Finding Oklahoma: Toy Museum

 Normally, my travels take me across Oklahoma but occasionally I venture past state lines and into the abyss.  When I make these journeys I try to keep an eye out for any signs of Okie influence on these strange new locales.  Such a thing occurred recently when I found myself in the retiree tourist mecca known as Branson, MO.

Road after road, block after block, the city is an explosion of Baby Boomer nostalgia along with the best live entertainment the 1970s had to offer.  Travelers have a variety of options for spending their money and/or wasting their time but it was the World's Largest Toy Museum that caught my eye. 

So I stopped in with the primary objective being to kill some time with a strong, secondary objective of seeing if I could get a blog post out of it by finding anything related to Oklahoma within its colorful walls.  Let's see how I did.

Various Gene Autry Stuff

The Oklahoma Singing Cowboy has an entire city named after him in the southern part of the state and a museum dedicated to him within it filled with memorabilia.  He wasn't shy about licensing his name or likeness (and his descendants seemed to be plenty happy to keep that train rolling) so there's no surprise that plenty of his playthings ended up here.  There's a game, book and wallet in this pic but there were plenty other specimens on display that would have delighted young cowpokes back in the day.

Various Dick Tracy Stuff

The Legendary lawman was created by Pawnee, OK native Chester Gould and just like we saw at Dick Tracy's Headquarters in that little town, there are plenty of pieces from the past that celebrate the top cop's legacy.  And while Tracy's heyday may have been the 40s and 50s, he had a big resurgence in the 90s when the Warren Beatty movie came out.  There was a good mix of old and slightly less old stuff on display here.

Chuck Norris Karate Kommando Action Figure

Karate was big in the 80s and so were Saturday morning cartoons.  Combining them was a no-brainer and high-kicking movie hero (and Ryan, OK native) Chuck Norris fit the genre perfectly.  His animated series involved an (only slightly more) cartoony version of himself leading a poorly drawn team of action heroes against bland bad guys.  Back then any halfway decent cartoon got their own toy line and kids rejoiced at the opportunity to have their very own pocket-sized Chuck. 

Richie Cunningham Mego

In its prime, "Happy Days" was Americana incarnate.  Its popularity guaranteed the arrival of plenty of merch on the shelves like these Mego figures.  I couldn't tell you if these are originals or more modern reproductions but you can clearly see all-American teenager Richie Cunningham right in the middle of the action where he should be.  Of course, he was played by Duncan, OK native Ron Howard whose likeness on the doll is...eh...not as bad as it could be.  Note his steely-eyed confidence even though he's flanked on both sides by a shirtless Fonzie and a shirtless Ralph Malph.  Don't ask me what the story is here.

Lily Sloane Action Figure

Lily Sloane helped the Star Trek crew defeat the Borg in one of the least disliked Star Trek movies ever.  And of course she was played by Tulsa native Alfre Woodard who went toe-to-toe with Patrick Stewart in the scifi adventure.  The museum had a big Star Trek section and this figure stood out to me amongst the many Picards and Datas in their different outfits.

The museum had several buildings in their complex and more toys than you could count.  But with a little effort it's always possible to find a little piece of Oklahoma in the mix.

Memory Lane

 The town of Enid, Oklahoma is proud of their public art.  Street after street, block after blocked is dotted with statues, sculptures and highly detailed murals celebrating the town and the people in it.  But there's one mural in particular that reaches past local culture and into the collective madness that was the 80s.  Behold the grandeur:

  

This eye-catching beauty was created by Enid artist Tox Murillo in 2020 and is packed with details about the often misunderstood decade.  So just for fun, I thought I'd point out a few of my favorite touches in this magnum opus.

Song Lyrics

First up we've got the most famous phone number in music history as heard in the 1981 song "867-5309/Jenny" by Tommy Tutone.  There are multiple stories of the origins of the number but the general consensus is that the songwriter just made it up.  For years unfortunate folks who happen to have that number in various area codes were on the receiving end of endless prank phone calls asking for "Jenny."  If you dial 405-876-5309 or 918-876-5309 who would you get?  I don't know but it's probably best to leave them alone.

Floating above E.T. and Eliot you'll see a red balloon with the number 99 one it as an homage 1983's "99 Luftballons" by German band Nena.  The song is about a misunderstanding leading to an overzealous military reaction which is somewhat similar to what happens in E.T., right?  (It's been awhile.)

To the right of the balloon are lyrics from the 1987 song "Beds Are Burning" by the Australian band Midnight Oil.  It's about the poor treatment of Aboriginals by the Australian government.  This being Oklahoma, it's not a far walk to relate it to the state's treatment of Indigenous peoples.   

Copper Bones Key from Goonies

From the private collection of Chester Copperpot comes this spooky artifact from 1p85's The Goonies.  If I remember correctly, it was supposed to do something useful but ended up springing a booby trap for the gang on their way to discovering One Eye'd Willie's treasure.  The prop was so popular that you can know find replicas for sale all over the internet.  

Anachronistic Yoda

My only (very minor) quibble with the artwork is this rendition of our boy Yoda.  The reference photo the artist worked off of is from one of the prequels, which were well past the 1980s timeframe of the mural.  In the 80s, Yoda was all Muppet but by the early 2000s he had morphed into Ass-Kicking CGI Superhero™️ as seen in this pose.  Don't get me wrong though, I'll take any Yoda over no Yoda ten times out of ten.

Video Game Characters

I'm not a video game guy.  In fact, my knowledge and interest in video games probably began and ended with these two guys.  There were a few different designs of Pac-Man back in the day including the "Pie Chart" design and that weird one where he kind of looked like one of his ghost antagonists except with feet.  The design seen here is definitely my favorite because it reminds me of an old gum ball machine I had as a kid.

And, or course, we get peak Mario in all his 8-bit glory.  There have probably been a 100 Mario games since this one but none of them had anywhere near the cultural impact as this one.

And the rest...

I've only scratched the surface of the fun stuff going on in this artwork.  Whether it's Daniel Striped Tiger or Skeletor or the Miyagi-Do logo, the talent of the artist comes across as much as the fun that we all had back then.  The next time you find yourself in Enid, stop by and check it out.  

Top 5 at the Twister Museum

Previously: 

Top 5 Smokey Bear

Top 5 at the Dick Tracy Headquarters  - -  Top 5 at the CRC Car Show

Top 5 at the Banjo Museum  - -  Top 5 at the Harryhausen Exhibit

Top 5 at the Oklahoma History Center  - -  Top 5 at the Museum of Osteology

There are several contenders for "Great Oklahoma Films" but nothing holds a more special place in my wind swept, debris-strewn heart more than the 1996 F-5 of a film, Twister!  It was filmed primarily in Oklahoma with a few scenes showcasing the town of Wakita.  And that's where the Twister Movie Museum has been ever since.  

Since this year is the 25th anniversary of the film, I thought it was time to go back for a visit for the first time in several years.  And since I was there, why not pick another Top 5 List?

5.  Twister Pinball Machine

This eye-catching piece is near the entrance and sets the tone for visitors.  I would have it much higher on the list but it's not functional.  Which is a shame, because you just know it had plenty of movie sound effects like wind, shouting and maybe that evil weatherman getting his face smashed in and whatnot.  For now, we'll just have to imagine.

4.  Twister the Ride Smashed Penny

Anybody that knows me knows that I love to smash a penny or two.  While the museum doesn't have its own penny smashing machine, it does have this smashed beauty from Universal Studios' Twister ride.  They shut the ride down in 2015 but it's nice to have a tiny little memento from it on display.

3.  Twister Trading Cards

The main reason I included these is because I'm constantly looking for them on eBay and can never find them.  They're a throwback to the days when just about everything got their own collectible trading card set regardless of their level of success or popularity.  I'd still like to pick some up if I ever see them in the wild, if only to finally get ahold of that Philip Seymour Hoffman rookie card.

2.  Twister Storyboards 

The makers of the film donated several items to the museum from the production including several storyboards.  It's a nice way to see what they envisioned for a few scenes and shows some of the talent involved in movie making before they ever start rolling cameras.  

1.  Dorothy

Yep, there she is.  The most famous Oklahoma movie prop is front and center when you walk in.  There were a few Dorothys used by our ragtag weathermen heroes and several Dorothy props made for the film.  The nice museum lady said this was the "Damaged Dorothy" and was used for scenes when the old girl took a beating.  

Nothing beats a small town, roadside museum and there's nothing better than a small town with a cool gimmick.  The Twister Movie Museum combines the best of both.  And as an added bonus, here's another visitor I spotted who showed up for the 25th Anniversary:

The League of Extraordinary Oklahomans

 Years ago, in a magical time known as the 80s, there was a popular toy line of tiny pink monsters, wrestlers, robots and weirdos known as M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.  They were small, collectible and, best of all, fun!  I used to have a big bucketful of them and made them take part in legendary battles in the sandbox.

Since everything old is new again, the M.U.S.C.L.E. figures of the past seem to have been the inspiration for O.K.I.E.S. figures of today.  

 Made by Flying Rabbit Studios, these little guys are made in the image of some of the most famous real Oklahomans as well as a few larger than life Okie statues.  Let's take a look at the line up of the "Stay Gold" edition:

Golden Driller - "Petroleum Protector"

You'll recognize this guy as the guardian of the Tulsa Expo Center.  He's become a symbol of the state and the impact the oil and gas industry has had on it as well as a popular roadside icon that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Bass Reeves - "The Real Lone Ranger"

Born a slave, Bass Reeves became one of the most legendary lawmen of the wild west by bringing thousands of criminals to justice.  His heroic efforts have been claimed to be the inspiration for the Lone Ranger.

Will Rogers - "OK's Favorite Son"

Actor, writer, and overall comedic performer Will Rogers is next.  Rogers may be the most famous celebrity to come out of the Sooner State.  Whenever you have some free time, drive across the state and count how many buildings, roads and institutions are named after him.

Wiley Post - "Pioneer of Aviation"

 "Adventurer" is probably the best description of Wiley Post.  He's best known for working in the wild blue yonder and is seen here wearing the pressure suit that he frequently wore on high altitude flights. 

Buck Atom - "Space Cowboy 66"

Tulsa's own roadside rocket man rounds out the list.  The former muffler man was installed along Route 66 a few years back and his distinctive design and accompanying gift shop has been a Mother Road "must-stop" ever since.

Not a bad lineup, huh?  I'm 100% on board with these little guys and am holding out hope for a Saturday morning cartoon series, additional actions figure waves (I've heard rumblings about a Belle Starr figure) including play sets and vehicles and, of course, a breakfast cereal.  Anything less is unacceptable.  Make it happen, Universe! 

Top 5 Smokey Bear

Previously: 

Top 5 at the Dick Tracy Headquarters  - -  Top 5 at the CRC Car Show

Top 5 at the Banjo Museum  - -  Top 5 at the Harryhausen Exhibit

Top 5 at the Oklahoma History Center  - -  Top 5 at the Museum of Osteology

Beaver's Bend State Park in the southeastern part of the state is in the middle of a heavily forested area that has been a big part of the lumber industry for years.  That industry, and its history, is celebrated at the park's museum.  Several displays include large murals painted by artist Harry Rossoll.  If you don't recognize the name, you'll definitely recognize his most famous creation:

Since good ol' Smokey Bear fits right in with the Forest Heritage themes of the museum, they have a display of Smokey memorabilia.  I'm a sucker for advertising mascots (like the Michelin Man I spotted in Ardmore) so, as I sometimes do, I decided to rank them in a Top Five List.  Let's get started with...

5.  The True Story of Smokey Bear Comic

I've covered this comic before on another blog but I think it's worth mentioning here.  Several product mascots have appeared in comic format before (although not nearly enough) but this one chronicles real life events that led to the Smokey Phenomena.  It's a great piece of an American legacy.

4.  Smokey & His Friends One Act Play Kit

I've never been a huge theater guy but I'd love to see a production of this.  I'm guessing it would be kids in cardboard cutout masks portraying various woodland creatures with an overall message of "Don't light stuff on fire" and that's really all it would need to be.

3.  Little Golden Book

Slight breach of etiquette here with the inclusion of "the" in Smokey's name but the Little Golden Book franchise is legendary and being included is quite the feather in his famous hat.  I've never seen the Pillsbury Doughboy or the Green Giant in one of these things (even though I'd love to) so Smokey is breathing rarefied air.

2.  Sheet Music

Smokey is not the only ad icon to have his own theme song but he may be the only one with a song that has four verses.  Gather round the piano with the rest of the choir and belt out the Ballad of Smokey...what could be better?

1.  Special Edition Doll

Look at this thing!  I wish there was something in the shot for perspective to show how big it is.  It's pretty good size, maybe slightly smaller than a Chucky doll (for lack of a better comparison).  I don't have any real info on it other than it's a "Special Edition," but it's clearly the star of the display.

Smokey's had a long and distinguished career and his influence has spread to a variety of mediums.  These few examples are hopefully just the beginning of of an even longer influence for years to come.

On With the Show

Roy Clark wasn't born in Oklahoma but he's made it his home for many years and and his considered a bona fide Okie music legend.  Over a long career in country music, acting and comedy, he's racked up more awards and honors than you can shake a banjo at.  But perhaps one of his most illustrious honors came in 1978 when he was tapped to appear on one of the biggest TV phenomenons of the time:

Sure, the Muppet have kept a relatively high profile for the last few decades but in the late 70s/early 80s they were in their prime and the Muppet Show was a juggernaut.  Actors, comedians, musicians and the biggest celebrities of the day vied for a guest shot on the half hour variety show.

And in the third episode of the third season, Roy Clark got his shot.  Between Hee Haw and his musical comedy background, he was a perfect fit for the vaudevillian style troupe of frogs, dogs, bears and chickens and such.   Here's a breakdown of the episode:

During this season, the show always opened with the same type of gag: Scooter, the show's gopher (not literally, which normally I wouldn't feel the need to point out), would knock on the guest's dressing room door and let them know that the curtain goes up in 15 seconds.  Then the guest says or does something funny...and roll the intro!

This time, as Roy is getting dressed one of his duded up cowboy outfits, he asks Scooter where his pair of chaps are?  In walks a pair of British Muppets saying 'allo, 'allo!  Roy shouts out the Sooner state, "It's a far cry from Oklahoma."  And all of a sudden it's time to play the music...it's time to light the lights...

The episode's story involves a subplot with Fozzie misunderstanding the term "going country" and thus sending the crew into the woods.  With that subtle bit of Muppet mayhem in place, the first musical number begins:

Roy gets the chance to show off his multiple musical abilities by performing "Rocky Top" with Lubbock Lou and his Jughuggers.  With the help of some TV magic, he plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin and even whips out a trumpet briefly on the bluegrass classic.

Jim Henson was an early pioneer of experimenting with video effects and technology on his original kids show "Sam and Friends" and brought that that innovating spirit with him to the Muppet Show.

By today's standards, having multiple picture-in-pictures might seem a little dated but at this time, it was cutting edge.  It was also a rare chance for such a technically accomplished musician like Roy to really show off his abilities.

After such an exhausting performance Roy got to take a break but the show rolled on with a Swedish Chef segment.  Meanwhile the crew-less subplot continued as Fozzie figured out a way to set the theater on fire.  We follow that up with a "Pigs in Space" segment and then it was time to bring back the guest star:

Roy sings "Yesterday When I Was Young."  It was one of his signature hits songs and he became so synonymous with it that fellow Oklahoman Mickey Mantle asked him to sing it at Mantle's funeral.

The performance also includes a semi-regular Muppet bit that involves starting off with a real dog and then switching to a Muppet dog in the edit.  Why do they do this?  Beats me.

After a quick bit involving fire fighters showing up to audition instead of putting out the fire, it was time for the regular "Talk Spot" segment where Kermit chats with the guest.  The gag here involves Roy noticing that much of the cast would probably end up on a breakfast plate back on the farm.  As Muppet chickens, ducks, pigs and cows express their distaste for the idea, we move on to the "At the Dance" bit.

After some more fire fighting and a Gonzo the Great bit, the final musical number was "Sally Was a Good Old Girl."  I don't know too much about the song but it looks like it has been performed by a variety of artists, most notably Waylon Jennings.  Apparently all was forgiven with the Muppet farm animals since they joined him for the song. 

So all that's left to do is crack a couple of jokes, say some "thank yous," do a quick smoking fiddle bit and it's time to close the curtain.  Roy Clark has played a lot of prestigious (and maybe some not so prestigious) venues over his career but I'd like to think that the Muppet Show was one of his more unforgettable performances and gave him a chance to hold his own against some of the most iconic characters in history.  My only regret about this episode is that we didn't get Dueling Banjos with Roy and Kermit.

Batman Top 10 at the Action Figure Museum

Once or twice I've used the Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma as a shooting location for a couple of documentary projects.  It's a substantial collection of toys and served as a great backdrop for several interviews.  I recently made a quick stop there while I was on the road in the area.

 They still have tons of interesting rotating exhibits but, just as before, the biggest collection was of Batman memorabilia which is housed in the museum's very own Bat Cave.  So here's a look at what I thought was the Top 10 pieces in the Batman Collection.

10.  Batman Outdoor Fun Pack

You get a yo-yo, a kite and a "flying disc" (Frisbee is a brand name) in this kit.  Not to mention kite string.  You're going to need that.  What's not to like?  Now go outside and play!

9.  1874 Batman Talking Alarm Clock

Nothing will get you out of bed faster than the stern, forceful voice of the Dark Knight.  You can hear it HERE.  And as a bonus you get the Boy Wonder speeding by in a purple Batmobile.

8.  The Adventures of Batman & Robin Whitman's Sampler

Lots of choices in this candy kit between characters and, I assume, candy fillings.  What will you get?  Robin?  Nougat?  Poison Ivy?  Caramel?  Joker?  Smilex Fudge?  Take a bite and find out!

7.  1973 Batman Paint by Number Set

Let's face it, painting is hard.  Not as hard as crime fighting but, similar to crime fighting, it takes years of study to master.  Or you can just take the easy route and paint by numbers.  I mean, who's gonna stop you?

6.  1969 Big Little Book - Batman: The Cheetah Caper

Lot's of different characters appeared in types of books over the years and, of course, it was only a matter of time before the World's Greatest Detective got his shot.  You can check out some page scans HERE which seem to indicate that this Cheetah is not the Wonder Woman villain but some other weirdo instead.

5.  Batman Returns Happy Meal Display

Every time I see one of these in a fast food place I always think to myself that I should ask the manager if I can buy it once the promotion is done.  And of course, I never do.  When I see one in a collection it reminds me of the shame of my inaction.  That's why it's not higher than #5.

4.  Giant Lego Batman

There's no Batman like Lego Batman and thankfully this one was saved from the sad fate of rotting in a movie theater dumpster.  As a Lego, it falls into both the "toy" and "Batman" categories and a case could be made for calling Lego people "action figures" so this guy is right at home in the Toy & Action Figure Museum.

3.  The Adventures of Batman & Robin Colorforms

No character collection is complete without the obligatory box of Colorforms.  I would have thought the old school toy stopped being made by the time of this TV show but apparently they are still alive and well to this day.  I'm not sure what to do with that little realization...so let's move on.

2.  Batman Comics!

This may seem like a no-brainer to you and me but let's not forget that in the sea of toys, movies and cartoons, some of the youngsters might not even be aware that comics exist, much less that Batman is one of their top guys.  It's always nice to have a little reminder of his old school origin.

1.  Batmobile Coin-Op Kiddie Ride

There are a few different types of collectors and what separates the real deals from the wannabes is a piece like this.  I think this is the Batmobile from Batman Forever and it's made its way from outside the grocery store and right into our hearts.  I don't know what usually happens to these things after they are no longer wanted but I think we can all agree that this museum is the right place for this beauty.