FEATURES

The Oklahoma Exhibit maintains a natural, outdoor theme emphasizing the water development of the State, the industrial potential, the recreational advantages and the warm natural qualities of the Oklahoma people. The entire site is landscaped to be representative of Oklahoma and includes redbud trees and mistletoe. Many plants and shrubs were specially grown in Oklahoma prior to transplanting them at the Fair.

In the Lake area of the Oklahoma exhibit two small ponds empty over a series of waterfalls into a large quiet lake. A complicated system of valves and recirculating pumps give the effect of constant water-movement in the area.

Topographic Map: The focal exhibit is a 100-foot long topographic map of the state of Oklahoma. It is located in the center of the site and is placed in a sunken pit surrounded by a guard rail, to allow better visibility on the part of the viewer. The map is constructed of molded polyester materials and depicts the natural terrain of the state, the water development program, the highway and turnpike network and the larger cities. Elaborate animated models, exaggerated out of size are located at various points over the map to add greater interest and to help tell specific stores about the state: its existing industries, its industrial potential, its recreational advantages, its outdoor life, its western heritage and its progress in every area of modern living. The models are animated by a mechanism beneath the map. Additional photographic exhibits touch on the history of Oklahoma, its cultural development, its educational facilities, its architectural strides and its people.

The Oklahoma exhibit utilizes three natural shelters, architecturally designed, which provide administrative quarters, reception areas, storage space and concession sales area, a general shelter for the public, and public drinking fountains and restrooms. Two other shelters, near the main entrance to the exhibit, feature a covered walkway leading to a bandshell overlooking the large lake. A series of outdoor art exhibits, by ranking Oklahoma artists are shown in certain outdoor areas of the exhibit. As a change of pace, special photographic exhibits of Oklahoma architecture, photography and museum collections are shown in these same areas.

Concourse of Flags: Surrounding the contour map is a concourse of 14 historical flags which have flown over the Sooner State since the discovery of the New World. Three poles near the topographic map bear the flags of the United States, the State of Oklahoma, and the World's Fair.

A restaurant offers the visitor picnic lunches of chicken, shrimp or fish, priced from 99c to $1.39. Visitors can enjoy this food at attractive umbrella tables, benches or under numerous shade trees throughout the entire exhibit. Sitting on the grass is encouraged while enjoying picnic lunches or concerts by Oklahoma college and high school bands, choirs, and folk singers.

Oklahoma's outstanding college men act as staff members, guides, and hosts at the exhibit