Re: Me back. GUN trip-info in Oklahoma (long)
Those are great museums Wombat!
J.M. Davis spent a lifetime collecting guns and probably had the largest privately-owned gun collection in the world. During the depression, he owned a hotel in Claremore. He often would take in a gun if someone didn't have cash for a room. My grandfather remembered visiting the hotel and he said the lobby walls were decorated with firearms! I've also heard he had rifles stacked like cordwood in unoccupied rooms. Before his death, he leased the collection to the state of Oklahoma for one-dollar on the condition it be made a public museum and no entry fee charged. He reportedly turned down numerous offers to buy the collection.
The 45th Infantry museum is also excellent. Remember Hitler's mirror that was on display? It was a creepy feeling looking at it. I almost expected to see Hitler's image staring back at me.
On a historical note, the original emblem of the 45th Division was a swastika. It was changed to the "Thunderbird" after Hitler came to power.
The only thing I don't like about museums is the items aren't for sale or trade. But I guess that doesn't matter, I couldn't afford them anyway!
Matt
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