My Opera
Mangum great vacation site
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 2:48:53 AM
This French brass lantern clock, circa 1800, is in the White House Bed and Breakfast in Mangum. The clock features an ornate relief brass dial with cartouche Roman numerals, blue steel hands, brass posted eight-day movement, long pendulum, quarter-hour striking on three bells, six lead weight hanging with ropes.
DISCOVER OKLAHOMA
BY MELYN JOHNSON
Published: January 11, 2009
MANGUM — It’s time to get to know Mangum. In southwestern Oklahoma, this town of almost 3,000 chimes with charm.
At the White House Bed and Breakfast, owners Will and An Sanders have a collection of more than 200 clocks adorning the Victorian house. These clocks are from the 1700s, 1800s and maybe a few from the 1900s. Each works and has only original parts.
Plans call for the garage to become the clock shop. Will and An are originally from Holland. Their home is the bed-and-breakfast, and it’s full of European antiques. The bed-and-breakfast features a full breakfast, high-speed wireless in all the rooms, a wireless printer and PC availability, cable TV, free snacks and soft drinks. There’s also a big porch and porch swing.
Clocks aren’t the only things worth checking out. Artists Alley is on a side street branching off from the town square, and it has the feeling of a quaint New England town. Four art shops grace one side of the street. There’s OK Cowboy Art, Rockin’ T Studio, Darka’s Designs and Pleasant Nest Pottery, owned by Norma Williams, who sits and visits with you while she creates her pottery. She specializes in functional stoneware pottery and raku pieces.
Denise Alexander’s Darka Designs features her own mosaic art as well as the work of other Oklahoma artists. Laurie Thompson focuses on animals and wildlife pieces of various media in the Rockin’ T Studio. Kate Johnson’s gallery, OK Cowboy Art, reflects the traditional ways of cowboy life. She does Western art drawing in pen and pencil. Artist Alley businesses are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
These artists have a show at the Governor’s Gallery, state Capitol, through Feb. 22.
After an afternoon of exploring the shops, walk back toward the square. Take a moment to go into the Cafe Latte Da and order a gourmet coffee from J.D. Finley. Sip your coffee and check out the art on the walls or visit with the locals.
Nearby is the Quilt Whisperer, specializing in antique quilt restoration. The shop also has antiques worth a look. Just across the corner is another quilt shop, The Busy Bee, where the friendly shop owner is always busy making another quilt. Some of the finished machine quilts are for sale.
When it’s time for lunch, you have several choices. Hamburger Inn on the square has been open since 1928. Locals insist you try the onion burger. It is good advice, but don’t miss the homemade pie.
Also on the square is Gabriel’s. Mayor Maxine Thomason says, "They’re known for their home cooking!”
For a little spicier bite, go down a few blocks to 1101 N Louis Tittle, and you’ll find Mexican food at El Charro’s.
For those with an interest in history, visit the Old Greer County Museum and Hall of Fame. Call ahead at (580) 782-2851, and someone will meet you there.
Melyn Johnson is destination development field representative for the state Tourism and Recreation Department.
