Mural celebrates Cherokee ties: Cherokee Nation to debut large-scale mural next Thursday

Chelsea Weeks, Claremore Daily Progress, Okla.
·3 min read

Jun. 16—Native American leaders cemented in Claremore's history will be on display in downtown Claremore.

The Cherokee Nation Businesses, the City of Claremore and Claremore Main Street partnered to display the large-scale mural, "Heart of Claremore," on the exterior west wall of Main Street Tavern, located at N. Missouri Ave and W. 4th St.

"Storytelling is the foundation of Cherokee art, and this mural is the perfect example of how those skills are intertwined," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "We're pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate our shared history and educate the public about the influential Cherokees who have called Claremore home."

The official debut event will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at Main Street Tavern.

Claremore Main Street President and City Planner Kyle Clifton said the mural is a way to give back to the community while paying homage to the Native American culture and heritage in the Lilac District.

"The biggest thing is, it's really just the tip of the hat to the Native American heritage and culture in Claremore," he said. "It's just a way that we can help promote that."

The mural features the work of contemporary Cherokee artist Sherri Pack, of Rogers County, who passed away in 2021.

Clifton said they were able to take her mural, digitize it and print it on 3M vinyl to be installed.

The mural showcases several prominent Cherokees from the area, including the following:

—Former Chief Jesse Bartley Milam (1884-1949) served as Principal Chief of Cherokee Nation from 1941-1949. Milam was raised in nearby Chelsea, Oklahoma, before co-founding and serving as the first president of Rogers County Bank in Claremore. Milam was inducted into the Claremore Hall of Fame in 2014.

—Admiral Jocko Clark (1893-1971), born in nearby Pryor, Oklahoma, became the first Native American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy in 1917. One of the most renowned admirals during World War II, he was sometimes referred to as the "Patton of the Pacific." Clark was inducted into the Claremore Hall of Fame in 2019.

—Clem Rogers McSpadden (1925-2008), celebrated rodeo announcer and politician, served in the Oklahoma Senate from 1954-1972 and the United States House of Representatives from 1973-1975. Born and raised in nearby Bushyhead, Oklahoma, McSpadden was a nephew of Cherokee humorist Will Rogers. McSpadden was inducted into the Claremore Hall of Fame in 2015.

—Maggie Culver Fry (1900-1998), Oklahoma poet laureate (1977), published six books and more than 800 articles, stories and poems throughout her career. Much of her adult life was spent in or near the Claremore area. She was inducted into the Claremore Hall of Fame in 2015.

—Andrew Hartley Payne (1907-1977), born in nearby Foyil, Oklahoma, is perhaps best known for winning the 1928 International Trans-American Footrace along Route 66. Payne earned a law degree at Oklahoma City University and worked 38 years as a clerk of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Payne was inducted into the Claremore Hall of Fame in 2010.

—Lynn Riggs (1899-1954), born in Claremore, Oklahoma, is one of the American Southwest's most distinguished playwrights. His play, "Green Grow the Lilacs," was adapted by Rodgers and Hammerstein into the musical "Oklahoma!" He was inducted into the Claremore Hall of Fame in 2010.

Clifton said Jacob Garrison, the former director of Claremore Main Street, was instrumental on creating that bridge and that connection.

"Without him helping... I don't know if this would have ever really got off the ground," he said.