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Idea to send: |
| Topic | Oklahoma Iconic Landmark |
| Content | Oklahoma needs an iconic landmark. The landmark or monument could recognize any numbr of things - for example it could celebrate the history of oil and gas that fueled the success of our state. Oklahoma is a mosaic of Cowboys Indians and Oil. We commemorate our western heritage with our world-class National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. We celebrate our Native American cultures and history among our 39 tribal complexes and are constructing a national Native American Cultural Center and Museum. With regard to Oklahoma's rich petroleum history, we have a few scattered museums (a nice one in Seminole) but nothing on the scale and scope that our history warrants! The indomitable, innovative, adventurous, pioneering spirit of Oklahoma has given us business successes like Sinclair, Phillips, Conoco, Kerr-McGee, Chesapeake and Devon. Oklahoma and Oklahomans have made their indelible mark on the pages of world petroleum history. These innovators and innovations should never be forgotten. History of oil is anchored in pre-Statehood and Indian lore: Stories of hoof prints from cattle drives pooling up with oil after the cowboys rode past, those of pioneering farmers scrapping worthless crude oil from the tops of ponds and watering holes so livestock could drink, and of Native American tribes using "rock oil' for medicinal purposes as well as using it for heating and light long before it's commercial value was realized by modern industries. These and other vivid stories chronicle Oklahoma's rich petroleum history. It was not until the birth of the modern petroleum industry did we realize what a blessing all that black oozing sludge had foreshadowed for Oklahoma's future. THE MONUMENT The Monument should be a 1,100 foot proportionally correct Oil Derrick, sheathed in stainless steel, set with electric lights to replicate an oil derrick effect with two observation decks, complete with gifts shops and restaurant. The monument could be equipped with water cannons and have regularly scheduled explosive geyser to recreate the feeling of a "thar she blows!" gusher experience. It could straddle the Oklahoma River which would act as a natural catch basin for the water from the cannons. On the observation deck overlooking the Native American Heritage Museum could be a commemorative plaque that links the monument to the Native American usage of oil and gas in Oklahoma. The Monument could generate revenue: * Elevator rides to the observation decks * Sky Cam rentals for TV, weather and internet sights * Gift shops, books stores and restaurants * TV antennas * Cellular phone arrays * Radio antennas Funds could be generated by: * Donations from the petroleum industry and the public * Selling granite slabs petroleum companies to decorate or pave around the base of the monument as they commemorate their companies unique contribution to the industry. * Selling stock to the people of Oklahoma * Selling granite tiles or bricks to pave pathways to the monument * Bond issue To maximize positive attention to Oklahoma and to ensure the best design we could solicit proposals world wide for submission for designs. This would guarantee that every caricature map of the USA will always have an oil derrick in the center along with the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, the Space Needle and the Gateway Arch. With a monument like this, the birthplace of the petroleum industry and Oklahoma's role in its establishment will never risk being "nearly forgotten". |
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