta get into ephemera if you want to start picking up souvenirs.  It's cheaper that collectible spoons or shot glasses and takes up much less space.  There was tons of this stuff in the store but I picked these two due to the local connection (and because they were right next to each other...what?  I'm not being lazy...YOU'RE being lazy!!)

4.  Famous Oklahoma Indian Glasses

Forget your Burger King Return of the Jedi glasses, these are older and rarer.  From the late 50's, the "Famous Oklahoma Indian" glass set was designed by Native American artist Blue Eagle.  The store didn't have a complete set but there were several options available to start your Oklahoma themed promo glasses collection.

3.  Dick Tracy Whitman Big Little Book

Big Little Books were all the rage for decades and featured popular characters of the day including Mickey Mouse, Batman and Dick Tracy, who was created by Pawnee Oklahoma native Chester Gould.  This one is from 1967 and has the hard boiled detective facing "Facey."

2.  Chicken in the Rough Postcard

What did I tell you about ephemera?  It's the best!  Chicken in the Rough was a chain of chicken joints founded in Oklahoma City.  (And apparently there are three of them left.)  There's a lot going on with this postcard, from the brag(?) that they serve a half a fried chicken "unjointed" and with no silverware, to the little chick that is "gladly" offering himself up to be fried.  I'm not sure he's thought that through.

1.  Oklahoma Souvenir Plate

The mother of all old school keepsakes was the souvenir plate.  They used to be offered everywhere that might be considered a destination (or on a way to a destination) and celebrated things like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and everything in between.  The Oklahoma plate celebrates the Land Run, Will Rogers and a few other Okie milestones.

Now that the antiquing is done we'll just hit the local tea room for a Cobb Salad, find a restroom and then pile back into the RV to head to the next small town... 

Rubber Made

You may think of the Michelin Man as the quirky, bloated fellow who serves as a beacon of warmth when you have car trouble and have to go to the auto parts store, but the ribbed gentleman also serves as a reminder of economic prosperity to the people of Ardmore, Oklahoma.  And he's always there to greet you at their Michelin Plant:

The plant has been here for years and if you are like me and constantly on the search for photo ops with life sized advertising mascots then it's definitely worth a stop as you travel along I-35.  This tall drink of water is practically begging you to slap some skin and give him five:

Michelin has been so good for central Oklahoma that our lumpy buddy was even honored by the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City by displaying this smaller version of the legendary icon in one of their exhibits:

So around this area there is clearly some love for when the rubber meets the road.  And if you want to pay a visit to an advertising icon, you know where to go.

Top 5 Things for Sale at Cloverleaf

Previously:

Top 5 Things For Sale at the Sam Noble Museum Gift Shop

Top 5 Things for Sale at Cherokee Trading Post

Cloverleaf, in Ardmore, has a reputation as being hard to miss.  Its bright pink exterior is surrounded by as much weirdo, amusement park decor that the proprietors could find.  Inside you'll find one-of-a-kind gifts ranging from hand made decor to antique chotchkies.  So let's pick some seemingly arbitrary items and rank them in a list...as you do...

5.  Giant Inflatable Pink Flamingo

           

It doesn't take visitors long to realize the store has a huge "pink" theme and a fun tone.  And nothing embodies these elements more than a giant inflatable pink flamingo.  It's both functional as a pool toy and works as a decorative conversation piece. 

4.  Oklahoma Hand Towels

At least I think these are hand towels.  What makes them stand out is the strong "Oklahoma" vibe and the retro design.  Like the flamingos (and a lot of other stuff in the store), they are as fun to look at as they are to use,

3.  Blue Whale Magnet Clip

There's probably a good chance that this item has absolutely nothing at all to do with the Big Blue Whale in Catoosa.  The Oklahoma icon isn't nearly as represented in the merchandise world as I'd like so I'm just going to imagine that this guy is our pal from Route 66.  If I'm wrong, don't tell me.

2.  "Oklahoma Curiosities"

I'm almost done with this book and I'll be sad when I'm finished.  It's got a ton of Oklahoma stories, information and facts that can help you find any number of interesting things in the Sooner state that are just a little off the beaten path.

1.  Fake Animal Heads

If you've ever wanted your place to feel like the den of a big game hunter but you just don't have the time to stalk and kill your own wild game then you're in luck!  The store has a several different heads to choose from and these don't have the creepy eyes that actual taxidermy usually has.

Not a bad haul for a roadside stop.  If your next trip to Ardmore lands around the holidays or a loved one's birthday, then now you know where to load up on flamingos, whales and wart hog heads.