On the road to Anadarko

A little trip from Caddo prehistory to modern day 

I remember the anticipation and joy that came with climbing into the back of my parent's station wagon for a road trip, my prize belongings spread around me, watching scenery change from buildings to trees, my imagination running freely through scenes of wilderness adventures. Every time my parents hooked up our trailer and drove us down the road to new experiences they contributed to my love of travel. Years later, I am no less excited to climb into a car and hit the road.

Caddo County, Oklahoma

Last week, Tony and I set off for Anadarko, Oklahoma to attend the swearing in of the new tribal council of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. Coincidentally, last week also marked my first year at Caddo Mounds; a road trip to Caddo country was the perfect way to mark the occasion.

Caddo County, OK is about a 6 hour trek from Caddo Mounds. Since 1870, after Indian removal from their ancestral home, Caddo County (Anadarko, Binger, Gracemont, Fort Cobb, and a few other towns) has served as the tribal home of the Caddo People. The hills and plains of Caddo County are beautiful, but form a vastly different landscape from the piney woods of east Texas.

Road stop 1 - The Oxbow Bakery & Antiques, Palestine, TX
Not one to miss a chance to celebrate special occasions, I navigated us to Palestine, TX for workaversary pie and coffee at the Oxbow bakery and antiques. The Oxbow serves up some of the best pie in East Texas.

Road stop 2 - The T.C. Cannon House, Gracemont, OK
If you are in the know, then the place to stay when in Caddo country is the T.C. Cannon house in Gracemont. Tommy (T.C.) Cannon -Pai-doung-u-day, One Who Stands In The Sun- was a Caddo/ Kiowa artist who lived from (1946-1978).

Image from http://www.tccannon.com

"T .C. Cannon (Kiowa/Caddo), regarded as one of the most eloquent, innovative, and influential American Indian artists of the 1970's, played a pivotal role in helping change the direction of traditional Indian painting integrating bold colors and aspects of modernism with Indian themes and traditions, he offered his audiences a new way of seeing the American Indian experience." T.C. Cannon: Challenging the Parameters", Julie Coleman Tachick, Points West magazine online, 2004 Summer issue, accessed 17Feb15.

One of the great things about staying at the T.C. Cannon house is that it is owned and operated by another Oklahoma artist, Carol Whitney. Carol has created an art experience both inside and outside of the house. 

Even trees are art at the T.C. Cannon house.

Road stop 3 - The swearing in of the new Caddo Tribal Council

For about 1.5 years the Caddo Nation has been engulfed by divisive tribal governments leading to suspended tribal services. With the recent election, and the February 11th swearing in ceremony, the slate is wiped clean and there is a new tribal council ready to lead and heal the Caddo people. We were proud to be able to witness this new beginning.  

Congratulations to the new Caddo Tribal Council:

Chairperson: Tammy Francis-Fourkiller

Vice-Chairperson: Carol Ross

Secretary: Jennifer Reeder

Treasurer: Wiladena Moffeler

Representative, Fort Cobb: Maureen "Mo" Owings

Representative, Anadarko: Anthony Cotter

Representative, Binger: Travis Threlkeld

Representative, Oklahoma City: Tracy Newkumet Burrows

Road stops 4 & 5 - Mater & Volkswagen Graveyard

This is for all the fans of Disney's Cars. I have to give Tony road trip points for immediately turning the truck around and taking me back to take pictures of Mater. Mater is apparently hanging out in Chickasha, OK.

Tony paying homage at the VW graveyard

The final stop of the trip, a VW graveyard near Athens, TX. Worth the stop since Tony has driven and owned VW's since the 70's.

Other food stops:

Munoz Mexican Restauraunt in Anadarko, OK - Pretty tasty. If you stop make sure to ask the waitress to bring out the special salsa.

Hilltop Cafe in Gracemont, OK 

Mellow Mushroom in Denton, TX - I love this pizza chain, especially the Holy Shitake Pie.

Thanks for coming along for the ride! 

End of Chapter One

For exactly one year I have been the educator/ interpreter at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto, Texas. At first glance, Caddo Mounds is easy to write off as "just a few mounds in a field". But, in my view, this site and the sacred space it resides on is the simple cover of a book of amazing stories. A site with not just Texas, but global themes.  A site with beauty beyond the peaceful mound prairie, the sacred home of the early Caddo.

This morning seems like the perfect time to reflect on what I've learned from my first year at the Mounds, and since many of you have been along for this ride with me, I thought I'd share my reflections.

1. I never feel like I know enough. I'm learning as I interpret, which means I sometimes make mistakes during my programs. This occurrence is often followed by a cup of tea, a little palm to head action, thoughts about how many other times in class or at interpretive programs I received possibly questionable information, and finally a desire to read everything written about my subjects. I have to  be comfortable admitting I don't know everything there is to know about Caddo Mounds. It is in those moments of uncertainty that I don my librarian hat (the one I wore for 12 years) and make sure visitors leave with some great resources for answering their questions. In the end, I realize that interpreting what I love draws people in and creates curiosity about the stories I'm telling. So, even if there are some minor details that need polishing, the end result is curious visitors who have gained a little knowledge and interest in this amazing site. I think the end result keeps the scales tipped in favor of the greater good.
2. Falling in love with my site, breathing in the spirit of the place, and appreciating the nuances of it's landscape allows me opportunities to connect to people from many different spheres of interest. Getting people engaged in conversations about Caddo Mounds is my biggest challenge and my greatest reward. Thank you plant enthusiasts, paranormal investigators, history lovers, descendants of this sacred space, explorers, storytellers, astronomers, artists, writers, students, teachers, archaeologists, travelers, and friends who ensure my position is never a dull one.
3. Collaborating with people from a variety of different organizations and communities adds richness and depth to all I plan. There are so many talented, interested people that bring their own lens and experience to this site. I've loved engaging them and watching what becomes of it. Here is just a sample of the great partnerships I've experienced this year: 

• During the last year the Friends of Caddo Mounds group has quadrupled in size, received its official 501C3 nonprofit status, embarked on a major fundraising campaign to build a new Caddo house on site, embraced marketing of site projects and programs, and been an incredible support to our site staff. 
• We had an opportunity to work with Stephen F. Austin State University College of Forestry and Agriculture students and faculty. Serving as a project site for a management plans class we received many great ideas for good stewardship of the natural resources on our site and some exciting input on how to enhance trails and access to our 400 acres. We had almost 30 SFA Forestry and Anthropology students volunteer at our grand opening and el Camino Real festival, just wow! 
• Agency partners -that's you Marty Prince, Director of Texas Forest Trails Region and Lisa Worley, Youth Education Specialist- have been invaluable with their advise, support, and willingness to brainstorm future plans. And, there are some pretty exciting things in the works for this next year!

It has been a great first year, and now that my feet are officially wet, I'm looking forward to the promise and possibilities of year two.