Stockyards Christmas Tour
Join us on Saturday, December 12th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. for our annual Christmas tour, this time at Stockyards City, Oklahoma City's old "Packingtown". Led by Ron Frantz, FAIA, and Debbie Harrison, Stockyards City Main Street Executive Director, enjoy Stockyards' beautiful Christmas decorations while learning the history of the district and its buildings plus the "stories behind the stories" of the happenings in Stockyards. While we walk, see what Stockyards has to offer from retail stores to restaurants and entertainment. We will end the tour at McClintock's for a tour of their upstairs and a drink (on your own) at their stunning 50-foot hand-crafted oak and brass bar-noted as one of the longest continuous bars in Oklahoma-built by local craftsmen.
It all started when Oklahoma City businessmen met with the representative of the Nelson Morris Company of Chicago in May 1909 to propose building a packing house, if a $300,000 cash bonus and property concessions could be obtained. Led by Anton Classen and Charles Colcord, an Industrial District Company was formed. A tract of land west and across the river to the south from the downtown area was obtained and the company began selling lots to raise money, matching the gifts pledged by individuals. A second packing house followed suit and the beginnings of "Packingtown" became a reality. This began one of the most important building booms in Oklahoma City history. (Stockyardscity.org)
"Packingtown" and the district were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In 1992, Stockyards City became Oklahoma's first urban Main Street program, still successfully operating today. It remains the world's largest stocker and feeder cattle market, operating live cattle auctions while preserving its historic brick storefronts, legacy western wear shops (like Langston’s since 1913), bootmakers, and iconic dining spots like Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. (Travelok.com)
Cost:
OCFA Members: FREE
Nonmember Guests: $15
Please note that tour attendees must be able to handle a moderate amount of walking and stairs.
