Route 66 – Foyil, OK
The park was not meant to be a tourist site along the Mother Road. Instead it was one man’s retirement which turned into his passion. Ed Galloway began wood carving as a boy and along with blacksmithing enjoyed these all his life. He spent his career in Springfield, MO until his retirement in 1937 moving to Foyil, OK. His first retirement hobby was making violins/fiddles using different wood for each instrument. He then became interested in Native Americans and his passion took form.What today is known as Totem Pole Park, began in 1937 and over the next eleven years Ed built a ninety foot totem pole along with many other smaller structures all made of stone or concrete. The outside of the totem pole, instead of being carved from wood, is shaped from concrete and the inside has murals painted on the walls. Ed continued building objects in the park until his death in 1961. A Tree Totem, one of the last structures built, is estimated to have been completed just prior to his death in 1961.
While the totem poles and other structures are amazing works of art, the 300 fiddles housed in the Fiddle House will take your breath away. Each fiddle was made using a different type of wood. There is a wood key for each group of fiddles indicating type of wood used. You really don’t have to be a fiddle player or wood worker to truly appreciate the craftsmanship in these pieces of art.
The property fell into disrepair and was forgotten about for almost thirty years. Ed’s amazing work could have been lost to time, weather and the environment if not for the Rogers County Historical Society. Acquiring the property in 1989, the next ten years were spent repairing, repainting and replicating the various structures. Thanks to the work of many people, Totem Pole Park is available for all to visit and appreciate Ed’s work and talent.
As we stood in the park taking in all the various structures, we realized why Ed is known as one of Oklahoma’s premier folk artists. Another great visit just off Route 66.
Below is a picture view of the park.
Totem Pole Building Info
John and Totem Pole – same age
Totem Pole inside
Totem Pole Details
Totem Pole Details
Tree
Smaller Totem Pole
Owl
Lunch Time
Sit and relax
Fence
Fiddle House & Gift Shop
Fiddles and Tools used
Fiddles with intricate work
Each Fiddle section has a wood key
Ed Galloway was my great-great- great uncle. He married Into the Hooton family.
Ed had handed down a violin to my grandpa Felix Hooton. Now its handed down to me. This violin had three circle with flowers ( three different sizes) that was not painted. The flowers were made from different kinds of wood. I would love to hear more info on the violins?
Hi Sally,
What a wonderful gift you have. All we know is pretty much in the post. It was amazing to see them and all the different woods he used. He was a very talented man.
Laurie & John