J.M. Davis Arms Museum to Unveil Railroad Exhibit with Historic Big Boy Engine on Oct. 14

The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore is set to unveil a captivating temporary exhibit on railroad history on October 14. In a gleeful twist, the museum, despite being closed on Mondays, has made an exception and will open its doors at 10 a.m. to unveil the enthralling exhibit.

Immersive Railroad History Exhibit

The museum's railroad history exhibit will be a showcase of 150 artifacts sourced from the esteemed Railroad Museum of Oklahoma, located in Enid. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wealth of historical railroad items, immersing themselves in the rich legacy of rail transport in the region.

The joint unveiling of the exhibit and the historic Union Pacific steam engine, affectionately known as Big Boy, on the same day promises to create a buzz in Claremore. Big Boy is expected to make a grand appearance later in the day, with its arrival at the downtown Florence Avenue crossing at 1:15 p.m. marking a highlight for railroad enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Claremore Train Day Celebrations

In celebration of this momentous occasion, October 14 has been designated as "Claremore Train Day" by the Claremore Museum of History, Claremore Main Street, and the Lilac District. Downtown businesses are joining in on the excitement by offering special sales, while the history museum will provide refreshments for visitors, adding to the festive atmosphere of the day.

Promoting Regional Collaboration

The coordination of these two events on a single day is not merely coincidental. Randy Ramer, the director of the gun museum, revealed that the strategic timing aims to foster collaboration between Claremore and Enid. By encouraging visitors from Enid to explore Claremore and vice versa, the museums hope to amplify interest in both locations

Frank "Watermelon" Campbell's Legacy

Ramer's connection with the Enid museum runs deeper than mere logistics. He revealed that his recent trip to Enid was to handpick artifacts from the extensive collection amassed over the years, primarily by the museum's founder, Frank "Watermelon" Campbell. Campbell, a former brakeman and conductor in the Enid area, devoted his life to curating the museum's treasures, leaving behind a legacy of passion and determination.

A Diverse Collection on Display

Visitors can expect to see a wide array of vintage railroad signs, lanterns, model trains, china from dining cars, and much more, making it a feast for the senses. Ramer emphasized the important role played by Campbell in the Enid museum and the efforts to present the collection through a video tribute dedicated to him.

Collaboration with the Enid Museum

Mike Marshall, the acting director of the Enid museum, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of cross-promotion and partnerships between museums to enhance the overall experience for visitors. The shared excitement between the two museums signifies a promising future for regional collaboration in showcasing historical artifacts.

Plans for Future Exhibits

Looking ahead, Ramer revealed plans for more temporary exhibits to be introduced at the gun museum over the next couple of years. This proactive approach aims to reignite local interest in the museum's offerings, presenting the collection in a fresh light through the inclusion of artifacts from other museums.

Paving the Way for Innovation

Ramer also shared his vision of renovating the museum in preparation for the Route 66 centennial in 2026. The museum's prime location along the historic Route 66 presents a unique opportunity to attract visitors, and Ramer is determined to refresh the exterior and parking lot while revamping the interior displays to provide visitors with a more immersive experience.

As the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum gears up for the railroad history exhibit's launch, it does so with a commitment to enhancing visitor engagement, fostering inter-museum collaborations, and paving the way for innovative displays that weave firearms into larger historical narratives.