Edmond, Oklahoma 2015

We paid a short visit to Best of Books in suburban Oklahoma City in January. We were quite impressed – with the eclectic collection of books, warm atmosphere, and friendly staff. We were delighted to return in March – this time for a St. Patrick’s Day storytelling event.

We told a few stories of an ancient Irish clan, read a book section or two, and of course, sold books. The best part is that we extended the St. Patrick’s Day celebration beyond St. Patrick’s Day. The event was billed as Irish Day at The Best of Books.

A wee bit of Oklahoma history

The Santa Fe Railroad line was constructed through the Indian Territory in the 1880s, and the railroad needed water and coaling stations for the steam engines along the route. For one of these stations, the railroad chose the highest point in the region. This enabled the trains to go downhill, and thus accelerate faster, in either direction after filling up at the station. The railroad named the station after one of its agents, Edmond Burke.

Homesteaders moved in shortly thereafter, and a town sprung up near the station. Settlers chose to name the town after the station, but shortened it to ‘Edmond’.

Thanks to The Oklahoman, Edmond Life & Leisure, and the Oklahoma Gazette for publicizing the event. We also got a nice plug from the local NPR station KOSU, 91.7 Oklahoma City and 107.5 Tulsa.

Photographs by Linda McDonnell